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
Vacation-Proof Your Home
When planning a vacation, you are almost always considering what clothes to pack or booking a place to stay. But while you are away, you need to make sure that your home will be safe from burglars or thieves who may target an empty home. Before you pack up and leave for your vacation, there…
5 Common Causes of Commercial Fires
Many business owners and employees think their chances of dealing with a fire in the workplace are improbable, but the numbers tell a different story. According to the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), an estimated 116,500 commercial fires were reported nationally in 2021. These fires contributed to 115 deaths, 1,025 injuries, and over $3.6 billion in…
The Cost of Professional Security Monitoring vs. Self-Monitoring
We recently talked about the various codes required for your security and fire protection systems. We also talked about why monitoring is vital as part of a business’s fire safety system—mainly because the code may require it. This blog will address the pros and cons of self-monitoring your business’ entire alarm system versus the cost of professional security monitoring. First, what is the difference between the two? Professional vs. Self…
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 to Maintain a Commercial Security System
Updated May 2023 With the latest advances in security technology, it’s becoming easier for small businesses to find a security system that works for their needs. Whether your business just installed your commercial security system or has been utilizing security measures for some time, proper maintenance will increase the life of your system and provide…
How Landscaping Affects Your Security
Visibility When it comes to the landscaping around your home or business, there are several considerations to keep in mind that could affect your visibility and overall security. While some suggestions to increase visibility and reduce obstructions may seem obvious, others are more subtle and could have a considerable impact. Lighting Having adequate lighting around…
Local Alarm System vs. National Home Security Company
When looking for home security, you may find yourself stuck between local alarm companies and national home security. Find out why more and more people are turning to local home security companies. Knowledge One of the biggest advantages of using a local company is that they will be familiar with local safety concerns, any jurisdiction regulations…
Fire Safety Procedures for the Workplace
The bad news—a fire breaks out in your workplace. The good news—you are ready because you have done your homework and prepared for the possibility of an emergency. Emergency Action Plan The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires most employers to have an emergency action plan for various scenarios, including fires in the workplace. There are…
Fire Prevention, Protection, and Suppression Systems
Fire safety is a crucial matter that every business should prioritize. Whether it’s caused by arson or an accident, a fire can cause catastrophic damage to a company’s property, inventory, and equipment if the proper protection measures aren’t in place or there are operational issues. In more unfortunate cases, insufficient fire safety standards can put…
How to Deter Burglars From Your Business
Burglaries are often considered crimes of opportunity, leaving businesses struggling to recover in the aftermath. Although there is no all-powerful solution to protect your business, you can implement various preventative measures that bolster your security efforts. Here are 5 actions you can take to help deter burglars from casing and breaking into your business. 1….