There is no denying that safety is an even bigger factor for small businesses than before. Therefore, you want to make sure that your employees, customers, and premises are appropriately protected. So, is a fire suppression setup a good investment for your company? Let’s find out…
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You Can Improve Safety
The greatest benefit of having a fire suppression system installed in your place of building is that you are automatically making your employees and customers safety. Think about it, fire alarms are great but they are limited in their capability. They simply alert everyone to presence of smoke or flames. The more advanced systems can even direct firefighters to the right place.
Beyond this, though, your employees and customers have to fend for themselves in case of an emergency. They have to manage to flee the building before the fire spreads. If this is not a chance that you are willing to take, then a suppression system can ensure the flames are put out before things get too bad.
You Can Protect Important Assets
It isn’t just people that you want to protect, it is the various components of your business as well. These days, most companies are held together by technology. These store customer data, sensitive financial information, and so much more. If anything were to happen to this tech or the records, it would be a serious setback for you.
Fortunately, many of the suppression systems today are gas-based. Thus, when flames are detected, a gas is automatically released. This extinguishes the flames without doing any damage to the machinery or the records. In fact, there isn’t even any residue left behind.
Therefore, this measure can ensure that you get your business up and running quickly even after the threat of a disaster.
You May Reduce Insurance Premiums
Fire insurance premiums can be rough. Unfortunately, you need to pay them dutifully to ensure that any damage will be paid for. Just imagine if you could reduce your premiums, though!
Well, this is something that installing a suppression system may allow you to do. Keep in mind, insurance companies are focused on how much money they will have to shell out for any damage that is done to your business. However, if you can guarantee that this damage will be minimal, they may repay you by cutting down on your premiums.
Of course, you will need to do some research into this. Shop around and find companies that will offer to reduce your premiums with such a system.
You Have Peace of Mind
Can you put a price tag on your peace of mind? Probably not. Isn’t it wonderful to know, at the end of the day, that your business, customers, and employees are safeguarded as much as possible? Knowing that you are unlikely to be liable for any disaster can ease your worry a great deal.
There is no denying that the advantages and opportunities of a suppression system far outweigh the cost. Therefore, if this is something that you can afford, then you should think of installing such a system in your small business.
Types of Fire Suppression Systems
1. Water
Water-based fire suppression systems and sprinklers are commonly used in commercial properties. Upon the activation of these systems, a water cascade moves down into the location where the fire is detected. Water helps stop the fire and prevents its spread throughout the building. These systems have water in their sprinkler pipes, which gets activated by heat sensors.
2. Inert gases
These fire suppression systems contain inert gases like carbon dioxide or argon to eliminate oxygen from air and avoid combustion. These systems are generally installed in computer rooms, rooms where valuable or historical documents are kept, and other sensitive areas of the building.
3. Chemical agents
These type of fire suppression systems work with foam and other items to calm fires, and may eliminate oxygen from air to stop further burning of fire. Both dry and wet chemicals are used, depending on the nature of materials kept in that area.
Cautions for Using Fire Suppression Systems
Maintenance
Fire suppression systems, like fire alarms and smoke detectors, must be inspected and maintained properly by a professional fire safety firm. A few fire suppression materials can be hazardous to human health. Inert gases in these systems eliminate oxygen from the air, which can result in asphyxiation. Also, chemical agents can be dangerous for health.
Connected damage
Based on the nature of the material used as a fire suppressant, fire suppression systems can also destroy your property and its precious belongings. Like, for instance, sprinklers can add connected water destruction to any issues caused by fire or smoke.
