Whether you like it or not, accidents may happen anytime, anywhere. Therefore, we think of ways on how to prevent accidents such as electrical fire from happening, whether we are located in a residential or commercial area, since fire is one of the roots of death and injuries. All of us, even building owners are interested in how to make their properties and the lives of many safe and protected. Good thing we now have an improved technology that can help with this kind of issue. Did you know that IoT can help? You may ask, “What is IoT?”
According to Wikipedia, “the Internet of Things (IoT) is a system of interrelated computing devices, mechanical and digital machines, objects, animals or people that are provided with unique identifiers (UIDs) and the ability to transfer data over a network without requiring human-to-human or human-to-computer interaction.”
Hence, the term IoT is often related to any internet-connected device that can record or transmit recorded data to a certain location. The device includes sensors with the ability to register audio, video, temperature stats, location data, etc. In these modern times where electronic devices are everywhere, we can’t just learn about how current shunt resistors and other electronic tools work. You can further search and discover more about IoTs that can also be found almost anywhere such as driverless cars and automatic home appliances. But aside from that, one of the remarkable things that IoT can do is prevent fire. Regarding fire safety, IoT sensors are installed in the buildings and have the capability to collect atmospheric data to prevent fire accidents.
What Are The Benefits Of IoT?
- Can Help Detect Fire Before They Emit Smoke
IoT can be applied to various new ways of fighting fires. With the use of special heatproof sensors, it can already detect a fire even before it releases smoke. Aside from that, those heatproof sensors can also give the firefighters an idea of the severity of the fire, helping them bring the right equipment and the suitable approach for the fire incident. Not only that, IoT sensors have the ability to locate where the fire started, where it is spreading, and how fast will it spread. It is possible that in the near future everything will be automated including a voice alarm system that can guide employees through safe exit paths.
- Can Easily Track Team Members
The head of the team can monitor his members with the help of IoT linked devices while the fire engine serves as a wireless hotspot. The team head can also see the flow of action of each member as they enter the vicinity and instruct them as needed. IoT can also be integrated with the firefighters’ fire suit such as alarms and personal safety devices. This is to ensure that the firefighters who help save lives and properties are safe as well. This kind of monitoring can assist commanders to determine the type of response needed to help his team evacuate safely.
- Scout Robots Coming Soon
IoT may have robotic scouts that can be used for keeping the path clear, indicating whether the place is safe or not. These robots can also be linked with mapping devices and can also be used for searching fire victims or firefighters that are caught inside the blazing building.
- Cost-Effectiveness
IoT helps improve fire safety systems not only by saving lives but notably saving costs as well. Since network cables are capable of transmitting electrical power and data, system installation costs are reduced. Instead of installing many cables, one cable can already do the job. Thanks to the Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology for making this possible.
Operating cost is also lessened because the internet-enabled fire protection system provides remote monitoring. Remote monitoring makes sure that the operation of the system is perpetual thus preventing unscheduled emergency repairs. This arrangement also has the ability to control false alarms.
Service has also been more reliable. This is because it will be possible for the technicians to see what kind of service is required and bring all the needed parts. Again thanks to remote monitoring through the internet and its ability to carry diagnostic data, repairs can be performed easily in just a single trip. This is a lot of savings in terms of service costs.
Services May Include The Monitoring Of The Following:
- Sprinkler System- One of the most effective ways to fight fire is the fire sprinkler system. With the help of a water system that provides sufficient pressure to a water distribution piping system where the sprinklers are attached.
- Fire Alarm System- Once smoke or heat is detected, the fire alarm system will automatically send signals to make the necessary actions to be given depending on the level of fire is present. The whole alarm system will be monitored to make sure it works properly at all times.
- Fire Extinguishers- Just like the sprinkler system, fire extinguishers are also reliable when it comes to preventing fire. it is a must to ensure that extinguishers are always in good condition. That is why fire extinguishers are also in need of monitoring on a real-time basis.
- Fire Safety Training- Not only do they monitor the fire equipment but also the personnel, premises, and most of all the services and operation method. The safety and health system should pass the company’s safety procedures and legal requirements in the area.
Always Seek Professional Advice Before Investing
This kind of progress is too exciting not only for firefighters and the fire safety industry but for building owners as well. It will not be hard for them to say “Yes!” with what IoT has to offer. Everything sounds really good, that’s true but it is always a great idea to seek advice from the experts to ensure that the technology you are going to invest in now will not jeopardize any existing fire and life safety regulations.
It is obvious that technology has really come a long way but using it to save properties and most importantly to protect the lives of many is one of the reasons we are grateful for modern technology.
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