Hurricane Preparedness for Fire Protection Systems

Hurricane Preparedness for Fire Protection Systems

Checklist Hurricane Preparedness for Fire Protection Systems

The Atlantic and Gulf coasts are entering a period of heightened awareness; the chances of tropical storms developing in the south Atlantic and organizing into hurricanes are highest between June and November.

The National Hurricane Center¹, the agency responsible for tracking storms, predicts the direction of storms and issues a warning 36 hours ahead of time to the coastal community expecting hurricane landfall. Over the years, these predictions have saved hundreds of thousands of lives and reduced the environmental impact of major storms.

Two major storms (Katrina and Harvey) are reminders that hurricanes can have major impacts on the environment. While much of the public hurricane preparedness focuses on family homes, industrial and heavy commercial facilities must make tremendous preparation to avoid major environmental impact. Professionally, we must reduce financial risk and liability. As good neighbors, we must take extra Hurricane Preparedness for Fire Protection Systems measures to protect our community.

The Dangers of Hurricanes to Fire Protection Systems

Storm Surge. As a hurricane approaches the coast, it pushes a heavy wave onto the shoreline; if the storm arrives at high tide, the surge will be greater. A sustained wave of 6’, 9’, or even 20’ for a few hours is devastating to anything in its path. The surge will travel up rivers and streams, into estuaries and bays, causing extensive localized flooding.

High Winds. Hurricane-force winds begin at 75 mph and can exceed 150 mph.

• Anticipate damage to buildings and structures
• Anticipate damage from flying debris. Minimize this risk by securing material that is stored outdoors.
• Anticipate power surges when high winds cause intermittent outages. Also, anticipate a power outage of one to seven days.

Heavy Rains. Hurricanes may dump more than 1” of rain per hour for approximately 24 hours. Storm water infrastructure will not accommodate this amount of rainfall. Local creeks may flood, roadside ditches will overflow, and storm water drains will back up.

Hurricane Preparedness for Fire Protection Systems Begins Now!

Knowing the force of the hurricane and the potential damage, it becomes obvious that the 36 hours of warning are inadequate to accomplish everything immediately before the storm arrives. Emergency preparedness guides are available from the National Fire Protection Association and OSHA

National Fire Protection Association

OSHA.gov

“Hide from the wind, run from the water.” This adage about hurricanes resonates since 90% of hurricane fatalities are due to the water and only 10% from the wind.

• 80% of Katrina’s damage happened after floodwaters breached the levees
• 60% of Sandy’s damage to New York City was the result of the storm surge and flooding
• Hurricane Harvey’s 60 inches of rain resulted in $125B in damage

Anticipate that localized flooding will cause extensive damage to equipment, facilities, vehicles, and product unless you act preemptively; it is vitally important to avoid risks before, during, and after major storms.

Hurricane Preparedness for Fire Protection Systems During a Hurricane

National Fire Protection Agency 1600 is a standard for emergency management and business continuity program through a variety of emergencies, including hurricanes. Flooding can result in extensive damage to fire sprinklers, fire suppression, and fire alarm systems.

The fire protection system is extremely important during emergency situations, since first responder crews may not be available during hurricane conditions. The high winds can fan a fire, causing it to intensify and spread. Insurance carriers may also require proof that every effort was made to mitigate fire risk even during a hurricane. Hurricane Preparedness for Fire Protection Systems plans should include:

• An emergency plan will need to be in place before the emergency happens
  • The proper equipment will need to be installed, maintained, tested, and inspected
  • Staff will need to be trained and drilled on safety plans
• A licensed fire protection contractor should evaluate your fire protection system to ensure it is ready before a hurricane asks the question
• If flooding is imminent cutting power to the fire protection system will
  • Limit the amount of damage flooding can cause to the system
  • Avoid electrical shock from submerged wires
  • Avoid fires should water contaminated by fuel or flammable material encounter a spark from an electric arc
• Be aware that cutting power mitigates some risk, but makes the facility significantly more vulnerable should a fire start.
• Be slow to restore power once flood water has receded. Standing water and damaged electrical components are a dangerous combination.

More on a recovery plan in the next blog.

Have Questions About Hurricane Preparedness for Fire Protection Systems?

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 Hurricane Preparedness for Fire Protection Systems.

¹ http://www.hurricanescience.org/science/forecast/forecasting/forecastprocess/#:~:text=The%20National%20Hurricane%20Center%20(NHC,Pacific%20basins%20around%20North%20America