Life Saver ProgramLife Saver Program

What Is It?What Is It?

A Fire Department Recognized Life Saver A Fire Department Recognized Life Saver Residence Would Have the Following Features:Residence Would Have the Following Features:– A residential fire sprinkler systemA residential fire sprinkler system– Hardwired and interconnected smoke alarms on Hardwired and interconnected smoke alarms on

every floor, in every bedroom and immediately every floor, in every bedroom and immediately outside of bedrooms outside of bedrooms (Current Oregon Residential Code)(Current Oregon Residential Code)

This Program Would be Applied to All This Program Would be Applied to All Residential Occupancy TypesResidential Occupancy Types– 1 & 2 Family Dwellings1 & 2 Family Dwellings– Rental Houses, ApartmentsRental Houses, Apartments– Condominiums, TownhousesCondominiums, Townhouses– Adult Foster Homes (5 or fewer persons)Adult Foster Homes (5 or fewer persons)

About the IdeaAbout the Idea

A Program Created to Encourage the A Program Created to Encourage the Installation of Residential Fire SprinklersInstallation of Residential Fire Sprinklers– Modeled after the Super Good Cents Program Modeled after the Super Good Cents Program

which encouraged energy efficiency:which encouraged energy efficiency:Signs were postedSigns were posted

Contractors/Realtors advertised this as a plus for Contractors/Realtors advertised this as a plus for marketing their homesmarketing their homes

Contractors were behind itContractors were behind it

The public became educated and wanted thisThe public became educated and wanted this

The GoalThe Goal

Take a More Aggressive Approach at Promoting Take a More Aggressive Approach at Promoting Residential Fire Sprinkler Systems by:Residential Fire Sprinkler Systems by:– Providing education about the benefits of residential Providing education about the benefits of residential

fire sprinklersfire sprinklers– Creating a public desire/demand for residential fire Creating a public desire/demand for residential fire

sprinklerssprinklersCreate a demand among homebuyers to have residential fire Create a demand among homebuyers to have residential fire sprinkler systemssprinkler systems

Create a demand among homebuilders to offer residential fire Create a demand among homebuilders to offer residential fire sprinklers as a positive life-saving optionsprinklers as a positive life-saving option

Save LivesSave Lives

What the Bureau Would DoWhat the Bureau Would Do

Post Signs at Qualified Residences to Help Sell Post Signs at Qualified Residences to Help Sell the Program and Educate the Publicthe Program and Educate the Public

Educate RealtorsEducate Realtors

Educate ContractorsEducate Contractors

Educate the MediaEducate the Media

Provide Answers on our WebsiteProvide Answers on our Website

Answer Questions from the PublicAnswer Questions from the Public

The SignsThe Signs

An AcronymAn Acronym

L ife I nsurance

F or

E veryone

S prinklers +

A larms

V irtually

E liminates

R isk

EducationEducation

The following slides show information we will use to promote The following slides show information we will use to promote the Programthe ProgramTo make things more personal, many of the slides have To make things more personal, many of the slides have pictures of structure fires that happened in this areapictures of structure fires that happened in this areaReferences are noted for each slide which are available upon References are noted for each slide which are available upon request. Sources include:request. Sources include:– United States Fire Administration (USFA)United States Fire Administration (USFA)– National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (CDC)National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (CDC)– National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)– National Fire Sprinkler Association (NFSA)National Fire Sprinkler Association (NFSA)– Medford Fire DepartmentMedford Fire Department– Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM)Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM)– Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition (HFSC)Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition (HFSC)– Oregon Home Fire Sprinkler CoalitionOregon Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition– Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC)Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC)– National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)– Residential Fire Safety Institute (RFSI) Residential Fire Safety Institute (RFSI) – Kirks Fire Investigation, John D. DeHaan, 5Kirks Fire Investigation, John D. DeHaan, 5thth Edition Edition

Is the Cost Really Worth It?Is the Cost Really Worth It?

Nobody wants to lose their loved ones…..Nobody wants to lose their loved ones…..

Nobody wants to lose their most valued Nobody wants to lose their most valued possessions…..possessions…..

In an unprotected residence, this likely could In an unprotected residence, this likely could happen…..happen…..

In a Life Saver Fire Department Recognized In a Life Saver Fire Department Recognized Residence, this likely won’t happen!Residence, this likely won’t happen!

