Why is Fire Alarm Design So important?

The fire alarm system is one of the most important elements of any building.  Protecting occupants and preventing tragedy should be the main concern of any business owner. Fire alarms and life safety systems must be designed correctly to protect people and property as intended. Any delay in detection of an emergency or notification to occupants could have catastrophic consequences.

Fire Alarm System Design in New or Existing Buildings

Whether remodeling an existing building or constructing a new building, fire alarm system design experts collaborate with business owners and building contractors to ensure that all devices are appropriately placed.  All fire, smoke and gas detection equipment must be properly placed according to code regulations to accurately detect an emergency as quickly as possible. All notification equipment including visual alerts such as strobe lights, and audible evacuation equipment including horns or mass notification systems must be properly located to direct occupants to safety.

Commercial Fire Alarm System Design Services

High Rise Security Systems, HRSS, offers commercial fire alarm system design to businesses in and around Chicago, working closely with building owners and contractors. We have an entire department dedicated to fire alarm system design, utilizing AutoCAD software to create an accurate design to scale for proper placement of all fire alarm system equipment and devices.  HRSS offers experience with complex fire alarm system design requirements including high-rise structures with multiple floors or mass complexes such as healthcare facilities or college campuses.

Ensuring proper placement of all detection and notification equipment is vital to saving lives and property. HRSS is recognized for our in-depth knowledge of all applicable code requirements and is respected by building and electrical contractors for ensuring safety in all fire alarm systems that we design. We offer decades of experience and expertise in addressing all key considerations for the best commercial fire alarm system design.

Key Factors In Designing Commercial Fire Alarm Systems

Along with proper placement of all devices and equipment, additional considerations include meeting all applicable code requirements from all regulating authorities including:

• Chicago Building Code, CBC
• International Building Code, IBC
• National Fire Protection Association, NFPA
• Americans With Disabilities Act, ADA

HRSS aids our clients in understanding the applicable code requirements for your type of business and building structure and we ensure complete compliance with professional, commercial fire alarm system design. In addition to meeting all code regulations, key considerations for the best fire alarm system design for your property include:

• Integrated security considerations – detect and respond to emergencies other than fire
• Reducing false alarms – ensuring accurate fire, smoke or gas detection as well as interpreting an outside threat such as unwanted intruders, theft, or burglary
• Planning for future expansions – a fire alarm system designed for your property today may not meet the needs of tomorrow.
• Controlling costs with upgrades – in addition to planning for expansions, consideration should be given to the most cost-effective plan when expansion is expected. Nonproprietary fire alarm equipment is ideal when planning for expansion and eliminates the need to replace entire systems while allowing to build upon an already installed system.

HRSS offers expertise in helping our clients to address all key considerations with a thorough and accurate fire alarm and life safety system design. We help to integrate fire protection with security such as controlled access and automatic locking or unlocking of doors, for example. We understand how to design a code compliant system, exactly what equipment is necessary and where it should be located with cost-effective solutions to prepare for the future.

Our experienced fire alarm system design team can help to answer all your questions such as if strobes are required in your workplace areas, whether you need a sprinklered system or how to incorporate mass notification systems when beneficial or required by code. We go above and beyond code requirements to ensure protection for your unique building structure and business activities.

HRSS is a leading fire alarm and safety system provider in the Chicago area, protecting commercial properties of all sizes. We design fire and safety integrated systems for hospitals, hotels, schools, medical complexes, and other types of businesses large and small. Contact us with any questions about your fire and safety system including how to upgrade or integrate security with a code compliant commercial fire alarm system design.

This article was originally published at: https://hrsschicago.com/fire-alarm-inspection/fire-alarm-inspection-requirement-chicago/

Fire Alarm Inspection Requirement In Chicago

*This article was published on 8/5/2016  and updated on  12/15/2021

Business owners, contractors, developers, and builders operating in the city of Chicago will be subjected to a fire safety inspection at different times for various reasons. The four most common types of commercial fire safety inspections in Chicago include:

• Permits – safety inspections required to receive a permit
• Quarterly / Annually – regular inspections required to maintain status
• Business License – inspections required to obtain a new license
• Complaints – inspections initiated by a complaint

Before starting a business In Chicago, applying for a business license or a loan, owners and operators must ensure that the property intended to conduct business is properly zoned. Appropriate zoning must comply with the Chicago Municipal Code which is frequently updated. You can find links to the Chicago Municipal Code and learn more about passing your fire safety inspection in Chicago including Inspections, Permitting, and Licensing from the city of Chicago programs and initiatives.

Both new and existing businesses in Chicago should be aware of the most common reasons for failing an inspection and speak with an experienced and reputable fire and life safety system provider with knowledge of Chicago Building Code requirements.

