Fire safety is paramount for maintenance and facility managers, as they manage all building operations from construction to disaster relief, and everything in between. As technology continues to evolve in many areas, fire safety has also made strides with today’s smart technology.
RELATED: Incorporating fire protection into your maintenance program
A smart fire detection system is a modern solution using IoT-enabled sensors, featuring cloud computing, and offering instant data analytics to detect, monitor, and manage fire hazards in real time. Smart fire protection systems offer tools to enhance your efforts and lower risks to keep people and assets better protected.
Efficient response time: These systems are connected to an app and cloud-based monitoring, so as soon as a potential fire is detected, they dispatch relevant personnel, such as a building owner or facility manager, and emergency responders. These notifications are sent when smoke, heat, or gas levels exceed predefined levels, providing faster detection and a quicker response time. Smart fire protection systems can also allow remote door unlocking, giving emergency responders unimpeded, faster entry.
Remote access: Smart systems allow managers to tap into the information they need easily, even when they are not on site. Receiving alerts remotely means managers can diagnose issues and troubleshoot in real time, from virtually anywhere, for safer fire prevention and management.
Smart technology means that integration can further improve diagnosis, safety, and management. When linked to HVAC controls, CCTV, elevator management systems, and building automation systems, they can help with stronger code compliance and increased fire protection. For example, when connected to video surveillance and lighting, managers can log in to activate emergency lighting to hasten evacuation. Similarly, if connected to the elevators, they can be sent down remotely, and fire suppression systems can be activated (like sprinklers) to mitigate damage.
Studies show that commercial building fires cost businesses about 155 million dollars in damage every year. Fire detection and suppression can be vastly improved with a smart system and today’s technology, helping maintenance and facility managers to limit damage to the building and increase public safety.