The Problem-NationallyThe Problem-Nationally2005 Statistics2005 Statistics11

– 396,000 home fires in the U.S.396,000 home fires in the U.S.– 3,055 lives lost not including firefighters3,055 lives lost not including firefighters– 13,825 injured not including firefighters13,825 injured not including firefighters– $7 billion dollars lost in residential fires$7 billion dollars lost in residential fires

4 out of 5 Fire Deaths Occur in Homes4 out of 5 Fire Deaths Occur in Homes22

Primary VictimsPrimary Victims33

– Children Children 2,500 children aged 14 or younger were injured2,500 children aged 14 or younger were injuredor killed in residential fires (2002)or killed in residential fires (2002)1/2 under age 5 and 70% under age 101/2 under age 5 and 70% under age 10

– ElderlyElderly2,300 adults age 65 or older were injured or killed2,300 adults age 65 or older were injured or killedin residential fires (2002)in residential fires (2002)80% between ages 65-8480% between ages 65-84

On average 100 Firefighters Die Annually,On average 100 Firefighters Die Annually, Most in Residential firesMost in Residential fires44

Smoking is the leading cause of fire-related deathsSmoking is the leading cause of fire-related deaths11

Cooking is the primary cause of residential firesCooking is the primary cause of residential fires11

Purdue Fire

The Problem-MedfordThe Problem-Medford

2000-2004 Statistics2000-2004 Statistics11

– 249 structure fires in residential occupancies249 structure fires in residential occupancies– 9 fatalities9 fatalities– 31 civilian injuries31 civilian injuries– 6 firefighter injuries6 firefighter injuries– $4,400,405 in residential property loss/damage $4,400,405 in residential property loss/damage

Average Fire Death Rate (1995-2004)Average Fire Death Rate (1995-2004)– 12.0 per million (Oregon) 12.0 per million (Oregon) 22

– 14.6 per million (U.S.)14.6 per million (U.S.)33

– 19.4 per million (Medford + Rural)19.4 per million (Medford + Rural)11

In Oregon, One and Two Family Dwellings Account:In Oregon, One and Two Family Dwellings Account:33

– For 86% of all residential fire deathsFor 86% of all residential fire deaths– For 82% of the estimated residential fire dollar lossFor 82% of the estimated residential fire dollar loss

Two More Die in 2006 (Medford)Two More Die in 2006 (Medford)11

Fairmount Fire

Medford Fire FatalitiesMedford Fire Fatalities

The DilemmaThe Dilemma

Inspections the Fire Code Allows:Inspections the Fire Code Allows:– Commercial OccupanciesCommercial Occupancies– Exterior and Common Areas of Residential Buildings Exterior and Common Areas of Residential Buildings

Containing 3 or More UnitsContaining 3 or More Units

Exempt From Fire Code Inspections:Exempt From Fire Code Inspections:– Private Residences, Including:Private Residences, Including:

One and Two Family DwellingsOne and Two Family Dwellings

Rental Houses, ApartmentsRental Houses, Apartments

Adult Foster Homes (5 or fewer persons)Adult Foster Homes (5 or fewer persons)

The DilemmaThe Dilemma

Residential FiresResidential Fires DeathsDeaths Commercial FiresCommercial Fires DeathsDeaths19961996 428,000428,000 4,0804,080 150,500150,500 14014019971997 406,500406,500 3,3903,390 145,500145,500 12012019981998 381,500381,500 3,2503,250 136,000136,000 17017019991999 383,000383,000 2,9202,920 140,000140,000 12012020002000 379,500379,500 3,4453,445 126,000126,000 90 902001200111 396,500396,500 3,1403,140 125,000125,000 80 8020022002 401,000401,000 2,6952,695 118,000118,000 80 802003200322 402,000402,000 3,1653,165 117,500117,500 22022020042004 410,500410,500 3,2253,225 115,500115,500 80 8020052005 396,000396,000 3,0553,055 115,000115,000 50 50

1 An additional 2,451 deaths as a result of 9-11-01 1 An additional 2,451 deaths as a result of 9-11-01 2 Rhode Island nightclub and two nursing home fires2 Rhode Island nightclub and two nursing home fires

