As members of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) we are all aware of the devastation a fire can cause. The human loss, the financial loss and despair it wreaks on those involved is immeasurable. Our overriding responsibility as fire code inspectors, fire and smoke damper inspectors, building owners, and facility managers is prevention and protection.

One of the best ways to protect a large building or facility from the deadly spread of fire is the installation, inspection and maintenance of smoke and fire dampers, sprinkler systems and smoke alarms. Unfortunately, with the exception of hospitals, which have smoke and fire damper inspection enforced by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) and other regulatory agencies, many facilities do not inspect their dampers every four years as required by NFPA 90A.

There is no doubt that the way we looked at the world on September 10, 2001 was changed dramatically with the events of the following day. September 11th changed the way we view national security, global politics, and travel. For those of us in fire safety, facilities management, and code enforcement, it triggered a paradigm shift that affects everything we do today in our daily operations.

As a company that focuses on smoke and fire damper inspections in commercial facilities throughout the United States, our role has evolved into more than just fire safety, and compliance. Our responsibility has expanded into providing an additional barrier in the event of a terrorist attack.

Fire Brigade Policy is set to change drastically and many businesses will find that they must pay to have their current alarm system replaced in order to meet their insurance requirements and to get Fire Brigade response in the event of a fire.

Even if you have recently had a brand new fire alarm installed to BS5839, unless the installer had BAFE accreditation, you may still find your insurance refusing to pay for fire damage.

The fact is that until an incident occurs, you will have no idea whether or not the alarm system you have chosen and paid for will do the job of protecting property and human life.