When a fire occurs, every second counts  Replacing single-sensor detectors with and any delay in evacuation can result in multi-sensor systems tragedy.  Using appropriate, approved and correctly located detectors  Using approved protective covers over manual pull stations with adequate  Properly designing, installing and A false alarm is a fire alarm signal from instructional signage maintaining your fire alarm system and a detection system that is not caused by a  Using approved analog addressable working with one fire alarm service fire. The causes of a false alarm include: panels provider to ensure appropriate action  A fire-like phenomenon (e.g. a fog  Carrying out more rigorous maintenance and effective maintenance machine triggering a smoke detector) of the system  Isolating zones prior to construction  Accidental damage to the system  Updating your call list regularly and work and cleaning smoke detector  Inappropriate human action (someone make sure everyone on the list knows the covers prior to their removal pulling the fire alarm) password on the system  Designating a person (or people) to  Equipment malfunction  Installing CCTV (closed circuit television) confirm whether a fire alarm is genuine  Improperly installed or maintained as a deterrent to pranksters (especially  Designating a person (or people) to equipment in schools and apartments) inform the monitoring company in advance of a fire drill  Following up on every false alarm and Put simply, false alarms can cost lives. taking corrective/preventive actions to Not only do they use firefighter’s time and prevent it from happening again delay their attendance to real fires or  Ensuring proper procedures are in medical emergencies, they can also cause place for training new staff on how to people to become complacent and not deal with false alarms in locations with react upon hearing the fire alarm sound. high staff turnover (i.e. hospitals) Fatalities have been caused by people  Advising the fire alarm maintenance believing that it was “just another false company when there is a change of alarm” and failing to evacuate in the event building use of actual danger.  Educating users and responsible In locations such as hospitals, schools and persons about how the alarm system shopping centers where there are a large and Fire Alarm Control Panel works number of people on the premises, the and providing guidance on how to threat becomes even greater. identify and report false alarms A fire alarm system is a network of initiating and notification devices connected to a Fire Alarm Control Panel that is used to alert people of a fire emergency in a building so that it can be evacuated safely. Some modern fire alarm systems are remotely monitored by fire alarm monitoring companies. These companies review messages sent from the system and decide whether to send the Fire Department, notify building owners or service companies of system troubles, or do nothing at all. The sensitivity of your smoke detector can and does change over time. Over- sensitivity can lead to false alarms and under-sensitivity can lead to late alarms or no alarms. FACPs are usually inside a locked red hazards, or a switch that allows building box located somewhere safe, like an The National Fire Protection Association A FACP is the brains of the fire alarm occupants to trigger the alarm manually. electrical room, office, or maintenance (NFPA) requires the sensitivity of non- system. The different parts of a fire alarm Common initiating device sensors residential smoke detectors be checked area. include smoke detectors, heat detectors system communicate with it and it then every other year (NFPA 72 Chapter 14, and water flow detectors on fire sprinklers. decides what to do. Modern FACPs include section 14.4.4.3). Manual initiating devices consist of various keypads, LCD screens, and communication An initiating device is either a sensor This test should not be confused with a types of pull stations. ports that make the system easier to work that detects signs of fires and other smoke detector functionality test, however. with. A functionality test A notification device, or notification verifies that smoke appliance, is a device that alerts everyone can enter a detector’s in the building of a fire emergency. sensing chamber and Common notification devices include that the detector audible alarms (horns/speakers), sprinklers, activates properly. Too often, this test visual strobe lights/flashers or a passes for a sensitivity test as well. It is not. combination of these items. A sensitivity test checks a smoke detector’s ability to activate using the amount of smoke the detector’s manufacturer intended. A detector’s sensitivity is an important part of the facilities life safety report that is reviewed by its approving authority.