Sources: U.S. Fire Administration

The Facts-AsphyxiationThe Facts-Asphyxiation

Fire Consumes Oxygen and Fire Consumes Oxygen and Produces Toxic GasesProduces Toxic Gases11

– Oxygen concentrations below 10% Oxygen concentrations below 10% will will lead to unconsciousness and lead to unconsciousness and deathdeath

– Carbon monoxide (CO) is the cause of most Carbon monoxide (CO) is the cause of most fire deathsfire deaths

– Hydrogen cyanide is produced from Hydrogen cyanide is produced from common polymers-coatings, paints, common polymers-coatings, paints, varnishes, foams. Aside from CO, varnishes, foams. Aside from CO, this this is probably the predominant is probably the predominant toxic gas toxic gas hazardhazard

– Less air available for combustion in a Less air available for combustion in a fire fire increases production of COincreases production of CO

Geneva Fire

Sources: NFPA 921; Kirk’s Fire Investigation

The Facts-BurnsThe Facts-Burns

BurnsBurns– Skin can be damaged when it reaches a temperature of 130Skin can be damaged when it reaches a temperature of 130oo F F

Radiant Heat Flux Radiant Heat Flux (kW/m(kW/m22))

– 1.4 1.4 Direct summer sun, potential sunburn in 30 minutes or Direct summer sun, potential sunburn in 30 minutes or lessless

– 2.5 2.5 Common thermal radiation exposure while firefighting. Common thermal radiation exposure while firefighting. This energy may cause burn injuries with This energy may cause burn injuries with

prolonged prolonged exposureexposure– 6.4 6.4 Skin blisters after 18 seconds with 2Skin blisters after 18 seconds with 2ndnd degree burn injury degree burn injury – 10.4 10.4 Skin blisters after 9 seconds with 2Skin blisters after 9 seconds with 2ndnd degree burn injury degree burn injury– 16 16 Skin blisters after 5 seconds with 2Skin blisters after 5 seconds with 2nd nd degree burn injurydegree burn injury– 20 20 Heat flux on a residential family room floor at the Heat flux on a residential family room floor at the

beginning of flashoverbeginning of flashover

Sources: NFPA 921; Kirk’s Fire Investigation

Test Fire-Without SprinklersTest Fire-Without Sprinklers

Corner of living room near Corner of living room near stairsstairs

Plastic wastebasket filled with Plastic wastebasket filled with newspapersnewspapers

Ignition source a matchIgnition source a matchWater shielded from water Water shielded from water

spray by an end tablespray by an end tableAdjacent vinyl/polyurethane Adjacent vinyl/polyurethane

furnishingsfurnishingsWood paneling on wallsWood paneling on wallsCarpeting on floorCarpeting on floorCombustible ceiling tileCombustible ceiling tileDraperies on wallsDraperies on walls

Sources: National Fire Sprinkler Association

Test Fire-Without SprinklersTest Fire-Without Sprinklers

Sources: National Fire Sprinkler Association

1400 1400

1200 1200

1000 1000

800 800

600 600

400400

200 200

0 0

0 60 120 180 240 300 360 420 0 60 120 180 240 300 360 420

3” Below Ceiling3” Below Ceiling60” Above Floor60” Above Floor36” Above Floor36” Above Floor

Temp.

Time (sec.)

Test Fire-Without SprinklersTest Fire-Without Sprinklers

Sources: National Fire Sprinkler Association

Test Fire-Without SprinklersTest Fire-Without Sprinklers

A concentration of as little as A concentration of as little as 0.04% (400 parts per million) 0.04% (400 parts per million) carbon monoxide in the air can carbon monoxide in the air can be fatal.be fatal.

Sources: National Fire Sprinkler Association

0 60 120 180 240 300 360 420 0 60 120 180 240 300 360 420

40004000

30003000

20002000

10001000

00

CarbonCarbon Monoxide Monoxide

Time (sec.)

PPM

140140

120 120

100 100

80 80

60 60

4040

20 20

0 0

0 60 120 180 240 0 60 120 180 240

3” Below Ceiling3” Below Ceiling60” Above Floor60” Above Floor36” Above Floor36” Above Floor

Temp.

