4 Innovations in Fire Prevention

Read on as we look at four of the best innovations in fire prevention.

There are various different types of alarms out there, which detect fire in different ways. Some react to smoke, while others have heat-sensitive elements. However, with the rise of machine learning, it’s now possible for alarms to detect fire using video images.

Visual flame and smoke detectors use artificial intelligence to analyse live video images and detect the visual characteristics of smoke or flames. Despite being relatively new to the fire detection scene, they can already identify fires in the space of 5 seconds, providing a faster reaction to remote or non-manned areas.

When a conventional fire alarm sounds, it sends out a high-pitched sound that tells everyone to evacuate the building. It’s then up to them to recall the correct procedures by following the relevant signage or fire marshals’ instructions. That can be problematic in particularly large, busy or loud areas.

Thanks to the advent of voice alarms, there is an alternative. Speakers can now be installed which react like a fire alarm, but with clear messages instructing occupants what to do in an emergency. With Honeywell’s Notifier range, messages can be pre-recorded or transmitted live to provide exact instructions remotely.

Sprinklers have long been the go-to system for suppressing fires. The problem? They’re not the most sustainable option in terms of water use. For how much they use, water isn’t particularly well distributed. The levels of water used can also cause costly damage to the areas in question.

A practical alternative is water mist. This uses much smaller droplets of water, distributed under high pressure by specialised spray heads. The result is a larger surface area covered using less water. A win-win for fire safety and the environment.

Another important aspect of fire safety is minimising the risk of a fire starting in the first place. While many people think cooking is the main cause of a fire, one of the most common areas of concern is your home’s electrics.

Whether it’s the electric installation or the appliances themselves, old, faulty or damaged wiring can cause the electrical current to build up or spread to combustible materials – ultimately resulting in a fire.

Get your electric installation checked by a professional, and make sure you replace any old or faulty appliances, right down to your extension leads and phone chargers.

You can also take some simple steps to make your home less of a fire risk. Make sure combustible materials and flammable liquids are stored away from naked flames or heat sources, and don’t leave appliances like ovens, grills, hobs and microwaves unattended when they’re being used.

Following Fire Prevention Week at the start of October, there’s no better time to make sure your home or commercial property is prepared to deal with a fire. Selectron can help you do exactly that, with a range of fire alarm products for properties across Bermuda.

Our expert team can advise on the most suitable alarms for your property with a free, no obligation quote for installation. Contact us today to find out more.