Choosing the Best Fire Alarm Monitoring Company

Cutting corners on fire alarm systems in a high-rise or other heavily occupied building is not an option. Building owners and managers are responsible for ensuring the complete safety of the occupants and should employ the highest level of safeguards possible.

In the case of any threat of fire, the quickest possible response is critical. When smoke, fire, or other threat to safety are detected within the building, occupants are alerted to evacuate. Simultaneously, an emergency signal is sent to the monitoring service that a problem is developing. The service alerts the fire department and other appropriate emergency agencies immediately.

Minutes can make a difference between safety and disaster. Constant, uninterrupted surveillance and timely notification are the reasons building managers should work only with highly professional and proven companies to monitor internal fire detection and warning systems.

Why a Fire Alarm Monitoring Service?

Some building managers and owners have believed that if they have an alarm that makes enough noise, then having an outside service to monitor is a waste. However, situations can occur in which qualified, off-site monitoring professionals can make a difference between no resulting casualties and minimal damage versus possible disaster and extensive damage.

Sometimes when a fire suddenly breaks out, the very first action is to identify the location of the fire and ensure that everyone safely evacuates the building before notifying the fire department. Clearly, evacuation and occupant safety are the primary steps. Waiting minutes before alerting the authorities may be disastrous.

Alternatively, a sudden fire late at night in a residential or dormitory building can render occupants unconscious, unable to call for help. A monitoring service will ensure help arrives quickly.

What To Look For in a Fire Alarm Monitoring Service

An effective fire alarm monitoring service must be a company that:

• is experienced
• has a reputation for reliability
• is fully licensed and certified
• installs, and maintains entire detection and notification systems
• understands your system completely
• is responsible for maintaining all fire equipment in the building

High Rise Security Systems in Chicago

A company that maintains and services your fire, smoke, and gas detection systems is the one most qualified to monitor emergencies. High Rise Security Systems has been designing, installing, and maintaining fire detection systems for over 30 years. Fully trained and experienced professionals will monitor your fire safety systems to keep your building safe.

High Rise Commercial Fire Systems

High Rise Security Systems has been providing high-quality fire security solutions for buildings and occupants in Chicago for over 30 years. The company designs, installs, maintains and monitors fire and security detection systems for residential, commercial, educational, and healthcare facilities throughout the area.

High Rise partners with world-class, state-of-the-art security systems manufacturers from all over the world. With so many top level options, High Rise Security Systems can design the perfect, customized solution for any facility.

Notifier by Honeywell offers a complete menu of smoke, fire, and dangerous gas detection systems wirelessly integrated to the fire alarm control panel and a central monitoring station. Accentuators direct early responders to the problem while multiple visual and audible devices steer occupants to the safest evacuation area.

Cooper Wheelock produces a range of highly dependable, custom designed notification appliances. Each is designed to ensure ample notification of the presence of a threat. Their equipment includes Emergency Messaging Notification and High Fidelity Speaker Strobes that broadcast instructions, alarm sounds, and highly visible strobe light alerts.

Cornell AlarmGuard™ and FireGuard™ door systems are designed to isolate developing fires by automatically closing fire rated door systems safely. Cornell systems can be automatically or manually activated and are easily tested.

Fire-Lite Systems by Honeywell may be integrated to monitor fire danger in multiple buildings and campuses. Fire-Lite products include addressable fire alarm control panels that communicate wirelessly with all components and a central monitoring or emergency command center. Drawing on Honeywell’s century of experience in atmosphere monitoring, Fire-Lite has developed SWIFT® Smart Wireless Integrated Fire Technology for holistic fire detection and immediate notification.

Gentex Corporation produces a full range of fire detection devices, bells, alarms, speakers, plus smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Jeron Electronics manufactures intercom devices that may be used for conveying fire evacuation instructions.

Rath Communications provides sophisticated notification and directions to refuge equipment.

Space Age Electronics offers a full range of notification and detection equipment. These include visual annunciators, smoke management systems, and notification modules.

System Sensor, also part of Honeywell, supplies duct smoke sensors, carbon monoxide sensors, and a full range of notification strobes.

Gemcom provides commercial fire systems, annunciators, bell stations, and warnings signs for emergency evacuations.

Safe Fire Detection devices protect businesses, homes, and valuables with high-tech, affordable fire detection and security alarm systems.

Potter offers fire suppression systems and full-fledged fire management systems that include addressable fire panels.

Who Wore It Best? Fire Alarm System Designer

One of the most meaningful roles of a professional fire safety company is collaborating in the design and installation of a new fire alarm system for new construction or renovation. Developing and installing the right system for a particular building configuration requires extensive knowledge and experience in a variety of environments.

