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Fire Sprinklers Save Lives & Reduce Property Damage

As new construction continues to take place across the Borough, it is important to note that all of these townhomes and apartments will be equipped with lifesaving fire sprinkler systems.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), more than 2,500 people die in home fires each year and if a home fire occurs, the risk of dying decreases by about 80% when the home is equipped with a fire sprinkler system.

Over 80% of fire deaths occur in the home. Home fire sprinklers can save lives and property from fire. They respond quickly and effectively to fire, often helping to contain the fire prior to arrival of the fire department. Only the sprinkler closest to the fire will activate, spraying water on the fire.

Here are few more facts from the NFPA:

• Home fire sprinklers save lives and property. In many situations, a family who has survived a fire will also have their “home” to live in and enough of the items and space in their home to continue living their lives as they did before.
• According to the Fire Protection Research Foundation, the cost of a home fire sprinkler system in a new home averages $1.35 per sprinklered square foot totaling an amount similar to what is spent for carpet upgrades, paving stone driveway or a whirlpool bath.
• A home fire sprinkler system can reduce the homeowner’s insurance premium.
• According to the Fire Protection Research Foundation, fire departments typically use roughly 10 times as much water as a fire sprinkler would use to contain a fire.
• According to FM Global and Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition, fire sprinklers are environmentally friendly. They can reduce the amount of water run-off and pollution, fire damage by up to 71%, and water usage to fight a home fire by as much as 91%.
• Cigar smoke or burnt toast will not activate a fire sprinkler. Only the high temperature of a fire will activate the sprinkler.
• A home fire sprinkler system is easy to maintain. Just inspect your home to make sure the sprinklers are not blocked by something that would prevent the water from coming out such as paint and be sure the main control valve is never turned off.
• Home fire sprinklers are effective in cold and warm climates. Guidelines have been created for the proper installation of systems to avoid pipes freezing. A home fire sprinkler system should be winterized the same as you winterize a domestic water supply.

You can visit NFPA at www.nfpa.org for additional fire and life safety information. If you are need of a smoke detector, please visit the Phoenixville Fire Department website at www.phoenixvillefd.org or call 610-933-9717.