Sprinklers: the primary line of defense, the secondary cause of damages

5/5/2022 (Permalink)

Fire prevention and protection are an aspect that cannot be overlooked when running a successful business. The fire marshal comes, and codes and standards are enforced. Once all of this happens; in a perfect world, all is well, right? It is not enough to simply HAVE fire extinguishers on-site if nobody knows how to use them. (Always remember, P.A.S.S., Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep, and aim at the base of the fire.) It is not enough to simply have a fire alarm if it’s not tested. It’s also far less than ideal to simply have a sprinkler system installed, if you aren’t aware of how to use and maintain it.

Automatic sprinkler systems are truly innovative within the world of fire protection. Each sprinkler head has a vacuum-sealed liquid-filled glass tube. At 135º-165º the liquid expands and the bulb bursts, releasing the plug that holds back the flow of water. Once the bulb bursts and the water pressure forces the plug out, the water sprays over a deflector plate, spreading the reach of the water and distributing it in an even pattern.

Sprinkler head activation is isolated to the heated areas. Often, only 1 or 2 sprinkler heads are needed to cool the fire source and prevent the heat from triggering more sprinkler heads. Knowing where your water shut off is crucial in a time like this. (Ask your local SERVPRO of Ames representative about identifying your business’ shut-offs and developing an Emergency Ready Profile, so your commercial business is ready for whatever happens)

Over time, a sprinkler system can get broken or malfunction. Sprinklers can even get activated without the presence of a fire, leading to 8-24 gallons of water per minute flowing all over the interior of your business, or consuming your products. Issues such as these tend to unfortunately compromise your business operations. While this amount is around 10x less than the water flow from a fire hose, it is still unwanted water.

Maintaining your business’s sprinkler system is an essential part of impactful facility management. Ensuring your system is ready and fully operational will allow it to be an excellent safety device, defending against property damage, injury, or even death.

When a sprinkler is activated, bumped, or malfunctions, causing water damage, it’s important to stabilize the surrounding environment. Once the water has stopped, what do you do? SERVPRO of Ames is on call 24/7 and will be able to help get the restoration process started. SERVPRO of Ames will provide an initial inspection, as well as an assessment of the damages before assembling a team of professionals in order to remove the stress from any mess.

Our restoration experts will extract the damage-inducing water, begin structural drying of the affected areas through use of our state-of-the-art equipment, as well as techniques to dehumidify the surrounding environment. Those actions will take place while our restoration team simultaneously controls the nearby temperature in order to promote rapid and thorough drying, as well as prevent further potential growth of mold.

Sprinkler systems overall, are a blessing and a huge benefit to have installed within your commercial business. In order to receive further information relating to the topic of sprinkler systems, Visit the National Fire Sprinkler Association at nfsa.org for more insight.

If you have any questions about sprinkler system water damage, or any property damages your commercial business may have experienced, contact SERVPRO of Ames 24/7 at (515) 233-4544 and our restoration specialists will help you get started on the road to an efficient disaster recovery.