Why Fire Alarm Monitoring is Essential for Your Business
We’ve talked about the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) in previous blogs and how it is essential to understand and obey their standards when installing, testing, and maintaining fire alarm systems.
Fire Alarm Monitoring is the Law
Your business might need to include monitoring as part of its fire safety system due to NFPA 101® . NFPA 101 is the Life Safety Code®, which addresses building occupant safety. Based on your local municipality, monitoring as part of your fire safety system may be the law.
Central monitoring is a code requirement for some types of businesses, depending on the type of business and the number of occupants in the building.
With central monitoring, a central monitoring station watches for fire alarm signals coming from your fire safety system. If the central monitoring station receives an alarm signal, a professional operator initiates a response based on predetermined protocols. Protocols may include immediately notifying the fire department or contacting the building owner.
Underwriters Laboratories (UL) also notes that central monitoring facilities have codes and standards they must adhere to per NFPA 72®, the National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code®. These codes include things such as how the monitoring facility receives power and how it transmits alarm signals to local authorities.
These regulations are in place to ensure workplace safety and to prevent property or economic loss.
Self-Monitoring Fire Alarm Systems
However, monitoring fire alarm systems are not required for all businesses.
Self-monitoring is just what it sounds like—monitoring your fire alarm system yourself. For example, if a smoke detector in your building goes off, the system notifies you by phone, text, or email. The main upside of self-monitoring is that there are no additional fees after installation.
The downside of self-monitoring fire alarm systems is that they usually require Wi-Fi and won’t work without power or internet connection, both of which are often impacted by fires.
Since most self-monitored systems today are connected to mobile apps, having your phone with a good signal is essential to make sure you get any alerts your self-monitored system may send.
Professional Fire Alarm Monitoring
On the other hand, nearly all professional fire alarm systems also offer monitoring services. While there is a fee for this service and usually requires a contract, you won’t have to worry about being available 24/7. With some systems, the alarms can even transmit specific floor plans to the fire department, so first responders know exactly where to go when they arrive on the scene.
When you think about how fast a fire can spread, the monthly monitoring fee for your fire alarm system becomes a small price to pay for your peace of mind and to keep your employees, property, and business safe.
To learn more about monitored fire alarm systems, speak with one of our security experts today.
Explore Our Other Blogs
What are the Components of a Security System?
Security systems can vary widely in size and scale: from simple home alarms and small business surveillance systems to commercial-grade intrusion and detection systems. One system could even be comprised of enterprise-level networks that stretch across multiple locations. Understanding the essential components of a security system is the best way to start your search for…
Holiday Security Tips
It’s a beautiful time of the year, but the holidays come with some inherent risks that you should prepare for amidst all the gift buying, cooking, and decorating. Here are some of our top holiday safety tips to keep your home and loved ones safe over the season. Theft and Burglary Prevention Do not put…
Theft Prevention Tips for Businesses
Theft, unfortunately, can take a wide variety of forms. Theft in a retail business might include the loss of physical property from shoplifting or can come in the form of embezzlement. In the retail sector, a 2019 National Retail Security Survey reported the average cost per shoplifting incident is $546.67. According to the 2018 Hiscox…
Everything You Need to Know About Carbon Monoxide Detectors
What is a Carbon Monoxide Detector? Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas or liquid that is poisonous to humans. Detectors are designed to identify carbon monoxide leaks and warn those in your home or business. This advanced warning can save lives as it allows you to get outside as fast as…
Home Security Solutions for People with Disabilities
According to the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC), one in five American adults live with a disability. The most common disabilities are hearing or vision impairments, mobility issues like arthritis or a diminished ability to live independently, speech and language challenges, and cognitive conditions including dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Recently we talked about…
What Does a Commercial Fire System Include?
Fire safety is critical for all businesses, but the components within commercial fire systems vary significantly between industries and functions. Fires can stem from common causes that affect any commercial property and sources unique to specific fields, so fire systems must address every threat using detection, prevention, protection, and suppression. With many options available for…
The Top 5 Reasons Why Your Smoke Alarm Is Beeping
One of the most critical components of any fire safety plan is the humble smoke alarm. Yet, few things are more disruptive (and potentially alarming) than a smoke alarm that won’t stop beeping. Whether you manage a bustling office, run a multi-unit residential property, or hear smoke detector beeps in your own home, understanding why…
Does My Business Need an Access Control System?
Does My Business Need an Access Control System? Before determining whether your business could benefit from an access control system, let’s go over the different types and their capabilities. In short, an access control system is a type of security system that lets you control who, where, and when someone can enter or exit your…
The Safest Neighborhoods in Detroit
Low-Crime Neighborhoods of Detroit SafeWise released its rankings of Michigan’s 20 Safest Cities of 2021. On the 2021 list, 9 of the 20 cities are considered suburbs of Detroit. They include: Gross Ile Township #3 Oakland Township #4 Huntington Woods #9 South Lyon #13 Addison Township #16 Highland Township #17 Rochester #18 Berkley #19 Brandon Township…
Can Video Surveillance Be Used In Court?
You should talk to a law enforcement professional in your area to know for sure what is admissible in your local court, but here are some general guidelines about criteria that law enforcement will take into consideration regarding your security camera video. Authenticity A digital watermark is undetectable to the human eye, but it can…