When you’re experiencing an emergency, wouldn’t you want the resources you need to survive? “Life safety systems” is a broad term that refers to systems in place to ensure people’s safety in dangerous situations or other crises. These systems utilize various technologies to mitigate hazards, and their importance can’t be overstated. Let’s take a look at the systems designed to keep you safe in the unfortunate event of an emergency.
Fire Protection Systems
Fire is a potential hazard in any location that has flammable materials or electricity (pretty much any man-made structure, to name just one sweeping example). Luckily, technology has made some crucial fire safety systems making prevention and response possible.
Fire Alarms
This is the first line of defense in the event of a fire breaking out. Smoke detectors will detect smoke particles and sudden increases in heat. They then set off an alarm that’s tough to miss, thanks to its blaring sound and flashing lights. When one of these alarms goes off, vacate the zone of danger immediately.
Sprinklers
Fire’s arch enemy is water, and a sprinkler system ensures an area where flames are detected is doused in H2O. Whenever heat rises to a certain level, the water is released to stop the spread of a fire that could otherwise spread rapidly. There are a few different kinds of sprinkler systems like wet pipe, dry pipe, and pre-action systems. Each one is suitable for different environments and situations.
Fire Extinguishers
You’re probably familiar with this one, though we hope you never have to use one! If you are faced with the unenviable task of putting out a fire with an extinguisher, the process is relatively straightforward for many of them. Point the nozzle at the fire and spray. Extinguishers also come in different types like water, foam, dry powder, CO2, and wet chemical.
Emergency Lighting
While these fire safety systems don’t play an active role in putting a fire out, they’re still a vital factor in saving lives. Emergency lighting maximizes visibility for people in areas that are filled with smoke, and acts as a guide to safety.
Emergency Communication Systems
Communication is key in an emergency, so let’s go over a few innovations that have become vital parts of emergency prevention and response.
Public Address Systems
These make real-time communication possible when everyone in a building needs to be notified that an emergency is taking place. They often utilize intercoms to provide evacuation instructions, updates, and other details related to the emergency.
Two-Way Communication Systems
A direct line of communication between emergency responders and building occupants could be the difference between life and death. These systems help firefighters and other personnel coordinate efforts related to fire suppression and rescue. Building occupants are able to notify them of their location and the status of their surroundings.
Mass Notification Systems
If you’ve ever received an amber or silver alert by way of text message, you have a good idea of what these systems do. Mass notification systems can convey emergency information to large groups of people quickly. They do this through texts, emails, loudspeakers, and other avenues that will reach the population effectively.
Exit and Egress Systems
If there’s no equipment in place to make sure people get out of harm’s way, an emergency can become even more severe. Most public spaces have systems in place to make sure response is efficient and casualties are minimized.
Emergency Exit Signs
We’re all familiar with the signs above exterior doors that simply say “EXIT” in illuminated letters. They’re a fixture we often take for granted, but in an emergency, they’re a beacon of safety.
Evacuation Plans
These plans provide a thorough outline of the procedures that ensure everyone gets to safety in an organized manner if there’s an emergency. In addition to a documented procedure, regular drills are essential to their success. They ensure everyone knows what their escape route is, which minimizes confusion and makes the process as smooth as it can be.
Security Systems
The only good kind of emergency is the one that doesn’t happen. Security systems are in place to prevent dangerous situations from beginning.
Surveillance Cameras
These provide continuous monitoring of a property, both inside and outside. They can provide proof of a crime and help in criminal investigations, but often their presence is enough to deter would-be intruders.
Access Control Systems
Every business has areas that are only meant for employees, and every home is a haven of privacy for its residents. Access control systems ensure only authorized people are able to enter areas such as this. Traditional locks can only provide so much security. Additionally, should an employee leave the company or a house change ownership, the access control system can be programmed to add or remove the approved entrants. This is faster and more cost-effective than changing the locks entirely.
Intrusion Detection Systems
In the event that a burglar targets a home, business, or other building, there are systems that can prevent them or sound the alarm. These include motion detectors, window and door contacts, and glass break sensors.
Medical Emergency Systems
As much as we try to prevent them, there is always the possibility of someone being injured. That’s why emergency systems aren’t just about prevention; response is just as important. If harm befalls anyone, you’ll hopefully be able to rely on one of these tools.
First Aid Stations
These provide quick access to medical supplies that are essential for treating anyone who requires medical attention. They typically include standard medicine, bandages, and other tools for cleaning wounds.
Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs)
Sudden cardiac arrest needs to be addressed quickly, and AEDs can be a life-saving device should the situation arise. They’re easy to use and significantly increase the victim’s chances of survival.
Emergency Medical Alerts
These alert systems include panic buttons and other alert devices that notify responders when someone is in crisis. A popular system is Life Alert, often used for senior citizens. If they experience an emergency, these devices automatically send out alerts, eliminating the need for a 911 call.
Environmental Life Safety
Whether it’s responding to hazardous material leaks or ensuring water is safe for consumption, environmental life safety measures are a crucial part of keeping harmful chemicals from entering our bodies.
Hazardous Material Detection
As the name implies, these systems provide alerts and even automated responses when they detect harmful chemicals and gases where they shouldn’t be. They ensure everyone vacates the area to avoid harm, and notify responders that there is an emergency. Think of a carbon monoxide detector found in many homes. The substance isn’t detectable by human senses, but can be deadly with enough exposure. A device that can make residents aware of it is a life saver.
Air Quality Monitoring
These track pollutants and other substances in the air. These are especially important in lab and industrial settings where various chemicals are used frequently, but they’re viable in any place where people gather.
Water Safety Systems
These monitor water supplies and ensure that they’re safe for human consumption. Filtration, purification, and other testing tools are all parts of these systems that are vital to public health.
Integration and Maintenance
None of these systems can be effective without proper implementation, so let’s go over the steps to take to ensure they’re working at peak performance.
System Integration
When there’s an opportunity to integrate two or more life safety systems together, take it. This interconnection allows them to work together to ensure everyone’s safety by maximizing mitigation effectiveness and improving response times.
Regular Maintenance
As with any piece of equipment, regular maintenance is vital to making sure everything is running as smoothly as possible. Schedule routine inspections and testing so you can catch potential troubleshooting issues early on.
Compliance
Adhering to safety regulations ensures that these life safety systems are performing the way they should and meeting all the proper criteria related to performance and reliability. Compliance is important for operational and legal reasons alike.
Life Safety Systems for a Safer Future
We’ve come a long way from standard locks and other rudimentary safety measures. Being aware of and understanding the several life safety systems in existence today is the first step to maximizing the security of homes, businesses, and other public spaces. If you have any questions about these systems or want to hire the experts, get in touch with us at Next Generation Security Concepts. We’ll be happy to maximize your safety at home and work!
