It takes a lot of planning and foresight to keep your property from going up in flames, literally. Most people assume that fire systems are just a one-stage process. However, this is not the case. There are different 'stages' to fire systems and all are integrated to work together in succession as they mitigate fire risks on your property. Below, find out what these different fire systems are and see if your property has all of them in place.

Fire prevention

First stage fire systems aim to prevent fires from occurring on your property in the first place. One of the most effective systems under this category is fire warning signs. These are signs that keep people from engaging in practices that could create a fire hazard. Examples include signs regarding smoking or use of flammable substances. Such signs play a crucial part in averting fires through a proactive approach.

Fire detection

The other class of fire systems that you should have on your property is that of fire detection. These are the systems that detect fires immediately after they break out. Early fire detection is key in putting out a fire, limiting the damage, and saving lives. So it is wise to invest heavily in fire detection. Fire systems under this category include smoke detectors, heat detectors, and flame detectors.

Every property should also have a fire system designed to alert the occupants and those around that there is a fire hazard at hand. Such systems enable property occupants to exit the premises immediately for safety reasons. They also alert the public outside to stay at a distance. These systems include fire alarms, fire sirens, fire bells, voice systems, and lighting systems (flashing lights).

Fire suppression

There are other fire systems whose role is to suppress a fire. These systems are designed to kick in immediately when a fire breaks out. A good example is fire doors that prevent the spread of fires by cutting out air supply to affected rooms. Another example is architectural building design where fires are compartmentalised in the same way to keep them from spreading to the entire building.

Fire fighting 

And lastly, there are fire fighting systems, which are the most common. These fire systems are not designed primarily to detect fires or to prevent them, but rather to put them out. Examples include fire sprinklers, water hoses, and fire extinguishers. These systems should not only be present in a building, they should also be sufficient and well-placed for maximum convenience in case of a fire.

Does your property have all these fire systems? And if so, do you keep them regularly inspected and serviced as required by the Australian Fire Code?

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