Home Fire Sprinklers – San Bernardino County Fire Protection District

Currently, more than 3,000 people die in fires in the United States each year, and 84% of these deaths occur in residential homes. Not only does the risk of dying in a fire decrease by about 80% when fire sprinklers are present, sprinklers provide significant property protection, reducing the average loss by 71% per fire (information from the National Fire Protection Association).

Here are some simple tips to keeping your residential fire sprinkler system functioning.

Water sprinkler and Smoke detectors sensor, Automatic fire extinguisher

Do’s:

checkedKnow the location of the system shutoff valve. The system shutoff valve in most cases may be the water meter that controls the domestic water.
checkedMake certain system valve is open at all times.
checkedIn some homes there will be a decorative cover plate that is designed to conceal the sprinkler head. Check to see if the cover plate is in place.
checkedPrior to remodeling your home contact a licensed fire sprinkler contractor.
checkedContact your local fire department when any activation occurs. Dial 911.

Don’ts:

crossedDon’t paint over the sprinkler heads or decorative cover plate. The added paint will absorb heat and can delay the operation of the sprinkler heads.
crossedDon’t damage the sprinkler heads. Damaged sprinkler heads may not activate in the event of a fire.
crossedDon’t hang objects from the sprinklers heads (i.e., plants holders, decorations, clothes hangers).
crossedDon’t obstruct the sprinkler heads.
crossedDon’t cover the sprinkler heads.
crossedDon’t remove the sprinkler heads.
crossedDon’t turn off or disconnect the fire sprinkler system.
crossedDon’t shutoff the fire sprinkler system in the event of a fire.

In the event of a fire

Be calm and leave your home immediately.

Dial 911 from a neighbor’s house.

Home Safety Topics

Home Safety