These are the Top Benefits of a Fire Alarm Monitoring System
By Andrew Erickson
April 9, 2023
Fire alarms are one of the most critical components of any building's safety infrastructure. In the event of a fire, every second counts, and the effectiveness of a building's fire alarm system can make the difference between a minor incident and a catastrophic disaster.
One way to ensure that your fire alarm system is as effective as possible is with a fire alarm monitoring system. For most public or commercial buildings of any significant scale, it's also required by fire code
Let's look at the importance of fire alarm monitoring systems and some of the most important benefits they can provide.
Time is of the essence for preserving life and property
First and foremost, fire alarm monitoring systems are crucial because they provide around-the-clock monitoring of your building's fire alarms. In the event of a fire, the monitoring system will automatically alert the appropriate authorities, such as a central station and eventually your local fire department, so they can respond quickly to the emergency. This can save valuable time, minimize property damage, and save lives in an occupied building.
You'll detect alarms in unoccupied areas
Another important benefit of fire alarm monitoring systems is that they can detect fires that might otherwise go unnoticed. This is because the monitoring system is constantly monitoring your fire alarm system for any signs of trouble, even if the building is unoccupied.
As one example, if a fire breaks out in a remote part of the building or during non-business hours, the monitoring system can still detect it and send an alert to your central station or proprietary alarm monitoring server.
Early detection means that the fire can be put out before it becomes too big, preventing loss of life and property. In addition, the system can alert the authorities, who can respond quickly and take necessary measures to control the fire.
Your remote monitoring "backbone" can go way beyond just fire alarms
In addition to providing constant monitoring of fires, your alarm monitoring system can also provide additional features and benefits.
Some systems can detect carbon monoxide or other hazardous gases that may be present in the building. It's very common for FACPs (fire panels) to have "burglar" alerts based on door/window/other sensors.
Get alarm notifications wherever you are
Some monitoring systems may include features like remote access or mobile notifications. This allows you to monitor your building's fire alarm system from anywhere, at any time.
If an alarm is triggered, you can receive a notification on your phone, PC web interface, or other device and take appropriate action—even if you're not in the building. This makes it easier to stay up-to-date with what's happening on your property at all times.
Obviously, this is generally just a backup to a dedicated monitoring center at larger facilities. For smaller facilities, however, having a "monitoring center" in your pocket is a massive advantage compared to requiring 7x24x365 staffing.
Lower your insurance premiums through risk reduction
Installing a fire alarm monitoring system can also result in lower insurance premiums. Insurance companies recognize the importance of such systems in minimizing the risk of fire damage and therefore offer discounts to businesses and homeowners who have them installed.
By investing in a fire alarm monitoring system, property owners like you can not only protect their assets directly but also save money on insurance costs over time.
As I always say, nobody knows risk with as much detail as insurance companies. If you have any doubt about the other tangible benefits I'm mentioning here, realize that insurance companies don't give discounts for nothing.
They see the result of quality fire alarm monitoring on a national scale. These benefits are real, and protecting yourself pays off by reducing your premiums.
Get compliant and stay compliant with fire codes
Another key benefit of fire alarm monitoring systems is that they can help ensure that your building is in compliance with local fire codes and regulations. Virtually all local codes require that buildings have a monitored fire alarm system. Failure to comply can result in fines or even legal liability.
By using a fire alarm monitoring system, you can ensure that your building is always in compliance with local codes and regulations.
Achieve real peace of mind by knowing your buildings and their occupants are protected
Finally, fire alarm monitoring systems can provide peace of mind for building owners and managers. You'll know that your building's fire alarm system is being constantly monitored. You'll know that the authorities will be notified in the event of an emergency. This provides reassurance that your building and its occupants are as safe as possible.
You can't afford to have an inferior alarm monitoring system
Fire alarm monitoring systems are an essential component of any building's safety infrastructure. By providing constant monitoring, detecting fires that might otherwise go unnoticed, and providing additional features and benefits, fire alarm monitoring systems can help minimize property damage and save lives.
Ultimately, the most important benefit of fire alarm monitoring systems is that they can help protect life and property in case of an emergency. By providing around-the-clock monitoring, detection of fires in unoccupied areas, additional features like carbon monoxide detection, remote access and notifications, code compliance, and peace of mind for building owners/managers, fire alarm monitoring systems are invaluable.
They can also ensure compliance with local codes and regulations, and provide peace of mind for building owners and managers. You must invest in a quality fire alarm monitoring system.
Digitize can help you with your fire alarm monitoring
As a manufacturer of proprietary fire alarm monitoring equipment, we have a lot of collective experience here at Digitize HQ. No matter what you're trying to learn or accomplish, we can help.
I know quite a bit about this industry, and I'm also your connection to all of the knowledgeable engineers at Digitize.
To get started now, just call Digitize at 1-800-523-7232 to speak with an engineer today. You can also email info@digitize-inc.com
Andrew Erickson
Andrew Erickson is an Application Engineer at DPS Telecom, a manufacturer of semi-custom remote alarm monitoring systems based in Fresno, California. Andrew brings more than 17 years of experience building site monitoring solutions, developing intuitive user interfaces and documentation, and...Read More