 Commercial properties in the city of Chicago, Illinois, must adhere to all building code regulations, including all fire alarm and life safety code requirements. Many local, state, and federal building and safety code regulations apply such as:

• National Fire Protection Association, NFPA, Standards
• The International Building Code
• The Americans with Disabilities Act, ADA
• In the Chicago Building Code, CBC

The Chicago Building Code was recently updated with new requirements that went into effect on August 1st of 2020.  Here is some information that highlights some of the most recent changes detailed in 2019 Chicago Building Code: What You Need to Know.

Chicago Fire Prevention Bureau Offices

The city of Chicago Fire Prevention Bureau utilizes specialized services that respond to various business needs including compliance with Chicago’s Municipal Code and fire safety inspections. For example, some of the specialized offices include:

School section – the inspectors in the School Section inspect all schools in the city of Chicago annually. In addition to annual inspections, every elementary and high school should conduct a formal fire drill every month that school is in session. Fire drills for elementary schools are conducted by fire companies while fire drills at high schools are to be conducted by a School Section Inspector. Colleges in Chicago should receive a monthly walk-through inspection, instead of a formal fire drill, which are performed randomly in colleges at least twice per year.

Hotels – all hotels in the city of Chicago must comply with the Chicago fire prevention Bureau Hotel / SRO (single room occupancy) Section Inspectors. All hotels and SROs must be inspected annually with monthly walk-through inspections to ensure that all fire safety procedures are in place.

Institutions – each institution such as hospitals, nursing homes, daycare centers, correctional facilities and shelters must have annual inspections with a monthly walk-through inspection.

The Chicago Fire Prevention Bureau Offices includes the section inspectors and many others including inspectors for licensing, new construction, places of public assembly, and more. Speak with your trusted Chicago fire and life safety provider, HRSS, for more information and maintaining compliance and to ensure that your business passes all required inspections.

HRSS Offers Commercial Fire Alarm Inspections in Chicago

High Rise Security Systems, HRSS, is your leading, trusted fire alarm and safety system provider to commercial properties in and around Chicago. We offer decades of experience and in-depth knowledge of all fire safety code requirements including local Chicago building code regulations as well as national requirements. We offer in-depth knowledge of NFPA 72 which is included in the most recent Chicago building code, as well as NFPA 101 Life Safety Code and others. Our experienced team helps you to understand the regulations applying to your business and property to ensure total compliance and pass all fire alarm safety inspections.

HRSS provides commercial fire alarm system design, UL listed equipment, fire alarm testing, maintenance, inspections and more. We offer knowledgeable fire and security integration consultation to design your fire safety system with the most beneficial and cost-efficient solution. Contact us to learn more and to ensure that you meet all commercial fire alarm inspection requirements in Chicago.

This article was originally published at: https://hrsschicago.com/fire-alarm-inspection/fire-alarm-inspection-requirement-chicago/

Security Systems For Small Businesses

*This article was published on 10/15/2016    and updated on  12/13/2021

Small business is the lifeblood of the U.S. economy, accounting for 44% of all American economic activity according to a report by the U.S. small business administration, SBA. Small businesses drive competitiveness and innovation, create nearly two-thirds of all net new jobs in the U.S. and up until recent years accounted for close to 48% of all gross domestic product, GDP. That figure has recently fallen closer to 43.5%, while GDP for large businesses has grown a little faster. 

This benchmark shows that small businesses continue to be a large contributor to the U.S. economy. While growing at a slower rate than large businesses, small businesses continue to drive jobs, innovation, and economic growth. Protecting your small business is more than protecting brick-and-mortar, it is protecting your livelihood, the result of your efforts and hard work.  Most small business owners have invested much of their own blood sweat and tears along with their passion for entrepreneurship to bring their products or services to market.

Protecting your small business is personal. A small business security system does more than protect your building, assets, and people, it protects your dreams and your future. 

Small Business Commercial Security Systems

Small business security systems include many of the same elements of fire alarm and life safety systems for large commercial properties. Small business alarm systems should include at the very least:

• Fire and smoke detection equipment
• Notification and evacuation equipment
• Security monitoring such as video surveillance and secure access systems
• Reliable monitoring with emergency dispatch

With small business security integration, these systems may overlap such as video surveillance that can monitor secure access sites as well as give more information for stranded employees during an emergency or visual progress of a fire.

Security and Intrusion Control

With closed-circuit TV and security systems that provide automatic locking or unlocking of exit doors, certain areas of a business can be locked down until emergency responders arrive. Exterior camera systems can monitor parking lots, entrances and exits. Video surveillance cameras can provide high-definition resolution, night vision enhancement and read or record license plate numbers from vehicles.

