The multifamily fire-related risks have seen a decline over the years, thanks to the advancements in building materials, fire detection systems, and firefighting technologies. The widespread adoption of smoke alarms, sprinkler systems, and other fire suppression technologies has helped reduce the number of fires and fatalities.
Even with a lot of positive change in place, in the USA alone, 29% of building fires are reported from multifamily homes. But luckily, small and confined fires inside individual housing units accounted for 71% of these fires. Even though the numbers are drastically low from previous reports, there is still a long way to go.
However, despite the progress made in reducing multifamily fire risks, many challenges still need to be addressed. For example, there are still many older buildings that lack modern fire protection systems, and there are still many areas where there is a shortage of firefighters and emergency response resources.
How has the fire-protection methods improved in buildings?
What are the general trends in multifamily homes? How did this massive change happen in reducing fire-related issues? Let us find out.
Significant rise in the use of fire sprinklers
One of the most significant improvements in fire-protection methods is the use of automatic fire sprinkler systems. Early fire detection and speedy suppression by these devices help to limit damage and lower the possibility of injury or fatality. Many residential and commercial structures, especially tall structures, hospitals, institutions, restaurants, hotels, are now required by law to have automated sprinkler systems.
Fire-resistant building material
The adoption of fire-resistant construction materials is a significant advancement in fire-protection techniques. According to contemporary building rules, new buildings must be constructed with fire-resistant components, such as fire-rated doors and windows, fire-resistant insulation, and fire-resistant roofing materials. These substances are made to contain fires and keep them from spreading to other areas of the structure, allowing residents more time to flee.
Modern fire-detection systems
Buildings now have better fire protection thanks to the deployment of sophisticated fire detection systems. In comparison to older systems, modern fire detection techniques use sophisticated sensors and sirens that can detect fires more rapidly and precisely. Moreover, these systems can distinguish between various fire types, which lowers the number of false alerts.
Better building design
Improvements have greatly aided the improvement of fire safety in buildings in building design. These days, many structures have fire-rated floors and walls that can contain fires and stop them from spreading. Buildings are also constructed with numerous exits and escape pathways, assisting in the speedy evacuation of residents in the case of a fire.
Fire and safety education among people
The importance of providing building occupants with fire safety training and instruction has also expanded. Today, a lot of buildings do regular fire drills and offer instructional resources to help inhabitants learn how to put out fires and what to do if one breaks out.
Overall, even though multifamily fire hazards have decreased, there is still work to be done to guarantee everyone stays safe from the hazards of fire.
Further methods to reduce fire-related risk in multi-family homes
Fires in multifamily homes can be particularly devastating, as they can quickly spread to neighboring units and put many people at risk.
In the section below, we will explore some of the most effective ways to do so. These methods have helped property owners and managers in the past, and we are sure they will help you too.
Install Smoke Alarms
Smoke alarms are crucial to fire safety in any home, but they are particularly important in multifamily homes. Building codes typically require smoke alarms to be installed in each unit and common areas, but it's important to ensure that they are working properly and have fresh batteries.
Conduct regular energy audits
Conducting regular energy audits on your buildings will help you identify if your buildings or housing units are losing energy in certain areas. This will also help you identify if there are some fire-prone or risky areas in the building. You can also get the buildings inspected by independent property assessors to know where your building stands.
Maintain Heating and Electrical Systems
In multifamily homes, electrical and heating systems frequently cause fires. These systems can assist in stopping fires from starting with routine maintenance. Also, it's crucial to check that all appliances are in good functioning order and aren't overburdened with unnecessary gadgets.
Keep Common Areas Clear
In multifamily homes, it's essential to keep common areas clear of clutter and debris. This can include stairwells, hallways, and any other areas that multiple residents use. A clear path can help people evacuate quickly and reduce the risk of tripping and falling.
Install Fire Sprinklers
Each multifamily property can benefit from the addition of fire sprinklers. The devastation caused by fires can be greatly reduced, and residents can be kept safe, even though they can be costly to set up. In addition, they can aid in the early detection of fires and their containment when used in conjunction with smoke alarms.
Educate Residents on Fire Safety
Residents must be informed about fire safety and what they can do to stop fires from starting. This may involve instructing children on how to operate appliances safely and what to do in the event of a fire. Regular fire drills should be held in order to teach locals how to flee in case of an emergency.
Have a Fire Escape Plan
A fire escape strategy must be in place in the case of a fire. Several escape routes should be identified, a meeting area should be set aside, and an evacuation aid plan should be in place.
Work with Local Fire Departments
Multifamily homes can benefit greatly from the assistance of their local fire departments. They can assist with conducting fire safety inspections, educating locals, and giving guidance on how to lower the danger of fires. Building owners and managers should collaborate closely with their local fire services to ensure they are doing all possible to keep inhabitants safe.
Reducing fire-related issues with energy audits
With improvements in technology, modifications to construction rules, and increased knowledge about fire safety among property owners and occupants, fire-related hazards in multifamily residences have undergone a major transformation.
These adjustments have decreased the danger of fire-related injuries and fatalities and improved the safety of multifamily homes. Residents must exercise caution and take precautions to lower the risk of fires, such as using safe cooking techniques, storing combustible goods appropriately, and alerting building management to fire hazards.
Want to know if your building is losing energy in multiple places and increasing your energy bills? Or do you want to know if your building has some faulty energy lines, which can eventually lead to fire-related issues? You can find answers to all of these impending queries through our energy audit reports. Get in touch with our team to start your audits today.