Fire Sprinklers
Facts and Myths about Fire Sprinklers
Automatic fire sprinkler systems have an enviable record of protecting life and property for over 100 years. However, there are still common misunderstandings about the operation and effectiveness of automatic sprinkler systems..
Myth - Water damage from fire sprinklers will be more than the fire damage itself.
FACT - Water damage from a home fire sprinkler system will be much less than the damage caused by water from the fire fighting hoses or the smoke and fire damage if the fire continues unabated.
Myth - When a fire occurs, every fire sprinkler head discharges water.
FACT - Sprinkler heads are individually activated by heat.
FACT - Residential fires are usually controlled by one sprinkler head.
FACT - A 10-year study conducted in Scottsdale, Arizona found that 92% of all fires that occurred were controlled by two or less sprinkler heads. Sprinklers save lives!!!
Myth - A smoke detector is enough protection from fire.
FACT - Smoke detectors save lives by providing a warning system, but do nothing to extinguish a growing fire or protect those physically unable to escape on their own, such as the elderly or small children
FACT - Too often, battery operated smoke detectors fail to work be cause the batteries are dead or have been removed.
Myth - Fire sprinklers are designed to protect property, but are not effective for life safety.
FACT - Fire sprinklers provide a high level of life safety
FACT - The National Fire Protection Association has no record of a multiple death fire in a completely sprinkled public assembly, educational, institutional or residential building where the system was properly operating. Since 1986, residential fire sprinklers have been credited with saving 14 lives in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Myth - Home sprinklers are expensive.
FACT - Current estimates suggest that when a home is under construction, a home sprinkler system could cost about .60 cents a square foot to install. Less than most upgrades, such as carpeting, fireplaces, covered patios and window coverings.
Myth - Residential sprinkler systems are ugly.
FACT - The traditional industrial type sprinklers, as well as sprinklers for home use, have now been redesigned to fit in with most any decor. Since 2000, all home builders in Peoria are required to offer residential fire sprinklers as an option.
Care of your fire sprinkler system is easy!!!
For your safety and to ensure the proper operation of your fire sprinkler system, remember the following:
- Visually check your sprinkler system monthly. This check is to make certain nothing obstructs the sprinklers, which would interfere with their water spray pattern.
- Do not hang anything from the sprinkler heads.
- Do not paint the sprinkler heads, no over-spray or paint splatters are acceptable
- Do not hit or tamper with the sprinkler heads.
- Do not change the setting of the pressure relief valve because it has been preset at the factory.
- Test your system (or make certain your system is tested) annually to be sure it is working correctly.
- Make certain the main control valve remains in the open position.
- Your system has special life-saving, rapid response fire sprinklers. Make certain that any replacement of the residential sprinklers is by a certified contractor licensed or certified as competent.
- Don’t forget to check your smoke detectors, too.
Fire Sprinklers…
… an inexpensive way to protect your family and possessions from fire. Ask your home builder for details about this option!!!!
For more information call Peoria Fire Department Fire Prevention at 623-773-7279.
For a printable brochure click here.
