Thanks to Hollywood movies, fire sprinkler technology is often largely misunderstood. As a result, many homeowners do not consider having a residential sprinkler system installed.

Read on to learn the truth about sprinkler systems…

MYTH – If one goes off, they all go off.

REALITY – Sprinklers activate independently; only the sprinkler closest to the fire will activate.

MYTH – Sprinklers will leak.

REALITY – Sprinkler mishaps are generally less likely and less sever than home plumbing system problems.

MYTH – Water damage from sprinklers is worse than fire damage.

REALITY – A sprinkler flows 10-26 gallons of water per minute. The property loss in a sprinklered home fire is a small fraction of the typical loss in an unsprinklered home fire.

MYTH – Sprinklers will freeze in the winter.

REALITY – The national installation standard provides guidance for proper installation in cold regions.

MYTH – The fire department will be able to put out the fire and save my things.

REALITY – In the 9-12 minutes a fire department needs to respond, an uncontrolled fire will grow and spread through the home, causing tremendous smoke and fire damage.

MYTH – I have smoke alarms so I don’t need fire sprinklers.

REALITY – Smoke alarms are essential in every home, but they can only detect a fire. Fire sprinklers detect the fire and automatically control it, saving lives and property.

Home fire sprinklers detect a fire and control it automatically. The sprinkler puts water on a fire while it’s still small. That keeps heat, flames and poison smoke from spreading. Having fire sprinklers gives you, your family and your pets time to get out safely. If you plan to build or buy a home, ask for fire sprinklers.

For additional information, contact us at 360-275-6711 or visit Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition.