Fire Alarm Solutions

Every business needs some form of fire alarm system, whether it's a simple residential style smoke alarm or a hard-wired, integrated system. To make sure your company has the fire protection that it needs, you need to understand how to evaluate your fire protection needs and options, as well as the legal requirements that may apply. Fortunately, fire alarm solutions are pretty simple. Here's a quick introduction into choosing the right fire alarm solution for your business.

Evaluate your company

Before you buy a fire alarm solution, evaluate your company's fire protection needs. Start by calculating the total square footage that needs to be monitored for fire and smoke. Remember to include office space, break rooms, hallways, and rest rooms. Next, determine how much the contents inside your business are worth. Include in your calculations office equipment, furniture, supplies, and files. Finally, determine how much time your office, warehouse or store is left unattended. Review all of this information to gage how at risk your company is for serious fire damage.

Evaluate your options

Depending on local laws and the size of your business, you may have little choice in the type of fire alarm system you can choose. Licensed fire alarm installers will come to your premises to do a site inspection and report back as to what the minimum requirements are.

Very small businesses may be able to get by with a simple smoke alarm system installed at strategic locations throughout the business location. This is the most inexpensive option; it also provides the least amount of protection. This option is fine for home businesses, or businesses that have at least one person on site 24 hours a day.

More commonly, though, you'll have to install a fire alarm system that is backed by a monitoring service. Fire alarm services are on call at all times, ready to report any signs of trouble to the local fire department.

Monitored fire alarm systems can be conventional or addressable. Conventional fire alarm solutions cost less to buy but aren't as easy to troubleshoot or monitor. Addressable fire alarm systems, on the other hand, cost more initially but are less expensive to install and easier to monitor and troubleshoot.

Which fire alarm solutions are right for you?

The types of fire alarm solutions that are best for you business depend on the characteristics of your industry, state and local laws, and your budget. Small businesses may be able to get by with a simple, unmonitored fire alarm system, but medium-to-large companies will not. The best option is to have some sort of monitored system, regardless of the size or location of your business. Fortunately, fire alarm monitoring services offer a variety of fire alarm solutions and monitoring service packages, so you should be able to find a monitoring/equipment package that you will be able to afford.

Start your search for the right fire alarm solution using BuyerZone's free request for fire alarm system price quotes. By answering a few simple questions, you'll be connected to up to 5 qualified installers who will compete for your business.