• Shut down the air handling fans and the smoke dampers in the air ducts to prevent the spread of smoke and flame.
• Turn on a deluge sprinkler system to extinguish a fire
• Activate a preaction sprinkler system to allow it to extinguish fire.
• Unlock doors to allow exit
• Lock doors to prevent entrance
• Close smoke barriers or smoke curtains to prevent the spread of smoke or flame
• Activate fire suppression systems, etc.

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Types Of Fire Alarm Systems

There are basically two (2) types of fire alarm systems:

• Heat detector: This device responds to a rise in temperature and gets activated in case of a fire. It triggers an alarm by either melting a low fusing alloy or bending a bimetallic strip. They are intended to minimize property damage by reacting to the change in temperature caused by a fire. They are mostly fixed in garages, kitchens, etc.
• Smoke detector: A smoke detector is a device that senses smoke, typically as an indicator of fire. The smoke detector are of two (2) types – Optical smoke detector and ionize smoke detector. The optical smoke detector act like an electronic eye while the ionized smoke detector ac like an electronic nose. All smoke detectors consist of two basic parts – A sensor to sense the smoke and a very loud electronic horn to wake people up.

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Regardless of the type of detector or alarm selected, the proper placement and maintenance of the device is crucial. Follow all manufacturers instructions for placement, testing and maintenance. The NFPA suggests battery replacement at least once a year on battery equipped units and a monthly detector test to verify the alarm function.

NOTE: Alarm installation and maintenance must always be done by a competent person.