According to the most recent data from the U.S. Fire Administration, an estimated 129,500 nonresidential building fires occurred in the U.S. in 2022.
They resulted in over $3.74 billion in losses, 1,300 injuries, and, worst of all, 140 fatalities.
The USFA also noted that fire incidents from 2013 to 2022 increased by 27%.
All those sobering statistics highlight the importance of fire alarm monitoring services.
And in areas prone to heat-related fires, such as Phoenix, AZ, they can play even more significant roles in protecting businesses.
To that end, we here at Certizona Fire & Safety put together this guide exploring regular fire alarm monitoring.
Read on to learn its many benefits and how it can help enhance your Phoenix business safety measures.
Early Fire Detection and Quick Response
Cooking causes many nonresidential fires, while others are intentional (e.g., arson).
They can also be due to overheating-related electrical malfunctions, which can occur during Phoenix’s extreme heat events.
Climbing temperatures, which cause plants to dry out, can also put properties at risk of brush fires.
Either way, fires can happen during the busiest, hottest hours of the day.
However, they can also occur at night, such as when people carelessly use firecrackers.
Indeed, fire calls caused by firecrackers have increased considerably in Phoenix, especially on July 4.
According to Ahwatukee News, Phoenix Fire answered 17 firecracker-related incidents on July 4, 2009. Then, on July 4, 2023, they answered 176 calls, a 935% increase!
Regardless of the cause, fire alarm monitoring keeps a watchful eye on fire incidents.
It can detect a potential fire early through the smoke and fire sensors of a connected fire alarm system.
When the system detects a fire, it sends a signal to the central monitoring service.
The service then responds immediately by calling the appropriate fire department.
The designated person on the alarm system’s emergency call list also receives a notification.
Round-the-Clock Monitoring to Minimize Fire Losses
A 24/7 monitoring service for an alarm system benefits Phoenix businesses by helping reduce fire losses.
Remember: As Ready.gov points out, a small flame can become a massive fire within only 30 seconds.
Within two minutes, it can become life-threatening.
So, every second counts, which is why a rapid response is essential when dealing with fires.
Since a fire alarm monitoring service will do this for you, help can get to you and your business sooner.
The sooner they arrive, the quicker they can contain the fire and the fewer losses you may experience.
Reduce Injury Risks and Severity
Well-maintained, fully functional fire alarm systems can significantly minimize injury risk by providing early warnings for potential and actual fires.
Their early alerts facilitate quicker evacuation, helping prevent or reduce the odds of people getting trapped in the building.
Monitoring services can enhance those benefits by adding emergency responders to the equation.
So, even if people sustain injuries or can’t escape quickly, the early arrival of first responders can help increase their chances of surviving.
Injured individuals can get the medical help they need, while people who are still in the building can get rescued by firefighters.
Phoenix Fire Safety Compliance
The Phoenix Fire Code is similar to the 2018 International Fire Code, albeit an amended version.
It outlines the city’s laws and minimum legal requirements for using fire prevention and protection systems.
Chapter 9, Section 903.4.1 of the Phoenix Fire Code makes alarm monitoring mandatory for specific building occupancies.
If your business classifies as any of the occupancies below, fire alarm monitoring is likely a legal requirement you must comply with:
- Group A-2 building occupancy that exceeds 5,000 square feet
- Any other building occupancy that exceeds 12,000 square feet
Even if your business isn’t legally required to have alarm monitoring, you should still consider investing in this fire protection service.
As discussed above, it can make a huge difference by reducing fire losses and injuries.
Possible Savings With Insurance Discounts
The higher the risk of an insurance policyholder making a claim, the more significant the possible loss for an insurance company.
As such, insurers often try to mitigate these “losses” by charging high-risk policyholders higher premiums.
Conversely, they look at lower-risk clients more favorably, as these individuals or organizations are less likely to file claims.
One way insurance providers “favor” low-risk clients is by offering discounts.
For instance, they may charge lower premiums for policyholders with qualified alarm systems, including monitored ones.
The more alarm systems your business uses, the more you can likely save.
For example, you may get a higher discount if your business premises have a fire suppression system, a monitored fire alarm system, and a burglar/security system.
So, once you have these protective systems in place, call your insurer and ask them about giving you discounts.
If they don’t, remember: It’s entirely up to you to switch providers so you can get quality insurance coverage for less.
Improve Employee Morale
According to OHSOnline.com, in a 2023 report, 81% of U.S. respondents said their physical safety at work is essential.
Over three in four feel the same toward their mental health.
Considering those statistics, investing in better and more safety and security measures (e.g., monitored fire alarm systems and burglar/security systems) can help your employees feel that you value them.
When they feel you value their safety and security, they’re more likely to become engaged and committed to their jobs.
A workplace that fosters safety and security also creates a more positive work culture.
When workers feel their employer cares for them, their morale also improves.
All these can ultimately lead to better productivity and lower turnover rates.
Time to Reap the Benefits of Fire Alarm Monitoring Services
From early detection to rapid response, reduced losses, lower injury risks, and savings on insurance discounts, these are just some of the top benefits of fire alarm monitoring services.
So, why not consider investing in them as early as today?
Certizona Fire & Safety is your top choice for a certified fire protection service company in Phoenix, AZ. For over 30 years, we’ve proudly served Phoenix, Maricopa County, and Yavapai County.
We can provide you with all your fire protection and alarm monitoring needs.
Get in touch with us today to request your quote.
Looking for a reliable Fire Equipment Service Company?
Certizona Fire & Safety offers expert fire equipment maintenance and protection services throughout Arizona. We prioritize your safety with top-quality solutions to keep your fire systems in optimal condition.
Call (623) 227-2092 or request an online quote today!