Time (sec.) Sources: National Fire Sprinkler Association

Test Fire-With SprinklersTest Fire-With Sprinklers

40004000

30003000

20002000

10001000

00

0 60 120 180 0 60 120 180

Carbon MonoxideCarbon Monoxide

Time (sec.)

PPM

Test Fire-With SprinklersTest Fire-With Sprinklers

Sources: National Fire Sprinkler Association

What About Smoke Alarms?What About Smoke Alarms?

Smoke Alarms (Detectors) Alone, are Not Smoke Alarms (Detectors) Alone, are Not EnoughEnough– While functioning smoke alarms can save lives,While functioning smoke alarms can save lives,

it has been estimated that up to 50% of alarms are it has been estimated that up to 50% of alarms are removed, disabled or not poweredremoved, disabled or not powered

– Smoke alarms are missing in 2/3 of deadly residential Smoke alarms are missing in 2/3 of deadly residential firesfires11

– Recent studies show children may not wake up even Recent studies show children may not wake up even with smoke alarms sounding in their roomswith smoke alarms sounding in their rooms22

– From 2001-2004 there were 452 fatalities (391 fatal From 2001-2004 there were 452 fatalities (391 fatal residential structure fires) in the U.S. in residences residential structure fires) in the U.S. in residences with working smoke alarms.with working smoke alarms. (37% died sleeping; 29% died trying to escape)(37% died sleeping; 29% died trying to escape)33

– Smoke detectors have a 10-year design life Smoke detectors have a 10-year design life

Carpenter Hill Fire

The Facts-FlashoverThe Facts-Flashover

Residents Do Not Survive Residents Do Not Survive FlashoverFlashover– Caused when the fire spreads very Caused when the fire spreads very

rapidly when all rapidly when all combustible items combustible items in a room in a room reach their ignition reach their ignition temperatures more or less temperatures more or less simultaneouslysimultaneously

– Flashover can occur in as little as Flashover can occur in as little as 3-4 minutes3-4 minutes11

– Window of escape time has been Window of escape time has been reduced form 17 minutes in reduced form 17 minutes in

the the 1970’s to 3 minutes 1970’s to 3 minutes currentlycurrently33

– Post-flashover fires triple thePost-flashover fires triple thenumber of victimsnumber of victims22

– Most victims in post-flashover fires Most victims in post-flashover fires are found remote from the are found remote from the

room room of originof origin22

Flashover

The Facts-Furnishings & Fuel LoadsThe Facts-Furnishings & Fuel Loads

Heat Release Rates (HRR)Heat Release Rates (HRR) (Btu/sec)(Btu/sec)– Small wastebasketSmall wastebasket 4-142 4-142– TV setTV set 114-275 114-275– Cotton mattressCotton mattress 38-921 38-921– Polyurethane mattressPolyurethane mattress 768-2495 768-2495 (+271-(+271-

2025%)2025%)– Cotton easy chairCotton easy chair 275-351 275-351– Polyurethane easy chairPolyurethane easy chair 1281-1888 1281-1888 (+466-538%)(+466-538%)– Polyurethane sofaPolyurethane sofa 2960 2960– Armchair (modern)Armchair (modern) 332-711 332-711– ReclinerRecliner (synthetic padding/covering)(synthetic padding/covering) 474-949 474-949– Christmas tree, dryChristmas tree, dry 474-617 474-617– Pool of gasoline (2 quarts on concrete)Pool of gasoline (2 quarts on concrete) 949 949– Living room or bedroom fully involvedLiving room or bedroom fully involved 2846-9487 2846-9487

Sources: NFPA 921; Kirk’s Fire Investigation

The Facts-Furnishings & Fuel LoadsThe Facts-Furnishings & Fuel Loads

Sources: NFPA 921; Kirk’s Fire Investigation

Polyurethane Mattress

768-2495 Btu/sec11-23’ flame height

TV114-275 Btu/sec

5-10’ flame height

Desk Chair142-237 Btu/sec7-9’ flame height

Wastebasket4-142 Btu/sec

1-7’ flame height

Minimum 497.3 Btu/sec HRR required for flashover in this typical bedroom

12'-0

"

12'-0"

Bedroom

2'-6"

Des

kD

ress

er

Bed

4'-0

"

The Facts-Fire & Smoke Spread The Facts-Fire & Smoke Spread AnimationAnimation

Source: NIST

Your Fire ScenarioYour Fire Scenario

0 1 2 3 4 5 10 15 20

Time Line (minutes)

You are awakened by thesmoke detector

A small fire starts in your home

The fire dept. arrives, assesses the situation & applies 250 gpm to fire areas. Windows are broken and holes are cut in the roof to vent fire gases and smoke.

