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…
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…
Can Motion Sensors be Triggered by Light?
Motion sensors are a common part of our world today. Wave your hand under the faucet and the water runs. Pull open the closet door and the light turns on. Walk near the doors of the grocery store and they automatically slide open. Motion sensors are devices that detect movement. They are common features in…
What Is CCTV Footage?
CCTV stands for closed-circuit television, in which video cameras transmit a signal to a specific, limited set of monitors. Wired and wireless cameras in a CCTV system are usually used for surveillance and security purposes. The footage can help prevent crime, aid in the capture of a suspect if an offense occurs, or serve as…
How Commercial Security Monitoring Benefits Your Business During Quarantine
Instating work from home policies to protect your employees and help to stop the potential spread of COVID-19 is one step that organizations are taking to keep their company safe. But, with all your employees at home, how can you protect the other assets that make up your business? Regardless of the type of company…
What Matters in a Fire Alarm Inspection?
At FSS Technologies, we understand that safety and reliability are paramount when it comes to fire alarm systems. While installing commercial fire safety systems is a critical first step in protecting your business, your efforts can’t stop there. Fire alarm inspections are just as necessary to ensure your building is prepared for emergencies. Learn about what…
Wired vs. Wireless Security Cameras
Wired or Wireless? When we talk about wired versus wireless in-home security, it has little to do with whether a piece of equipment has physical wires attached to it. The terms wired and wireless refer to the communication signal that is transmitted from one piece of security equipment to another. For a security system to…
Who Are the Best Security Companies in Indiana?
Finding the right company to install and monitor the security in your home (or business) is an important choice. You need to know and trust the people who will be responsible for keeping you safe. In Indiana, we know that there are many teams ready and capable of protecting your home and business. To help…
Can I Install a Security System with Monitoring in my Apartment?
The most recent FBI data estimates that there are over 1.2 million burglaries a year, resulting in around $3.4 billion in property loss. Although property crime as a whole has been on the decline, the rise in popularity of video doorbells and more comprehensive and integrated home security systems shows that Americans are no less…
What are Fire Ratings?
Any business owner would be devastated by a fire, and most turn to fire safety systems for preventative and protective solutions. Still, many are unaware that their building’s materials can directly influence how a fire impacts their building’s structure. In addition to investing in a comprehensive fire safety system, it is critical to consider the…