The recent California wildfires were the worst for the state in more than a decade. The latest figures confirm that more than 2,000 square miles have been scorched, and more than 2,000 homes and buildings have been demolished. Even worse has been the loss of 11 people’s lives.
While the cause of the wildfires remains a mystery, it’s an established fact that a fire sprinkler system – which is a requirement for all new one and two-family homes in California – can go a long way toward controlling fire while it’s small, and protect your home, business, and belongings.
In this issue, the MEP consulting engineers at K2D will share vital information about the need for properly designed and installed fire sprinklers.
Is There Proof about the Effectiveness of Fire Sprinklers?
There is plenty of compelling information about the proven effectiveness of fire sprinkler systems.
For example, in their latest research, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) confirms that the civilian death rate was 81 percent lower in homes with fire sprinklers for the reported structured fires between 2010-2014; injuries from fires were 27 percent lower when a properly working fire sprinkler system was in place; and injuries to responding firefighters were 67 percent lower when fire sprinklers were present.
The NFPA further points out that never in its reporting has there been more than two (2) losses of life in a building fire when a fire sprinkler system is in effective operation.
How Can Fire Sprinklers Be So Effective?
While things like smoke, flame and heat detectors are definitely helpful, it is the almost immediate action taken by fire sprinklers that make the difference.
When the fire sprinkler system senses a specified temperature –which immediately floods the fire with a torrent of water – it will continue to pour water onto the flames until its water supply is turned off by the responding firefighters.
Are fire sprinklers easily tripped accidentally?
Fire sprinklers very rarely, if ever, activate by accident. Rather, fire sprinklers are incredibly smart, and will only activate when a specific temperature is reached.
The NFPA report states that fire sprinklers operated successfully in88 percent of structure fires which were large enough to activate them. Furthermore, they effectively controlled 96 percent of the fires in which they operated. And in cases where sprinklers failed to operate, three out of every five incidents were due to the fire sprinkler system being shut off.
For fire sprinkler design and installation, call K2D.
The difference maker for K2D fire sprinklers is that we design, build and install fire sprinkler systems specifically for your facility. In other words, we don’t sell you an out-of-the-box system; rather, your fire sprinkler system will be built uniquely for your home or business.
Going the extra mile to ensure your safety and those close to you, we’ll also provide inspections and maintenance of your fire sprinkler system.
For more information or to learn more about K2d Consulting Engineers, call us at (310) 935-3773 or get in touch with us here.
