A lot of planning goes into the design and construction of a residential building. From materials, to plumbing and electricity, along with everything else involved. One very important aspect that needs to be included in the plans and the final build are fire safety systems.

Let’s take a look at some guidelines regarding what should be included in a residential build with regards to fire safety and fire suppression.

The Right Fire Sprinkler System Needs To Be Installed

There are different sprinkler systems designed for different environments and applications. Fire protection companies can advise you on the right type of sprinkler system for a residential building complex.

An effective sprinkler system installed throughout the building can prevent a major catastrophe. In residential buildings, sprinklers will only be activated in the vicinity of the heat generated by a blaze, rather than the entire sprinkler system coming online and dousing areas where there is no fire danger.

This prevents unnecessary water damage to areas where sprinklers didn’t need to be deployed. Instead, the sprinklers only concentrate on the danger zone.

Portable Suppression Systems

Portable fire suppression systems can include things like fire extinguishers and fire blankets, as these items can be moved from one location to another, depending on where the fire is.

A residential building should have fire extinguishers located strategically throughout the common areas of the building, where they are in easy, unobstructed reach for when they may be required. Along with this, fire extinguishers should also be placed in every room or apartment within the building, in the event a fire breaks out in a kitchen or other location within the apartment.

Fire blankets should also be readily available in the common areas throughout a residential complex.

Fire/Smoke Alarms Are Absolutely Essential

Not only are fire and smoke alarms essential as part of a fire early warning system, but they are also required by law and need to be maintained on a regular basis.

Smoke alarms save lives. That’s a fact. Generally, they are not expensive and are easy to install and maintain. Fire alarms need to be placed in both common areas of the building, as well as inside each room or apartment. The number of smoke alarms required in an apartment will depend on how many rooms comprise the apartment.

Choosing the right fire/smoke alarms is made easier if you first consult with a fire protection specialist. While smoke alarms need to be relatively sensitive, they don’t want to be so sensitive that they’re activated simply by doing some cooking in the kitchen.

Fire Hydrants And Fire Hoses

In order for firefighters to readily start battling a blaze, a residential building needs to provide enough access points to fire hydrants. The hallway of each floor of a residential building will also ideally have several fire hoses housed in cabinets, ready to be put to use should a fire break out.

This all needs to be incorporated into the building’s design, so the most convenient and effective locations can be factored in before construction takes place.

Without enough fire hydrants or fire hoses being available, it’ll vastly increase the risk of a fire burning out of control.

The Building Needs An Evacuation Plan

In the event a fire does break out in a residential building complex, there needs to be an evacuation plan in place. This plan should be prominently displayed on signage all throughout the building, so everyone is aware of the nearest fire exits and where to safely assemble outside.

Without a clear evacuation plan in place, there will simply be chaos if a fire does occur.

Fire Exit Signs Should Be Clearly Visible

Exit signs are illuminated and need to have power backup in order to remain illuminated should a fire break out and the power supply to the building is disrupted.

In a dark environment filled with smoke haze, the illuminated exit sign might very well be the only indication of a clear direction. These signs have been proven to save lives, so they always need to be in working order, and be displayed in such a way that there are no obstructions.

The Takeaway

With proper fire safety protection measures in place, fires can be contained or prevented altogether. A combination of all safety and prevention measures ensures both safety and peace of mind.

Author Bio

Ken Thomas is the director at Total Fire Solutions, fire sprinkler system designer and installers, and one of the top 3 independent fire system distributors for the Asia Pacific region. His vision is to create a ‘one-stop-shop’ fire protection company committed to NSW mining and heavy industry. He is passionate about and excited by the latest developments in fire protection technology.