May 19 marked Home Fire Sprinkler Day, prompting Whitby Fire and Emergency Services to reiterate its message about the importance of installing sprinklers in new homes.
Modern home furnishing and construction materials are creating home fires that burn faster than ever, meaning residents may have only one to two minutes to safely escape a burning home after the smoke alarm signals, the department noted in a release.
“Home fire sprinklers save lives and reduce property damage,” said Whitby Fire Chief Dave Speed.
“When buying a new home, residents are urged to ask their builder about the installation of fire sprinklers. The incremental extra cost is absolutely worth it to protect your loved ones.”
The majority of fire deaths that occur in North America each year take place at home. According to the Whitby Fire Department, home sprinkler systems reduce the chances of dying by 69 per cent, and reduce risk of property loss by 70 per cent. Smoke alarms and home sprinkler systems operating in tandem reduce the risk of dying in the event of a fire by 82 per cent.
Sprinkler installation in new homes is also cost-effective, averaging one to two per cent of a home’s total construction cost ($1.50 per sq. ft.). Local requirements for sprinklers throughout North America and Europe have improved public safety in hundreds of jurisdictions, resulting in lower installation costs.
Home fire sprinklers are activated by high heat and operate individually. In a fire, the sprinkler closest to the fire will activate and prevent the spread of deadly toxic smoke and fire. In the vast majority of home fires just one sprinkler is needed to control the flames. The sprinklers are controlled systems that are not falsely triggered by cooking fumes, smoke or signalling smoke alarms.
Visit www.whitby.ca/fire for more information on home fire sprinklers.
Link to original article in Whitby This Week: Whitby fire promotes safety message during Home Fire Sprinkler Day