Video surveillance with documented recordings protects your business against unwanted intruders and provides valuable evidence in case of emergencies. Business owners are in control of access to their property with update capability to authorize or deauthorize employees or visitors instantly.

Fire alarm equipment, notification systems, monitoring, surveillance, and mass notification systems can all be integrated to protect a small business against a variety of threats.

Wireless Remote Monitoring from Any Device

Security systems available today offer remote monitoring with entire system accessibility available from various devices such as smartphones, tablets, or remote computer systems. Small business security systems that allow for easy, wireless remote monitoring provide small business owners with the flexibility they need to conduct their daily business activities with easy control of safety and security.

Integrated, easily managed small business security systems give business owners the peace of mind in knowing their property and people are protected with the flexibility to access data, activate cameras, or alarms with the push of a button.

Contact your trusted commercial fire alarm and safety system provider, High Rise Security Systems, HRSS, to learn more about integrated safety and security systems for small businesses.

HRSS is a leading Midwest provider of fire alarm and life safety systems to commercial properties in and around Chicago. We offer fully integrated systems starting with code compliant fire alarm system design, UL listed equipment, and comprehensive services including maintenance and monitoring. Contact us to learn more about protecting your small business with integrated safety and security solutions.

This article was originally published at: https://hrsschicago.com/security-alarms/security-systems-small-businesses/

What Is An Integrated Alarm System

*This article was published on 8/17/2016    and updated on 12/09/2021

An integrated safety and security system is a combination of various equipment and components that provide a multilayered level of protection against various threats. Integrated alarm systems include fire safety with detection and notification devices, enhanced security with things like automatic locking or unlocking of doors and mass notification systems as well as reliable monitoring.

Integrated Alarm System Components

Integration of alarm system components provides valuable protection to many types of properties whether a small business, a storage warehouse, industrial manufacturing, or high-rise hotels. Quick detection and response to various threats whether a fire or security risk is necessary to protect people and property. Integration of safety and security systems provides many benefits to business owners with comprehensive protection.

Additional benefits include cost savings and easy upgrades when working with experienced fire and life safety consultants and non proprietary fire alarm equipment. Components of an integrated alarm system include:

• Fire safety with notification and detection devices
• Security systems such as secure access and mass notification systems
• Video surveillance provides valuable protection with wireless cameras, night-vision, recording capabilities and easy installation
• Continual monitoring provides reliable dispatch to emergency personnel
• Evacuation procedures and equipment such as audible evacuation equipment helps direct occupants to safety

Integrating all these systems into one network provides practical, responsive, and cost-effective protection.

How an Integrated Alarm System Protects Your People and Property

Integrated alarm systems provide the greatest level of protection with various components for smoke and fire safety, security alerts and continual monitoring. Early detection of fire, smoke or gas will provide early warning of an emergency in time to safely evacuate. Unauthorized access could activate alarms to notify security personnel of a breach. Video surveillance including closed-circuit TV along with motion detectors could track unauthorized personnel, help to locate stranded individuals and give visual information on the extent of fire damage in certain areas.

In any case, monitoring and quick dispatch is critical to saving lives and property. Audible alerts such as smoke alarms, automatic evacuation procedures, and fire suppression systems like automated sprinklers provide quick response to fire. Visual alerts such as strobe lights are required in areas such as public hallways or work areas of the hearing impaired. Designing your integrated alarm system for maximum safety and code compliance is critical to achieve the level of protection your system is designed for.

Integrated Alarm System Design

Only an experienced fire alarm and life safety system provider should design your integrated alarm system to ensure maximum safety and code compliance. High Rise Security Systems, HRSS, offers code compliant integrated alarm system design based on decades of experience and utilizing only high-quality, UL listed equipment. By integrating non proprietary fire alarm system equipment from the best names in the industry of fire safety you can enjoy the highest level of protection with the most cost-effective solution.

Monitoring

Monitoring can be performed from a central location on the property or from a remote location. Sophisticated monitoring available today provides peace of mind 24/7 with quick dispatch to emergency personnel. Fire alarm systems can provide technologically advanced monitoring of the safety system and components themselves, alerting building owners and fire safety providers when equipment requires maintenance.

Integrated alarm systems allow for easy identification of emergencies and quick response to a wide range of security threats.

HRSS provides integrated fire alarm, life safety and security systems to commercial properties in and around Chicago. We offer decades of experience and in-depth expertise in designing alarm systems to meet all fire and safety code regulations. Contact us to learn how to protect your people and property with integrated safety and security systems.

This article was originally published at: https://hrsschicago.com/fire-alarm-installation/integrated-alarm-system/