Builders urged to reap the rewards from fire safety

Builders, developers and housing associations who install sprinkler systems in their homes could save money as well as lives, says Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS).

KFRS is gaining support and recognition at both local and national level for its “Safer with Sprinklers” campaign to have the devices installed in the homes of vulnerable people and it is urging those in the housing sector to follow this forward-thinking and become leaders in design and safety.

KFRS Chief Fire Officer Bill Feeley said: “It is obvious that sprinkler systems save lives because they immediately tackle the fire but there are some myths which deter people from installing them - such as extortionate costs and accidental operation – and we want to correct these misconceptions.
“Sprinklers actually save you money if you are unlucky enough to suffer from a fire because the water and fire damage is considerably less but ultimately, your homes and residents will be safer. KFRS wants builders, developers and housing associations to take responsibility and contribute to making the community safer from the potentially devastating affects of fire.”

The facts:
Early alarm: Over 50% of all fire casualties are either young, old or physically incapacitated and cannot properly help themselves. Sprinklers also sound the alarm so they greatly extend the time available for escape or rescue.
Inexpensive: Residential fire sprinklers are not expensive, costing less than 2% of the cost of an average new house – or about the cost of good carpeting.
Construction trade-offs: Under new Building Regulations, sprinkler systems may allow more design freedoms or a trade off against the need for other fire safety protection measures. There’s also a potential for financial benefits arising from insurance premium reduction.
Limited water damage: Sprinklers use much less water than the fire service. Because the sprinkler tackles the blaze immediately, it has a much smaller fire to deal with than the one the firefighters meet when they arrive.
Operational facts: Each sprinkler is individually triggered directly by the heat of the fire, and the system will have gained control of the fire long before the fire service is even notified. Only the sprinkler directly affected by the fire goes off - NOT all of them.
Reliability: They are designed to last for 50 years and the chance of accidental operation in service is one in sixteen million. Less than your chance of winning the lottery!
Easy to install: Modern residential sprinklers are small, neat and unobtrusive, available in a variety of finishes and colours to match any décor.

KFRS launched its “Safer with Sprinklers” scheme in November last year, presenting awards to housing associations, landlords and developers who fit sprinkler systems in the homes of those most at risk of fire, including the young, elderly and disabled.

It is co-hosting a special seminar with Kent County Council on 29 October aimed at an audience of planning officers, architects and builders. Meanwhile, KFRS has also been engaging with central Government and, following communication between the Chief Fire Officer and the Department for Communities and Local Government (CLG), the Government has commissioned consultants to consider potential options – including sprinklers – in areas of new build housing, for example the Thames Gateway development.

Mr Feeley added: “It is satisfying to note that, as part of this study, the Government considers that it is worth revisiting the installation of sprinklers as an active protection measure where large numbers of houses are being built at one time in a defined geographical area.
“The cost of installing sprinklers will be considered against the cost of new fire stations and we hope this will be compelling enough to persuade those responsible for the development of these communities to consider designing in sprinklers.”

For more information about the KFRS “Safer with Sprinklers” campaign, please visit out website www.kent.fire-uk.org/Your_Safety/Sprinklers/index.html

Email: gemma.smith@kent.fire-uk.org