You know that your fire alarm system is one of the most important life safety systems in place at your office, warehouse, church, school, or any other place of business. However, did you realize that reliability can be suspect—unless you are having it regularly certified by a professional? Take a look at these reasons why annual fire alarm inspections should be an important part of your property maintenance schedule.
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Testing is a Legal Requirement
You know that you have to have a fire alarm system, but did you know that the law requires that you have your fire protection system inspected? The NFPA 72 National Fire Alarm Code requires that your fire alarm system be tested, inspected, and certified annually. While protecting your building and your people is important, staying within the confines of the law is another good reason to make sure your "fire annual" is current. Annual fire alarm inspections and certifications should be done by a licensed fire alarm contractor who knows and understands your system.
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Alarm Systems Save Lives
Many fires start very small and may not be noticed by yourself or your staff. The key to getting everyone out of a burning building is to act quickly. A WORKING fire alarm system will help you do just that. If your fire system isn't tested, the self-monitoring functions that are built into it may not let you know it is broken until it is too late. Alarm systems monitor their circuits and communication pathways, but these features can degrade, be deliberately defeated (for nuisance reasons) or become non-functional over time.
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Standard Guidelines Change
Even if you think you know the standards for installation and inspection of fire alarm systems, there are radical differences between system types. Licensed, certified techs can help. The guidelines are always changing. It’s worth refreshing your knowledge or working with an expert who can assure that you are on the right page when it comes to standards.
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There May Be Other Requirements
Did you realize that your insurance company or landlord may have requirements in place regarding fire alarm inspection too? This is especially true for property managers, healthcare, and school or daycare buildings and facilities. Take the time to review your fire inspection report paperwork and make sure you are following these guidelines too. They could require more frequent inspections, or specialized reports, so it might be time to call a professional.
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SAFE, Inc. Can Help
You don’t have to deal with the fire alarm inspection process all alone. The certified team at SAFE, Inc. can help! By working with a certified professional, you know that every task is completed quickly and accurately every time.
When you properly maintain your fire alarm system, you can relax and feel good knowing that your property and people are protected from fire and other potential hazards. This is not something that you should pass over and think about doing “later.” Having an inspection today could save lives and money too! Contact SAFE, Inc. for more information or to schedule fire alarm inspections for your property as soon as possible. We are your business security solution in central and northeast Florida including Jacksonville, Ocala, St. Augustine, and Daytona.