Smoke reaches the smoke detector

Ceiling temp. reaches 165 degrees. Smoke begins to layer down

Ceiling temp. reaches 1,000 degrees, visibility is reduced to zero

Ceiling temp reaches 1,400 degrees. Flashover occurs engulfing all contents of the fire room and extending fire throughout home

You investigate and find a fire

You awaken other family members and go to a neighbor to call 911

You give the 911 operator the information and she notifies the fire dept.

The fire dept. responds

The fire room and all contents are completely destroyed. Heat damage extends throughout the entire house, burning or melting all items within 5 feet of the ceiling. Smoke has blackened all contents of the house. Windows and roof vent holes must be boarded-up. All drywall will need to be replaced and all contents replaced or restored. Extensive water damage exists from firefighting efforts. Average time of displacement...6 months to a year.

Source: Oregon Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition

Available Personnel & EconomicsAvailable Personnel & Economics

Serious Residential Fire w/o Fire SprinklersSerious Residential Fire w/o Fire Sprinklers

Average Manpower for Average Manpower for Extended DurationExtended Duration– 15.5 personnel15.5 personnel– 60.1 man-hours60.1 man-hours– Mutual aid required forMutual aid required for

other normal responsesother normal responses– + Overtime crews+ Overtime crews– + Overtime investigation+ Overtime investigation

The SolutionThe Solution

Your Chances of Surviving a Fire Approach 100%1 with:– A fire sprinkler system and– Smoke alarms

Added Benefits– Much less property damage– Valued possessions will most likely be spared– You will not have to relocate for an extended period of

time while your residence is being rebuilt

+ => Survival

50%

97%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Chance of Survival

SmokeDetectors

Fire Sprinklersand SmokeDetectors

Sprinkler System Fire ScenarioSprinkler System Fire Scenario

0 1 2 3 4 5 10 15 20

Time Line (minutes)

You are awakened by thesmoke detector

A small fire starts in your home

The fire dept. arrives, assesses the situation and limits water damage by shutting down the water supply to the sprinkler system. The fire department then assists with initial clean-up operations.

Smoke reaches the smoke detector

You investigate and find a fire

You awaken other family members and go to a neighbor to call 911

You give the 911 operator the information and she notifies the fire dept.

The fire dept. responds

Fire damage is limited to the objects in or near the initial fire. Heat damage is limited to the fire room. Heavy smoke damage is limited to the fire room. Water damage is limited to the sprinkler flow of 15 gpm (approx. 150 gal total). Average time of displacement from home...1-2 days.

Ceiling temp. reaches 165 degrees. The sprinkler head over the fire activates

Fire is controlled or completely extinguished. Sprinkler head continues to spray water at 15 gpm.

Source: Oregon Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition

Available Personnel & EconomicsAvailable Personnel & Economics

Residential Fire with Fire SprinklersResidential Fire with Fire SprinklersAverage ManpowerAverage Manpower– 3 Personnel3 Personnel– 6 Man-hours6 Man-hours– No overtime crewsNo overtime crews– Units available for another Units available for another

responseresponse– Possible short duration Possible short duration

overtime Investigationovertime Investigation

How Do Residential Fire How Do Residential Fire Sprinkler Systems Work?Sprinkler Systems Work?

The heat from the fire activates the head nearest the fireThe heat from the fire activates the head nearest the fire

The sprinkler system controls the fire with water before the The sprinkler system controls the fire with water before the atmosphere becomes untenableatmosphere becomes untenable

Types of ResidentialTypes of Residential Fire Sprinkler Systems Fire Sprinkler Systems

Conventional SystemConventional System– Common underground supply, separate pipingCommon underground supply, separate piping

Types of ResidentialTypes of Residential Fire Sprinkler Systems Fire Sprinkler Systems

Network/Multipurpose SystemNetwork/Multipurpose System– Integrated into domestic plumbingIntegrated into domestic plumbing

Are Residential Fire Sprinkler Are Residential Fire Sprinkler Systems Expensive to Install?Systems Expensive to Install?

