Sprinkler Systems, The Next Step John Dailey Fire Marshal Peachtree City Fire & Rescue
Purpose Inform Council of Fire Department s position on fire sprinklers in residential structures. Discuss myths and facts. Discuss recommendation for ordinance change.
What s Already In Place Peachtree City adopted an ordinance in March 2008 that included all new commercial occupancies greater than 5000 square feet in size, occupancies providing live entertainment, and all residential except for single family residences.
Code Requirements Upcoming In September 2008 the International Code Council (ICC) adopted a new code section that will require all new single family homes to be equipped with an automatic fire sprinkler system. This will be included in the Code section published in the 2009 editions.
State Mandates It will be up to the State of Georgia Department of Community Affairs to adopt the ICC code changes. Many Homebuilders groups have campaigned against any approvals by individual states including; Georgia, Alabama, Arizona, North Dakota are examples. There is a Georgia House Bill, (HB 1196), right now in the legislature process that would limit mandating residential sprinklers in State of Georgia This Is A Pre-Emptive Strike
Our Proposal Include fire sprinkler requirements for all new single family construction, and existing single family homes if and when: (1), the structure was damaged to a point of at least fifty percent (*) of its value by fire or other catastrophe, (2), the structure is proposed to undergo a remodel or addition that would equate to at least fifty percent of its value, or
Our proposal continued (3) the existing structure is converted to a business such as a children s daycare, adult daycare, or any type of business that would introduce a more potentially dangerous environment for the occupants. *With regard to a proposed remodel or addition this would not include such upgrades or improvements relative to its outward appearance such as aesthetic improvements.
50 % of Value? Language is consistent with the 2006 International Building Code and Amendments to the code through the GA Dept. of Community Affairs, 50% Value should mean: The estimated cost of new work or replacement is equal to or greater than 50% of the replacement cost of the entire existing building as determined through professional appraisal services.
What Are They? They are professionally designed system of water lines, valves, & outlets intended to activate as many outlets; (Sprinklers), as needed to control a fire.
How Do They Work? Each fire sprinkler system consists of an average of 15-20 heads in a single family residence from a single source of water and acts/reacts independently by temperature. Temperature Range: 175 degrees 650 degrees, (dependant on type of occupancy)
Why is this important to the Fire Service Current Construction Methods Lightweight Construction Hazardous Home Contents
Construction Methods This presentation makes no argument regarding the lightweight construction methods currently used in home building markets relative to its ability to maintain its integrity during its lifespan except when it is EXPOSED to FIRE
Experience
Experience
Experience
Testimonial After Fire Impingement Before Fire Impingement
What s Next? Suppliers have found a way to make these even easier to use for the contractors.
Hazardous Contents in modern homes Pervasive use of Polyurethane Foam in cushions and other furnishings Utilities and Electrical Appliances Kitchen and Cooking Smoking Candles and Holiday Decorations Yard Equipment and their fuels
Myths and Misconceptions MYTH Home fire sprinklers are expensive and will make housing unaffordable, especially for first time home buyers moving here. FACT The dollar amount is comparable to a carpet upgrade, a paved stone driveway or a whirlpool tub. The cost of residential sprinkler systems is estimated at $ 1.61/square foot.
Myths and Misconceptions MYTH If one sprinkler goes off, they all go off FACT Sprinklers activate independently. Only the sprinkler closest to the fire s heat will activate! Each head is designed to activate only when the sensor is exposed to significant heat changes directing water to the fire.
Myths and Misconceptions MYTH Home fire sprinklers often leak or activate accidentally FACT Like all home plumbing when properly installed and maintained there is a low risk of leaks. With more than 50 years of experience, history proves there is a very low risk of leaks
Myths and Misconceptions MYTH We don t need a mandate, they can be installed voluntarily FACT Mandating sprinklers in one and two family homes provides a greater overall level of safety in communities. By requiring these life-saving devices in new homes we ensure that large numbers of residents can enjoy the same level of safety found in many offices, schools, apartments and public buildings.
Myths and Misconceptions MYTH If you want your home fire sprinkler to be reliable, you need frequent, expensive maintenance. FACT fire sprinklers for residential applications are much simpler than ones used in commercial buildings. In a home fire sprinkler system, the only inspection and maintenance you need is to perform is as follows:
inspection and maintenance (a) walk around your home and make sure the sprinklers are not obstructed by something that would block the water coming out, and (b) avoid turning off the main control valve (that you would normally never turn off!)
Myths and Misconceptions MYTH Any time a smoke alarm goes off it will activate the home fire sprinklers FACT Each individual sprinkler is designed to activate when it senses a significant heat change. They do not operate in response to smoke, burned toast, cooking vapors, steam, or an activating smoke alarm. Only HEAT.
Myths and Misconceptions MYTH A smoke alarm provides enough protection FACT Smoke alarms alert occupants to the presence of danger, but do not extinguish the fire. Home fire sprinkler systems respond quickly to reduce heat, flames, and smoke from a fire, giving residents valuable time to get out safely.
Myths and Misconceptions MYTH Insurance may not cover water damage from a fire sprinkler system discharge FACT The standard Single-Family Dwelling Homeowners Insurance programs contain available premium credits for installation of fire sprinkler protection continued
Water damage myth continued Standard Homeowners policy provides coverage for accidental discharge or overflow of water from fire protective sprinkler system. Coverage is included in the basic policy. There is no extra charge for this coverage. Coverage is provided for water damage related to the suppression or extinguishment of a covered fire. Individual insurer programs may provide variations to this coverage. *Source:www.isomitigation.com
Myths and Misconceptions MYTH Water damage from sprinklers is worse than fire damage. FACT A sprinkler flows 10-20 gallons of water per minute. *In contrast the fire department will likely put as much 3000 gallons on a fire in the first few minutes. *The property loss in a sprinkled home fire is a small fraction of the typical loss in an unsprinkled home fire.
Recommendation A New Ordinance Section to include fire sprinkler requirements for all new single family construction, and existing single family homes if and when (1), the structure was damaged to a point of at least fifty percent (*) of its value by fire or other catastrophe, (2), the structure is proposed to undergo a remodel or addition that would equate to at least fifty percent of its value, or (3) the existing structure is converted to a business such as a children s daycare, adult daycare, or any type of business that would introduce a more potentially dangerous environment for the occupants. With regard to a proposed remodel or addition this would not include such upgrades or improvements relative to its appearance outward appearances such as aesthetic improvements.
End Thank you for your kind attention and consideration. Questions?