Hurricane Recovery for Fire Protection Systems

Hurricane Recovery for Fire Protection Systems

Fire Protection Systems Hurricane Recovery

Hurricane Recovery for Fire Protection Systems is part two of our hurricane preparedness and recovery articles. Recently we covered preparing a fire protection system for a potential hurricane, anticipating the wind and water damage, and knowing when to power down the system to minimize potential damage. If an electrical spark ignites a fire during a hurricane, the wind can fan the flame and spread it rapidly. Our community experienced this during Hurricane Harvey.

Remember, state and local governments are a good source of local hurricane preparedness plans, but the standard for industrial plans are written by the National Fire Protection Association¹ and OSHA²

Post-Hurricane Recovery can seem overwhelming since the damage is anticipation in most buildings, roads, equipment, and product. While assessing the total damage to the facility, also anticipate the following damage to the fire protection system:

• Water damage to living circuits and the potential of electrical shock when power is restored
• Leaks that have developed in gas, fuel, or hazardous material storage and delivery systems.
• Accumulated debris that has washed around or against equipment.
• Be aware of fire safety issues, such as pools of water covered in fuel or flammable material

The fire protection system and emergency alarm systems will need significant inspection and repair for Hurricane Recovery for Fire Protection Systems. Since the facility manager has so much to inspect and repair, it is wise to hire qualified fire protection professional as an emergency system impairment coordinator. A recovery plan for the facility should be customized for your facility and for the damage it has received.  It will include:

• If the fire protection and alarm system will be inoperable for 10 hours during a 24-hour period, alternative emergency practices need to be implemented
  • An evacuation plan is defined using existing conditions and the state of disrepair
  • An approved fire watch in absence of an alarm system
  • A temporary water supply system, since both fresh and saltwater will contaminate the existing sources
  • An extensive inspection to eliminate potential ignition sources
• A complete inspection of every system component will need to be completed to determine the extent of damage and the repairs needed.
  • Water is needed for many systems, including sprinkler systems. While the facility manager is restoring potable water supplies, the impairment coordinator will be inspecting the sprinkler system for contaminated water.
  • Water will also infiltrate the fuel tanks of emergency generators and pumps. The water will foul the engines.
  • The corrosion of salt water will corrode the pipes and valves of systems.
  • Fire suppression systems and fire extinguishers will need to be inspected for damage.
• Electrical systems will need special attention. The risk of fire damage is high after flooding is extremely high. While the goal must be to return systems to pre-hurricane status, moving too quickly can cause considerable long-term damage.
  • Water will damage electrical components, from emergency light bulbs to alarm control panels.
  • If water remains in contact with electrical wiring when the power is restored, the result can be shock and even a potential spark.
  • Saltwater will cause corrosion. The contamination from freshwater will also cause corrosion.

Anticipate a recommendation to replace most wiring, lighting, switches, and electrical components. In a desire to save money, it may be tempting to consider cleaning and refreshing as much as possible. However, experience concludes that

Floodwaters will cause corrosion and perhaps start fires, even years after the event. Only the largest of pumps and heavy equipment can be refurbished cost-effectively.

Have Questions About Hurricane Recovery 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 Recovery for Fire Protection Systems.

¹ https://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/all-codes-and-standards/list-of-codes-and-standards/detail?code=1600

² https://www.osha.gov/hurricane/preparedness