Collaborative Design Process

When core features of the building design materialize, partnering with a professional fire alarm designer and safety company is essential. Determining the elements of the detection and warning system, their location, and types of equipment requires careful analysis of the structure, location of all exits, and potential evacuation routes.

A High Rise Security Systems (HRSS) of Chicago fire alarm designer utilizes computer aided design technologies to reproduce the building. This design process ensures that the proper placement and types of detection devices are sufficient to accommodate the projected number of occupants and intended use of the structure.

With Notifier by Honeywell systems, the most advanced smoke and heat detectors and multi-faceted notification systems with audible and visual evacuation are connected wirelessly to a central monitoring location.

Installation and Testing

When the permits for the overall design are approved, the construction can commence. Integrating the fire detection and alarm system is a complicated process. The National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) requires that only certified and documented experts with reliable credentials should manage the installation. Certification should only be granted by local authorities, NFPA, or the manufacturer of the equipment to be installed.

Once completed, the fire safety technician will implement a full test of the system, making any adjustments that may be required before the final occupancy permit is issued by the local fire authority.

Final Inspection and Ongoing Maintenance

Local fire authorities conduct thorough tests to ensure that each element will respond to smoke and fire emergencies before issuing the occupancy permit. Any delays due to operational defects can be costly, both in backtracking the system installation process or in lost revenues due to a delayed opening. Expensive delays have occurred in the past, sometimes because of installation without the proper credentials or experience. Trusting a professional fire alarm system company to make the right installation the first time is the best course.

A fire alarm designer like High Rise Security Systems will continue to maintain systems to prevent any lapse in protection.

Commercial Fire Alarm Companies

Commercial fire alarm companies provide a valuable, life protecting service in their communities. Not highly visible to the general population, these professionals provide the intricate designs, proper installation, expert maintenance, and periodic testing of fire and smoke detection and notification systems.

For high-rise and other public venues like hospitals, educational facilities, office complexes, and residential buildings, certified fire alarm companies protect occupants from potential disaster and ensure the building remains compliant with all fire safety standards.

Design and Installation

During the design or renovation of a high-rise building, a qualified fire safety company like High Rise Safety Systems of Chicago will work with the architects to develop the safest possible fire detection network for the building. Using computer assisted design capability (CAD), the fire safety expert will identify the locations and types of fire detection and notification equipment. Planning evacuation routes is another element of the design.

Equipment from high quality companies like Notifier by Honeywell, Cooper Wheelock, Cornell, Firelite, Gentex and more, can be integrated into the design to handle particular needs and requirements of the building’s configuration.

Maintenance and Testing

Once the design is approved and installed, the professional fire alarm service company should continue their involvement in a maintenance role because of their familiarity with the equipment and design. Detection devices require inspection and cleaning and, as the system ages, parts may become worn, and wires may loosen. Only professional fire safety companies should inspect and maintain these sensitive instruments.

Compliance

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) sets standards for fire safety that are universally recognized. NFPA-72 requires annual testing to be performed by individuals certified by local or national fire prevention authorities, or by intensive training and certification of the system manufacturers’ equipment.

Certification and Experience

With over 30 years of experience in protecting Chicagoland properties, High Rise Security Systems is certified by UL and NICET (National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies). This highly regarded fire safety company provides the ongoing maintenance and testing services that will assure the safety of any building and occupants.

Today’s fire detection and notification systems are far more complex and interconnected than in previous decades. Highly sensitive smoke and heat detection devices trigger warning alarms and directional indicators to guide evacuating occupants. Simultaneously, these notify the central control personnel and the local fire authorities.

These detection and notification systems can be maintained only by knowledgeable, certified fire alarm system professionals.

Use a Fire Alarm Maintenance Company: Stay Compliant

Fire alarm maintenance companies perform a vital role in the safety of buildings and occupants. While jurisdictions may have differing requirements for testing fire alarm systems, ongoing maintenance and proof of annual testing are essential in each case.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) establishes the framework to ensure that buildings are safe from developing fire and smoke threats. Preserving the safety of each occupant is the ultimate objective, and compliance is mandatory.

NFPA Codes and Standards

The NFPA issues over 300 specific codes to protect people from death and injury resulting from avoidable fire, electrical, and other related hazards. Local government agencies use these standards as the basis for their fire safety regulations and requirements.

Approval of New or Retrofitted Fire Alarm Systems

When a new fire detection and alarm system is proposed, the best strategy is to collaborate with a professional fire safety company to design the types, number, and locations of devices sufficient to protect the occupants and assets within the building. Planned evacuation routes are also an essential part of the design.

The building cannot be occupied until the local fire agency has inspected and approved the proper installation of the fire protection systems.

