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
Are You a Spectrum Customer Losing Service?
When Spectrum closed the doors on its home security system business in February 2020, many customers were left high and dry. The Spectrum Backstory Spectrum is a subsidiary of Charter Communications, the second-largest cable provider in the country offering service in 42 states. Charter inherited Spectrum in a 2016 merger with Time Warner Cable and Bright House…
Why Cheaper Isn’t Better When It Comes to Security
What is DIY Security? The development of home security technology using wireless transmission connections and battery power has made it possible for DIY options to enter the home security market. One of the biggest misconceptions about DIY home security is that it is so easy that a person with absolutely zero background on audiovisual equipment…
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…
Tips to Prevent Your Security System from Being Hacked
The Risky Business of Ring’s Vulnerable Security and other DIY security systems can leave your home as a potential target for hackers or thieves. When you are investing in a security system, you are hoping for peace of mind, and you are trusting this technology with your safety and property. Have I Been Hacked? A hacker may…
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…
How Savance Workplace Can Work for You
Savance Workplace is one of the nation’s leaders in workforce management solutions, offering tools that help declutter your company’s processes and optimize your productivity. With a wide variety of fully customizable products branded for your business, Savance Workplace can help your organization take its efficiency to the next level. As a trusted partner of Savance…
ADT Home Security Settlement
ADT home security is facing a class-action lawsuit. The plaintiffs allege that ADT failed to disclose wireless sensors’ vulnerability to evasion and jamming. Why should you care? Although this settlement is for ADT, this is a vulnerability all wireless security systems face. Let’s talk about wireless technology for a second. All home Wi-Fi networks are…
Inside the Mind of a Burglar
What Message Are You Sending? Whether you know it or not, your business could send a message to potential burglars about how easy or difficult it is to break in. Professional thieves can quickly assess a property, also known as “casing,” to determine if it could be an easy and lucrative target. Unfortunately, many employees…
Avigilon Alta: The Industry’s Leader in Commercial Access Control
With the rise in popularity of hybrid workspaces and flexible scheduling, more business owners are turning to access control systems to secure their investments. Not only are access control systems the latest standard for commercial security, but FSS Technologies is a proud partner with Avigilon Alta, the leading access control system manufacturer. Why Avigilon Alta?…
What Is an Area of Refuge?
Area of Refuge Systems An area of refuge, also known as an area of rescue assistance, is a place within a building where people can safely wait for rescue and call emergency responders for help. An area of refuge is part of U.S. federal law, enacted in 1990 as part of the Americans with Disabilities Act….