Less Than You Might Think…Less Than You Might Think…

– $1.00-$1.50 per square foot$1.00-$1.50 per square foot11

– 1-1 ½% of total building cost1-1 ½% of total building cost22

– About the price of upgrading carpetAbout the price of upgrading carpet33 – May be many times less than landscape sprinklersMay be many times less than landscape sprinklers

Holly Street Fire

$ Cost Breakdown Study $$ Cost Breakdown Study $

Given: Given: – $400,000 home (Average price for a 3,000 sq. ft. home)$400,000 home (Average price for a 3,000 sq. ft. home)– Cost to install sprinkler system=$3,000Cost to install sprinkler system=$3,000

Cost Breakdown per Month:Cost Breakdown per Month:– $3,000 amortized over 30 years at 7.75%$3,000 amortized over 30 years at 7.75% +$20.47+$20.47

Tax SavingsTax Savings (28% federal; 5% state income taxes): (28% federal; 5% state income taxes):– From deduction of interest on the loan:From deduction of interest on the loan: - 6.10- 6.10

Insurance SavingsInsurance Savings (6 quotes--$90-165 per year): (6 quotes--$90-165 per year):– Using middle quote ($135 per year)Using middle quote ($135 per year) - 11.33- 11.33

Total Expenditure per Month:Total Expenditure per Month: $3.04$3.04

ConclusionConclusion11:: ““Basically, for the price of a Happy Meal or a Starbuck’s coffee, Basically, for the price of a Happy Meal or a Starbuck’s coffee,

your family can be protected by a residential sprinkler system,”your family can be protected by a residential sprinkler system,” Fred Benn, President of Advanced Automatic Sprinkler Company in Hayward, CAFred Benn, President of Advanced Automatic Sprinkler Company in Hayward, CA

??????Do All the Heads Go Off?Do All the Heads Go Off?

Summit Fire

No.No.– 90% of all fires that occur in90% of all fires that occur in

homes are quickly controlled homes are quickly controlled by a single sprinkler headby a single sprinkler head11

??????What About the Water Damage?What About the Water Damage?

93% of all fires that occur in homes 93% of all fires that occur in homes are quickly controlled by a single are quickly controlled by a single sprinkler head flowing 13-25 sprinkler head flowing 13-25

gallons gallons per minuteper minute11

Without fire sprinklers, the fire Without fire sprinklers, the fire continues to grow exponentially. continues to grow exponentially. The The fire department arrives 5-10 fire department arrives 5-10 minutes later and puts hundreds minutes later and puts hundreds to to thousands of gallons on the thousands of gallons on the out-out-of-of- control firecontrol fireTests conducted by the Los Angeles Tests conducted by the Los Angeles

Fire Department and the U.S. Fire Fire Department and the U.S. Fire Administration showed that Administration showed that

damage damage caused by water in a caused by water in a sprinklered fire is sprinklered fire is substantially less substantially less than damage than damage caused by a fire caused by a fire department hose department hose streams in an streams in an identical unsprinklered identical unsprinklered firefire22

W. Jackson Fire

??????What about Accidental Discharge?What about Accidental Discharge?

Loss records of Factory Mutual Loss records of Factory Mutual Research show that the Research show that the probability of a sprinkler probability of a sprinkler discharging accidentally due to a discharging accidentally due to a manufacturing defect is only 1 in manufacturing defect is only 1 in 16 16 million sprinklers per year in million sprinklers per year in serviceservice11 Fire sprinkler systems are under the Fire sprinkler systems are under the

same pressure as residential same pressure as residential plumbing systemplumbing system but are tested but are tested

at at 2-3 times higher pressure 2-3 times higher pressure during during installationinstallation11

  

Mariposa Fire

??????Are Sprinkler Heads Unsightly?Are Sprinkler Heads Unsightly?

There are now a variety of There are now a variety of residential sprinkler heads residential sprinkler heads including concealed heads, including concealed heads, which which are hidden until they drop are hidden until they drop down down upon activation. Also, all upon activation. Also, all residential sprinklers can be residential sprinklers can be factory factory painted to match ceiling painted to match ceiling and and wall colors.wall colors.

