Fire and Safety the HRSS Way

High Rise Security Systems has been protecting businesses in the Chicago area for many years. The company’s portfolio of clients includes hospitals, hotels, universities and schools, commercial buildings, and large residential buildings. As a result, millions of citizens depend on the professionalism and vast experience of HRSS experts to protect them from fire and other security issues.

HRSS is NICET (National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies) and UL-certified. This fire safety company represents all of the leading edge manufacturers of smoke, gas, fire and safety systems.

Whether buildings are high-rise residential, office structures, sprawling university campuses or hospitals, HRSS technicians design, install, service, and monitor the most efficient detection and notification networks available.

Design Process

Using CAD (Computer-Aided Design) Technology, HRSS technicians design an entire building in AutoCAD format. Their simulation allows the experts to determine the best number and location of sensors and notification devices plus networking capabilities to ensure quick response and evacuation.

Notifier by Honeywell

Networking Notifier by Honeywell control panels with all sensors and alarms within the complex allows for central monitoring and instant remote notification. Sensing danger, the control panel can be wirelessly connected to activate directional evacuation signs, alarms, recorded messages, strobe light warnings, and a range of peripheral devices.

Installation and Ongoing Maintenance

High Rise Security experts will install, program, and test the systems to ensure proper operation. The system will be duly commissioned for the final inspection by local fire authorities. Proper installation and testing are required to receive the permit for occupancy. Delays due to improper installation can be expensive.

To continue to ensure the safety of occupants and assets, HRSS technicians will perform ongoing maintenance for the systems. The purpose of the regular maintenance program is to protect against malfunction due to the accumulation of dust and grime, wearing out of parts, or any physical abuse resulting from equipment or human contact. Systems should be tested regularly and repaired by experts as needed.

Meeting Local Agency Requirements

OSHA and authorities throughout the country require documentation of inspection and testing to be conducted at least annually by a certified fire safety company.

Access Control and Surveillance

Access control and closed circuit surveillance are also elements of fire and safety protection that may be installed and maintained by High Rise Security Systems. These can be integral parts of the overall monitoring systems.

Honeywell Fire Lite Systems

High Rise Security Systems, a Chicago-based fire and security systems company, represents Fire-Lite by Honeywell detection and notification devices designed for protection in multiple building configurations. Using SWIFT® wireless technology, addressable devices are designed to integrate to provide the utmost in protection for occupants in case of smoke and fire outbreaks.

Honeywell builds upon a century of experience in atmospheric and temperature sensing devices. With Honeywell Fire-Lite detection systems, the company manufactures an entirely integrated system to detect trouble, notify and direct occupants, and alert monitoring agencies and emergency services. With the many high-rise buildings and expansive campuses in Chicagoland, early detection and rapid response are necessary to protect individuals and properties.

What is an Addressable Fire Detection System?

Honeywell Fire Lite is an addressable fire alarm system which means every smoke or fire detection device has an address or location. Moreover, each detection device connects to and communicates with each other and a central control site. In large buildings, this interconnectivity allows the control personnel to identify the place or “address” where the discovery first occurred. The information allows emergency response to direct their efforts to the precise location of the developing problem and eliminate the problem quickly.

How Does Fire-Lite Systems Work?

The system starts with Fire-Lite’s Addressable Fire Alarm Control Panel. Fire-Lite offers four models of differing size and capability. Each is easily programmable and come equipped with:

• addressable point identification
• digital communication
• NAC (Notification Appliance Circuit) synchronization

SWIFT Smart Wireless Integrated Fire Technology provides reliable connectivity among the devices using mesh technology that allow interaction among the devices.

Fire-Lite’s Emergency Command Center (ECC) brings all of the devices together for state-of-the-art monitoring and coordination. The ECC provides multi-zone observation, mass notification, and evacuation management from a single location.

Communicators automatically connect the central control point to external emergency agencies and monitoring services to initiate firefighting and other emergency efforts.

Annunciators are essential elements of the entire system. The annunciators advise arriving firefighters of the location of all detection and alarm systems. The system will graphically show firefighting personnel where the fire may have started and its current status. Annunciators monitor and report the status of AC power, alarms, and the extent of damage to other devices.

High-Rise Security Systems Design and Installation

Honeywell Fire Lite Systems is a major partner of High-Rise Security. For more information, contact the experts at High-Rise Security.

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.