Fire Protection Solutions for Retail Store Merchandise and Customers
Large commercial retail facilities pose special challenges for fire protection. Retail stores often contain massive fire loads and can involve catastrophic possibilities for life risk in the event of a fire. Property owners face the risk of financial ruin from both fire loss and from liability claims that can occur post event. These potential losses create high-stake environments that demand robust and effective fire protection and detection systems.
Key Fire Protection Solutions for Retail Stores
Retail establishments, especially those of large size and with mixed fire load dangers, must employ the best fire suppression and detection equipment available. Minimizing fire damage to facilities and inventory is critical. Creating safe shopping environments for staff and customers is paramount.
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Sprinkler Systems
Most fire risk managers agree that automated sprinkler systems are the most effective fire suppression tools available. The engineered system activates quickly and typically minimizes damage to inventory, fixtures, and structures by only introducing suppression agents such as water to a limited area at the scene of the fire. The rapidity of the action and the localized nature of the response reduces damage from smoke, heat, and fire spread, reducing the danger for structure occupants as well.
Properly engineered and installed sprinkler systems provide fire detection and suppression to all areas of a structure, not just those actively used by the public. High risk zones can be designed to protect valuable electronics or other at-risk property with special agents designed to further reduce damage. Today's high efficiency sprinkler systems utilize a network or pipes and sprinkler heads which are individually activated by heat. The water discharge is designed to adequately suppress fire while minimizing the damage to surrounding areas. In spaces with the visual aesthetic is a consideration, systems can be installed that are virtually invisible to all but the closest inspection.
Insurance companies also recognize the value of automated fire protection systems including sprinkler systems by offering reduced insurance premiums on structures or facilities where properly engineered sprinkler and detection systems are installed.
Fire Alarm Systems
No fire protection system is complete with fully functional and automated enunciation and alarm functions. The communication systems may be designed to sound audible alarms, flash visual alarms to alert the hearing impaired, send automated text or voice messages to select personnel and automatically alert the local fire department dispatch center about any alarm.
These types of communications capabilities reduce risk and limit life exposure by reacting quickly and effectively notifying both customers and personnel of the dangers and events. Automated response to emergency personnel results in shorter response times by first responders. No automated system would be complete with a suitable emergency power supply to keep the system active even if the main power grid supply fails.
Emergency Lighting
One of the greatest challenges to life safety in a large commercial retail space is the confusion and panic that can ensue after an alarm activation. Customers and staff can become easily disoriented and lose their way in a large building crowded with retail merchandise and fixtures. If the power grid fail these facilities are plunged into complete darkness creating even more challenging conditions.
All retail facilities should have a complete emergency lighting system that will automatically engage if the power grid fails. New technology in LED lighting and battery backup systems can often give almost the same amount of light that normal lighting provides and running times that are measured in hours, not minutes. Systems can be designed that not only provide emergency lighting but also indicate pathways, routes, and locations of emergency exits.
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Compliance and Training
Every state and most local jurisdictions have fire safety and occupancy codes that are routinely enforced by local authorities. Insurance companies also often weigh into this equation with additional requirements. Staff training and drills in emergency evacuation and response are a part of these requirements as are housekeeping rules to ensure that aisles are maintained properly and that fire loads do not exceed a certain maximum. Employees should be trained in operating fire suppression systems including fire extinguishers.
The retail industry is highly competitive, often with small profit margins. Add to the mix, large life risks especially during holiday shopping seasons, and the reasons for installing and maintaining a top-of-the-line fire protection and detection system becomes obvious. Contact Control Fire Systems and one of our trained sales staff will help you implement the best options for a comprehensive fire safety solution.
