The National Fire Protection Association reports that 3,200 people die in home fire each year. Residential sprinkler system can play a major role in reducing that number. Yet there are many muths and much confusion in the country these days regarding building code changes requiring the installation of residential fire sprinkler systems in new construction. Countryside would like to help clear up some of that confusion.
Modern advances in technology and building techniques have enabled builders to install fire sprinkler systems in homes at a reasonable cost. The Countryside Fire Protection District recognizes the effectiveness of fire sprinklers and considering the relatively low cost of installation and maintenance, either requires or recommends sprinkler systems, depending on the jurisdiction. The Village of Long Grove was one of the early leaders in residential fire sprinkler systems and passed an ordinance in 1988 requiring all new homes built within their village, to install a fire sprinkler system. Countryside Fire Protection District passed an ordinance on March 18, 2004 requiring all new homes built within their unincorporated Lake County district area also install residential sprinkler systems. The Village of Indian Creek followed in August of 2004. There are now over 60 municipalities and districts in the northern Illinois area that requires residential sprinkler protection for all new homes.
Life Safety is the primary goal of a NFPA 13D Sprinkler System. Property protection is a secondary goal. Although smoke detectors are essential in every household, they’re designed to detect; not control a fire. Home sprinklers complement the detector’s work by providing a way to fight the fire immediately, limiting damage and more importantly, allowing you and your family to safely exit your home.
The sprinkler system is designed to provide protection with a series of pipes and sprinkler heads, which are located throughout your home. Each sprinkler head is designed to individually activate if the ceiling temperature should reach between 135 and 175 degrees. The water from the sprinkler head will help to control and in most instances extinguish the fire. Upon activation of the sprinkler system, an interior bell and exterior white strobe/horn device will activate to provide a local alarm notification.
For more information, click here for a handout created by the Countryside Fire Prevention Bureau.
Vernon Hills Channel 4 Interview
Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition Video
Fresno Fire PSA Fire Sprinkler Video