New Fire Safety Technology

7/14/2021 (Permalink)

Faster, smarter technology means better fire safety technology. The basics of fire safety, from stocking the right equipment to knowing fire protocols, remain the same, but technological advances build on the basics, making fire fighting quicker, easier, and more effective. SERVPRO of Lynnwood takes pride in staying up to date with advances in the industry.

There are some amazing technologies being produced to fight fires; advances in video, sound and detection technology. Here are some of the new features;

Sound Wave Fire Extinguisher

This chemical-free, water-free extinguisher uses sound waves to separate burning fuel from oxygen. Fire dies out without oxygen, so using the soundwave extinguisher on a small fire is successful. The sound wave extinguisher provides non-destructive fire safety technology, which is ideal for home use. Currently the technology is only suitable for small fires since it does not contain a coolant.

Water Mist Systems

Water mist fire safety technology is considered a major part of the future of firefighting. Water simply works, and it’s the most common agent used to fight fires today.

Instead of large droplets of water, water mist systems send out a fine mist that smothers a fire. Since the droplets are smaller, the mist systems create more of them. The larger surface area of droplets converts water to steam faster. The steam absorbs more heat from the flame, lowering the temperature of the fire, suffocating the fire faster. Mist systems also significantly decrease water damage. 

Early Suppression Fast Response Fire Sprinkler Systems (ESFR)

ESFR systems are ceiling-mounted, featuring high-pressure heads capable of producing a high volume of water; nearly 100 gallons of water per minute. Unlike a conventional sprinkler system made to control a fire, ESFR fire safety technology suppresses the fire (shrinks it back to the point of origin). These systems require large amounts of water and are hooked up to fire pumps. They are found to be effective in large buildings such as warehouses.

Integrated Voice Evacuation and Messaging System

Not all fire safety technologies are built to fight fires: some protect the people a fire can hurt. An integrated voice evacuation and messaging system alerts occupants with pre-recorded messages when a fire breaks out. Fire evacuation plans and other safety information play over speakers so occupants can respond appropriately. This can be customized to the facility and will help keep people informed during an emergency.