What’s the Difference Between Fire Protection, Prevention and Suppression?

Fire safety is an important part of owning a business, but there are different aspects of fire safety to consider. For example, what is the difference between fire protection, prevention and suppression in Longview, TX? Read on to find out which type of system is right for your business.

Fire protection

This is implemented in the design process for a new building. The goal of fire protection is to protect anyone in the building and minimize the damage should a fire occur. It doesn’t always stop a fire from happening, but instead focuses on reducing damage to the structure and anyone inside of it.

This can include active systems like fire alarms and sprinklers, which activate in the case of a fire and help to alert anyone in the building to evacuate and to extinguish or minimize the spread of fire. It can also include passive systems like structural measures that keep flames and smoke from spreading.

Passive fire protection includes compartmentalization to keep fire or smoke contained to a certain area. This can be seen in applications like fire doors and cavity barriers, and also fire protection boards, which absorb heat. This can help keep fire from spreading into an evacuation route.

Another element of passive fire protection is intumescent paint applied to steel beams in the structure of a building. When this paint is heated to around 1,000 degrees, it swells into a carbonaceous layer to protect from fire for up to 120 minutes.

Fire prevention

This can be part of the blueprints for a new building, or it can be added into an existing building. The goal of fire prevention is to reduce the likelihood of a serious fire.

This involves making sure any hazardous and combustible materials are stored safely, and that ignition points, like wall outlets and heating systems, are properly maintained. Fire safety inspections fall under the fire prevention umbrella.

Fire suppression

While fire protection is about slowing or stopping the spread of a fire while allowing the people inside a building to safely evacuate, and fire prevention is about stopping a fire from even happening, fire suppression is about putting out a fire if it does happen.

Should a fire occur, fire suppression is the last line of defense that can keep a building standing, or at least keep a fire minimized until the fire department arrives on scene to fully extinguish the blaze.

Fire suppression systems use chemical agents or gases to extinguish a fire without water. These systems are automatically activated in the presence of fire or smoke, and can be especially useful to help protect valuable assets like artwork or computer systems from fire or smoke damage.

Now that you know the difference between fire protection, prevention and suppression in Longview, TX, call Anchor Safety Inc. to get started on making your building fire-safe. With more than 50 years of experience in fire safety, Anchor Safety Inc. is your best choice for all your fire safety needs. Reach out today to arrange a consultation.

Categorised in: Fire Safety Equipment

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