Inspecting Existing Systems

Agencies having jurisdiction require building owners to prove that the facility fire alarm systems are well maintained and will operate properly in an emergency. All detection and notification systems must function as designed. Fire suppressant systems, where installed, have to respond to outbreaks as designed.

Fire alarm systems in public buildings are required to undergo a complete inspection each year. Whether these are conducted and documented by a licensed fire safety company or by the local fire authorities, all systems must be in perfect working order and fully responsive.

Partner with a Professional Fire Safety Company

During the design, installation, and commissioning of a compliant fire alarm system, building owners should work with a certified professional fire alarm maintenance company to guarantee compliance with the NFPA and local authorities. Companies like High Rise Security Systems in Chicago are fully trained to provide ongoing maintenance to keep the systems in top working condition. These experts understand all regulatory statutes that govern the safety of buildings and occupants.

Staying compliant with NFPA and local expectations is far more than avoiding citations and fines. Lives and property are at stake.

Why You Want a Fire Alarm Inspector to Be Certified By NICET

NICET is the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies. Achieving NICET certification requires more than attendance at a series of classes. Certification is achieved by passing an extensive test of job knowledge, verification of performance, and evaluation of your work experience. NICET certification represents a career level in an engineering field, not just the completion of a few courses.

Fire Safety Device Inspection

Local fire protection authorities require clear documentation of at least annual fire alarm system inspections. Building owners and facilities managers may prefer more frequent inspections and maintenance to ensure the system will work precisely as planned in case of an emergency. Since certain parts of any system may wear out or accumulate dust and grime, a careful testing and regular inspection are warranted, even in addition to the usual checks.

Importance of NICET Certification

Teams of experts in the field of electrical engineering developed the NICET certification testing to ensure they are sufficiently challenging to separate serious certification candidates from those who are not willing to perform the necessary work and study. Achievement of NICET is an accomplishment that stands out as a hiring qualification for some companies.

NICET certification can be upgraded at different points in your career. The program involves Levels 1-4, with Level 4 reaching the top of the profession. These individuals are qualified for the most complex assignments and can troubleshoot even the most complicated electrical systems.

Play It Safe

A NICET certified fire alarm inspector assures you that your systems are operating as planned. Checking every device and simulating potential problems can help the inspector to identify any underlying or developing problems. Malfunction of your fire alarm devices can be disastrous.

Working with a NICET certified fire safety company will provide peace of mind that your system will be properly designed, installed, tested, and maintained. NICET certified experts at High Rise Security Systems work with Chicago area hospitals, universities, high-rise residences, and commercial buildings to ensure the safety of the occupants and assets while providing ongoing fire alarm maintenance and testing.

Failure of a fire security system is not permissible. Knowing that the inspectors of your fire safety system’s detection and notification devices are NICET certified means that every element of the system will work when needed. Local fire protection authorities recognize the professional qualifications of NICET experts as the top performers in their field.

Managing Fire Alarm Installation

With any new construction or major building renovation, the fire detection systems must be in place and tested before an occupancy permit can be issued. With most electrical contractors, wiring the fire alarm systems is only a small part of the overall electrical job, yet it is the most important element for protecting the lives of future occupants. Working with a certified fire safety company to install the system saves time and reduces the potential for lost revenue resulting from a delay in approval.

Local codes require that the installation of fire detection systems be performed only by experienced and certified individuals. Before permits may be granted, the installer will present proof of installation certification issued by the local fire authorities, a nationally recognized fire safety organization, or by an intense training program performed by the manufacturer of the equipment.

Preparing the Fire Alarm System Plan

Today’s integrated fire detection and alarm systems can be complex and involve substantial interconnectivity. They need more than electrical expertise since designs call for one warning device to transmit information to a central control point and the local fire department for quick response. Also, the alerting device will trigger notification equipment that will initiate an orderly evacuation.

Needless to say, an interconnected system, whether wired or wireless, demands proper programming and sequential connectivity to function properly. Improper programming can result in costly delays.

Connect with a Licensed Fire Safety Company

A certified fire safety company should be part of the early design process to identify the location, number, and types of fire detection equipment to install. By collaborating at the beginning of the planning process, the electrical plan and the fire alarm installation should be coordinated so that they may be integrated seamlessly into the construction process.

Incorporating a fire safety company into the fire alarm installation process will bring the newest technologies to the plan. Doing so will extend the time before the system becomes obsolete. Moreover, more sophisticated detection capability and quicker response to emergencies improve the protection of future occupants.

Fire Alarm Monitoring Service

Professional fire safety companies play an essential role in new construction and building retrofits. Incorporating the most modern detection and notification capability at the outset can provide peace of mind for decades. Companies like High Rise Security Systems in Chicago will offer ongoing support and maintenance services for the fire detection system.