  

Orange St. Fire

Concealed Head

??????Is There a Lot of Maintenance?Is There a Lot of Maintenance?Virtually No MaintenanceVirtually No Maintenance– Monthly-Visually inspect all Monthly-Visually inspect all

sprinklers to insure against sprinklers to insure against obstruction of spray. Sprinklers obstruction of spray. Sprinklers should never be paintedshould never be painted

– Monthly-Inspect all valves to ensure Monthly-Inspect all valves to ensure they are openthey are open**

– Annually-Verify waterflow alarm Annually-Verify waterflow alarm activationactivation**

*Not required for multipurpose systems*Not required for multipurpose systems  

  

Myers Court Fire

?????? Are Newer Houses Inherently Safer?Are Newer Houses Inherently Safer?

NoNo– Whether or not a house is new, the fact Whether or not a house is new, the fact

is, the contents are theis, the contents are the fuel that drives fuel that drives the fire. Modern furniture presents a the fire. Modern furniture presents a huge fuel load, loaded with materials huge fuel load, loaded with materials such as polyurethane foam which such as polyurethane foam which burns like gasoline and gives off toxic burns like gasoline and gives off toxic gases. gases.

– Drywall has some fire resistant Drywall has some fire resistant features, however, modern truss and features, however, modern truss and composite I-joist construction, when composite I-joist construction, when exposed to fire, can actually lead to exposed to fire, can actually lead to structural failure faster than structural failure faster than conventional lumber.conventional lumber.

Smoke detectors can be disabledSmoke detectors can be disabled

Siskiyou Fire

Case StudiesCase Studies

Residential Fire SprinklersResidential Fire Sprinklers– Scottsdale, AZScottsdale, AZ (15 Year Study)(15 Year Study)11

Over 50% of houses sprinkleredOver 50% of houses sprinklered

  13 lives saved13 lives saved

  Over $20 million in property loss Over $20 million in property loss preventedprevented

  Average fire loss was:Average fire loss was:– $2,166 in fire sprinklered $2,166 in fire sprinklered

residencesresidences– $45,019 in non-fire sprinklered $45,019 in non-fire sprinklered

residencesresidences

Piccadilly Fire

Case StudiesCase Studies

Residential Fire SprinklersResidential Fire Sprinklers– Prince George’s County, MDPrince George’s County, MD

Ordinance Enacted in 1992Ordinance Enacted in 1992

Residential Sprinkler System Residential Sprinkler System Reported Reported Fire Incidents: Fire Incidents: 117 117

Residential Sprinkler Activations: 143Residential Sprinkler Activations: 143

Total Fire Loss: Total Fire Loss: $ 401,220.00 $ 401,220.00

  Potential Fire loss: $ 38,230,000.00Potential Fire loss: $ 38,230,000.00

  Reported Lives Saved:Reported Lives Saved: 154 154

  Injuries Reported Injuries Reported (All minor in nature)(All minor in nature): 7: 7

  

S. Ivy Fire

Benefits to the HomeownerBenefits to the Homeowner

Additional Life AssuranceAdditional Life Assurance– Home fire sprinklers are designed to Home fire sprinklers are designed to

ensure a tenable atmosphere ensure a tenable atmosphere for for escapeescape

– Chance of surviving fire approaches Chance of surviving fire approaches 100%100%

– A residential fire sprinkler system is A residential fire sprinkler system is like having a firefighter 24/7 like having a firefighter 24/7

with an with an immediate response immediate response time time 

Reduces Property Damage-Reduces Property Damage-– Controls fire before the Controls fire before the destructive destructive

phasephase– Precious items will be savedPrecious items will be saved

Insurance Savings Insurance Savings – Possibly 5-15%Possibly 5-15%

Court Street Fire

Benefits to CommunityBenefits to Community

Safer CommunitySafer Community– Less injuries and deathsLess injuries and deaths

  Less Property DamageLess Property Damage

  Less Risk to FirefightersLess Risk to Firefighters

  Saved $$$Saved $$$– Less overtime for suppression and Less overtime for suppression and

investigation effortsinvestigation efforts– Less apparatus required for Less apparatus required for

extended durationsextended durations

  

Berrydale Fire

Residential Sprinklers… the Choice is Yours!

Source: Oregon Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition