Fire Protection System Hurricane Preparedness

Fire Protection System Hurricane Preparedness

The 2024 Fire Protection System Hurricane Preparedness Guide

June 1 begins the 2024 hurricane season. Storms that stay out to sea only pose a danger to shipping lanes. It is predicted that this will result in 24 named storms crossing the Atlantic and an estimated 4 or 5 major storms making landfall on the US coast before the season ends in November.

Where these storms make landfall is vitally important: the damage is much more severe when they strike population centers. The damage becomes widespread among residential and commercial centers.

How does the hurricane season affect fire safety? Well, the potential for fire events in commercial facilities does not decrease at all. Damage during hurricanes—storm surges, heavy rainfall, and extremely high winds—damages fire safety equipment along with damage to other structures.

Fires that happen during hurricanes are particularly hazardous since communication equipment might not function well, and emergency response may be hampered by a storm.

Remember, the purpose of fire safety equipment and procedures is to:

• Save lives
• Prevent fires from starting in the first place
• Prevent fires that do start from spreading
• Communicate with occupants, leading them to evacuate safely
• Communicate with emergency responders

Since hurricane damage is generally widespread and unpredictable, there is no foolproof way to safeguard fire protection equipment during major storms. However, here are a few things to focus on during hurricane season to maximize fire safety.

Fire Protection System Hurricane Preparedness and Maintenance

Staying compliant with fire and building codes requires a series of inspections and testing to ensure equipment is in good repair and ready for emergency use. Neglecting maintenance, only to need it during a major storm, is not a good position to put yourself in.

Fire Protection System Hurricane Preparedness: Preparing for Damage

A common wisdom concerning storms is “hide from wind/run from water.” High winds remain outside until structural damage allows it inside. However, storm surges and flash flooding pose a real danger, even for intact structures.

• Rising water will damage electronic controls and sensors for fire safety equipment; pumps for sprinkler systems are often in low-lying areas. This threatens the pump controls.
• Rising water can threaten the water supply in the municipal supply network. This is a major regional threat for anyone drinking water, but this same water supply also services sprinkler networks.
• Flammable liquids and gases are susceptible to water damage, whether in tanks, large or small, or from a utility supply. These substances can be carried on the water, spreading a flammable (and hazardous) liquid far and wide.
• The boxes that contain electronic components are waterproof. Components that get wet are usually subject to corrosion; this corrosion does not appear immediately. If control components are submerged, they will need to be replaced. Damaged electronics often create sparks, and sparks start fires.
• If floodwaters approach a facility, it will be necessary to shut off power to reduce the risk of electrocution and arcing sparks.

NFPA Standard 1600¹  

The National Fire Protection Agency is the source of many fire codes and procedures for commercial buildings. Standards 1600 is entitled Standard on Continuity, Emergency, and Crisis Management and gives details for recovery after major catastrophes and natural disasters.

• The process begins with extensive visual inspection.
• Plan for significant testing and inspection to ensure fire safety equipment is in good working order and ready for any emergency. It will be necessary to remove any water from boxes and conduits and replace the components before restoring power.

Cleaning and repairing fire safety equipment before use is essential to restoring the safety system to full use.

Let us Create a Fire Protection System Hurricane Preparedness Plan

Call Fire Safe Protection Services today at 713-722-7800 or visit our online form, and we will be in contact as soon as possible about your Fire Protection System Hurricane Preparedness questions.

¹  https://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/nfpa-1600-standard-development/1600