When you run a brick-and-mortar business, having a fire alarm service in place can give you added protection and peace of mind. And depending on the industry you're in, you may even be required to have some kind of fire alarm system in place. As you shop for a fire alarm service for your business, there are a few things worth looking for that can not only make your life easier, but provide you with the protection you need.
Computer-Aided Design
There are many different types of commercial fire alarms on the market; ideally, you'll want to choose one that utilizes computer-aided design (CAD) for your business. With these specialized systems, your installer can program the exact locations of all your building's smoke detectors, alarms, and other equipment so that they all work in tandem. This type of system should be able to detect not only smoke from a possible fire, but potentially dangerous gas like carbon monoxide as well.
24/7 Monitoring
In the event that smoke, fire, or gas is detected on your property, you need to be confident that you'll be alerted--even if you aren't on-site. Having a fire alarm service that can monitor your building 24 hours a day, seven days a week is a must. You'll also want to find out whether your fire alarm service will automatically dispatch emergency personnel if smoke/fire is detected or if they will contact you first for authorization.
Annual Inspections and Maintenance
A commercial fire alarm service should stand behind the equipment they install, too. Make sure that your service plan includes inspections on all your building's equipment at least once a year to ensure it is in working order. If the need for repairs arises, this should also be the responsibility of your fire alarm service. Check your contract to find out exactly who will be responsible for what, especially if there is a fire or other event that does damage to equipment.
Fire Extinguishers Included
Your fire alarm service should also include fire extinguishers for your building; of course, not all fire extinguishers are created equal. Some can only be used on certain types of fires, so make sure that the extinguishers being provided to your business are the correct type for your needs.
Finding the right fire alarm service to trust with your company's needs can give you a lot of peace of mind as a business owner. Be sure to keep this information in mind as you shop around!