School fires can start for a variety of reasons, including arson, malfunctioning equipment, and accidents in the kitchen. The United States sees more than 3,000 fires involving school properties each year, causing around $37 million in property damage and putting lives at risk.
Fortunately, school fire alarm systems can lower your risk and prevent harm to your students and staff. An effective system will alert you when a fire breaks out so you and your local fire department can respond quickly.
Let’s take a closer look at what goes into fire alarm systems, from detectors to notification systems. We’ll also explore why they’re necessary and how you can set your school’s fire alarm system up for success.
Why Schools Need Fire Alarm Systems
Fire alarm systems are a major part of your school’s fire safety strategy. They make people aware when a fire is burning and ensure emergency responders get to the scene as quickly as possible so they can put out the flames and minimize the damage.
Depending on the type of school you operate and your location, installing a fire alarm system may not be a matter of choice. The United States code requires all schools receiving federal funding to have fire safety systems with alarms. Many states, including Pennsylvania, also have separate laws addressing fire alarm systems in schools.
Regardless of whether the government requires it, every school should have a fire alarm system because it helps protect people and property. Along with preventing injuries and loss of life, it can also save schools significant money. The cost of repairing, reconstructing, and replacing equipment, inventory, and physical structures can quickly add up.
Key Components of a Fire Alarm System for Schools
Fire alarm systems rely on a series of connected devices and, in some cases, software. Let’s pull back the curtain and take a closer look at what you need to create a solid system for your school.
Detectors
Detectors are your first line of defense against fire. They can identify signals of a fire even if no one is around, enabling you to protect your school around the clock.
A fire alarm system installation can have multiple types of detectors, including:
- Smoke: Advanced smoke detectors like the ones we use at 2 Krew continuously sample the air and respond to even small amounts of smoke.
- Heat: Heat detectors can identify when the room reaches a certain temperature or if the heat level in the room is rising too rapidly.
- Flame: Flames generate infrared and ultraviolet radiation, which can also trigger a detector.
- Gas: Some systems also have detectors for carbon monoxide and combustible gases, such as methane and propane.
Detecting these elements of a fire in its earliest stages allows for a faster response, less damage to your property, and greater safety for your school community.
Manual Pull Boxes
In some situations, students or employees in your school may become aware of a fire before the system has an opportunity to detect it. For instance, a member of the cafeteria staff might witness a piece of kitchen equipment catching on fire. Manual pull boxes or stations offer a way for people to trigger the fire alarm system without waiting for it to activate on its own.
These boxes typically have levers you can pull down in the event of a fire. Dual-action stations also have covers, which you have to lift before pulling the lever. This design is popular in schools because it reduces the risk of someone accidentally or intentionally activating the system when no fire is present.
Notification Devices
Every moment counts when a fire starts. In just three to five minutes, a small fire can become a flashover, where everything ignites and lives are at serious risk. Getting everyone out of the building as quickly as possible is the top priority, and notification devices help make that happen.
Fire alarms in schools let everyone know they need to follow evacuation procedures and calmly exit the building. At 2 Krew, we recognize that communication is essential to keeping people safe. Our mass notification software enables you to inform everyone about a fire—including people who aren’t currently on school property.
Control Panel
Detectors, notification devices, and pull boxes are all critical parts of your fire alarm system, but they won’t serve their purpose unless you also have a Fire Alarm Control Panel (FACP). The FACP serves as the brain of your system, collecting and analyzing information as it comes in from your other hardware.
For example, imagine a detector identifies the presence of smoke in one of your classrooms. That detector sends a signal to the FACP, which processes and analyzes it and determines whether to activate your notification devices. It also monitors your overall system and can trigger fire suppression systems, such as sprinklers.
Best Practices for School Fire Alarm Systems
Installing your school fire alarm system is only the first step. You’ll also need a sound fire safety strategy, including routine maintenance and training, to make it as effective as possible.
Performing monthly tests and annual inspections is vital because you can flag problems or potential damage to your system before an actual emergency. Regularly clean your detectors to prevent dust accumulation, which can prevent them from operating correctly.
Document the results of every test or inspection, making note of dates, repairs, and corrective actions. In addition, train your staff on alarm usage and response so they’re aware of how the system works and what to expect.
Install or Upgrade Your Fire Alarm System
Fire alarm system installation is a crucial piece of the safety planning puzzle for schools of all kinds and sizes. Properly functioning detectors, control panels, and alarms can save lives and prevent millions of dollars in damage.
At 2 Krew Security and Surveillance, we know how important it is for schools to safeguard their students, employees, and buildings against the threat of fire. That’s why we offer fire alarm systems tailored to your unique needs. We help schools in the Pittsburgh and Tri-State area stay safe, compliant, and prepared.
Contact us for a consultation or to learn more about our customized fire alarm systems for K-12 schools.
