Choosing the Right Fire Alarm System Company
Safety is a top priority for any business owner. A fire alarm system can help protect employees and customers from fire hazards and reduce financial losses from damage to the building or its contents.
When choosing a fire alarm company, consider their experience and expertise. They should offer comprehensive services, including inspections, upgrades, and repairs, to protect your building in a fire emergency.
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Future-Proof Solutions
If you want to protect your property and the safety of occupants, choose fire alarm system companies that offer contracts that ensure all systems are checked consistently, and any repairs are handled immediately. This includes alarms, suppression systems, and smoke detectors mounted strategically throughout your property. The right system can simultaneously prompt occupants to evacuate, send alerts to the monitoring center, dispatch emergency teams, and activate the sprinkler or other extinguishing systems. It should also be capable of minimizing false alarms, as this is costly and can make people take real emergencies less seriously.
Look for a company with experience servicing commercial properties like yours that can provide a comprehensive solution that meets your ongoing needs. This includes installation, maintenance, repairs, and 24/7 monitoring services. It would help if you also asked about the company’s industry experience, as different industries have unique fire safety requirements that must be considered.
Cost-Benefit Ratio
Fire alarms and smoke detectors are vital safety devices that can save lives in an emergency. They alert occupants to the danger of fire or harmful gases in a building, helping them escape to safety before they are trapped by smoke inhalation, which can lead to various health issues, from respiratory distress and skin irritation to suffocation. When determining which fire alarm company to choose, it is essential to consider the cost-benefit ratio. Consider how much the initial investment amount and ongoing service costs will be, as well as any additional costs associated with ensuring NFPA 72 compliance or using proprietary monitoring equipment. The more comprehensive the installation, maintenance, and monitoring services a fire alarm company offers, the better the cost-benefit ratio. For example, a reputable fire alarm company will offer wired and wireless systems. You can also learn about their experiences installing different fire detection and alarming devices, mass notification systems, or a Kidde VM or FX series.
Licenses and Certifications
In addition to having a fire alarm company with a license, ensure they have the proper credentials and certifications for working on your system. This includes having employees who have taken and passed an approved training course from the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) and possess a current NICET Certificate at Level II in the field of Fire Alarms. It is also essential to have a fire alarm company with an FDNY license, which requires them to maintain adequate liability insurance, have the proper AHJ-approved equipment and systems, and adhere to all city regulations. Additionally, a fire alarm company should have staff on hand to assist with any issues or emergencies that may arise in your facility. REBNY strongly supports a new city rule that allows licensed professionals to certify the correction of defects in fire alarm system installations. This would reduce the burden on FDNY inspectors and accelerate getting buildings back on a Letter of Approval.
Industry Experience
When choosing a fire alarm company to work with, they must have industry experience. There are several things to look for here, including the types of products they have worked on and their overall track record.
A company with plenty of industry experience should also have a good reputation among the general public. This can be an excellent indicator of their ability to do high-quality work for a fair price promptly. Choosing the right fire alarm system is a critical business decision that can protect your property from costly damages and keep your employees and customers safe. By working with an experienced fire detection systems provider, you can ensure a fully functional, code-compliant commercial fire alarm system tailored to your needs.