Fire safety is important in every environment, and, in hotels, it’s absolutely critical. Hotels accommodate large numbers of guests, most of which are typically unfamiliar with the layout and evacuation procedures.
A fire monitoring system provides priceless peace of mind when it comes to fire safety. Equipped with automatic emergency dispatch capabilities, a fire monitoring system sends immediate alerts to fire departments for rapid emergency response.
A network of devices and technologies designed to detect, analyze, and respond to fire hazards in real time, fire monitoring systems are essential for protecting lives and property and provide around the clock coverage, ensuring that alarms are never missed. Several key components comprise a fire monitoring system and all work together to offer fire protection. They include smoke detectors that sense smoke particles, which are typically the first sign of fire; heat sensors to detect swift temperature changes; flame detectors; gas detectors that monitor for flammable or toxic gases in industrial settings; a control panel which serves as the central hub that receives signals and triggers alarms; notification devices such as sirens, strobes, and voice alerts to warn occupants, and communication modules that connect the system to monitoring centers via cellular, IP, or radio signals.
And like any other system, fire monitoring systems need to be checked to confirm they’re operating optimally. In fact, fire monitoring systems need to be inspected – not just once, but regularly as mandated by the NFPA 72, the National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, which sets the standards for the installation, performance, inspection, testing, and maintenance of fire alarm systems.
In addition to these inspections, facilities managers can also proactively be on the lookout for any possible warning signs that their fire monitoring systems may be faltering or becoming outdated. Highlighted below are the most common ones.
Frequent false alarms are not only annoying, they also cause unnecessary panic. But beyond that, frequent false alarms could be sending an important message, because they’re often caused by aging sensors or poor calibration – a warning sign that shouldn’t be ignored.
Hotels often go through renovations or upgrades. But keep in mind that new walls, rooms, or usage changes may leave areas unmonitored. Fire systems need to be adjusted to adapt to new occupancy types and layouts. Expansion or repurposing of spaces can leave gaps in protection. If parts of your hotel aren’t covered, fire risks go undetected.
Age is another factor. Older systems, such as those in operation for 10 to 15+ years, are at greater risk for malfunctions and may not meet current safety standards. In addition, the components may be obsolete or no longer supported.
No hotel wants a failed fire inspection, not if they want to stay in business. Keep in mind that fire codes evolve – outdated systems may lack required features or fail inspections. On top of that, non-compliance can result in hefty fines or legal issues.
Technology has evolved. So, too, should your fire monitoring system. If your system isn’t able to send alerts to your phone or connect with other building systems, it’s time to modernize and upgrade to a system that offers remote monitoring, real-time alerts, and integration with emergency services.
Don’t put off inspections and don’t ignore important warning signs that your fire protection systems aren’t functioning properly. SMG Security is here to help ensure that your system stays compliant, effective, and reliable.
About SMG Security Holdings
SMG Security Holdings is a full-service life safety and security provider serving the greater Chicagoland area since 1984. SMG delivers customized solutions for commercial, industrial, municipal, and residential clients—including video surveillance, intrusion detection, fire alarms, camera systems, access control, and 24/7 monitoring. With a strong reputation for reliability, innovation, and customer service, SMG proudly protects People, Property and Profits by delivering comprehensive, code-compliant safety systems tailored to every need. SMG Security Holdings is proud to be a part of Zeus Fire and Security.
Commercial buildings rely on elevator monitoring to ensure the safety of their tenants and confirm that their elevators are well-maintained and running efficiently. Traditional landline phones, commonly referred to as plain old telephone service (POTS), used to play a pivotal part in elevator monitoring and were relied on to serve as an emergency communication system.…
Ask any Property Manager and they’ll tell you - the job comes complete with a lot of responsibilities. But perhaps the most important, yet often overlooked, is overseeing fire protection and compliance. Whether you're a Property Manager, Facilities Manager, Security Manager, Account Manager, or Property Owner, ensuring your building meets fire safety regulations is not…
Chicago, IL – Zeus Fire and Security (Zeus), a portfolio company of Baltimore-based Access Holdings, today announced a new partnership with Skynet Security Systems (Skynet). Skynet will join forces with Zeus partner SMG Security Holdings, LLC, to further the Zeus mission of protecting people, property, and profits in the Chicagoland area. Skynet has provided industrial,…
Choosing to invest in security for your home or business is one of the best things you can do to protect yourself and your property. However, in this day and age, it can be difficult for individuals to choose between DIY security measures and professionally installed home security systems. Brad Tolliver, the president of SMG…
Hospitals and healthcare facilities have a constant flow of residents, guests, and employees so it is vital that they have a safe and secure space for them to visit, get well, and do their jobs. Some of the benefits of having a security system installed in your healthcare facility include Enhanced Safety It is shocking…
With the prices of new and used cars, along with auto parts, skyrocketing, motor vehicle theft is becoming an increasingly severe problem in all areas of the country, including Illinois. In fact, Illinois ranks 8th in the nation for vehicle theft. Police department data from across the state reports well over 21,000 stolen vehicles, which…
Initially, you might think of cybersecurity as something that only large, multi-million- and multi-billion-dollar businesses need to take seriously. That most definitely is not the case as the following facts and statistics indicate. Nationwide, approximately 43 percent of cyber attacks are targeted toward small businesses. Cyber attacks against small businesses are extremely costly, and 60…
It would be safe to say that in today’s world, everyone recognizes the need for business security. And it’s rare for a business not to have some kind of security system in place. Unfortunately, security all too often is limited to some form of access control and a security camera or two. That limited approach…
Is your company protected against online security breaches? In 2004, October was named Cyber Security Awareness Month to highlight cyber security and its importance as threats to technology and secure data become more prevalent. If you run a business and need help with online security, contact one of the leading security system companies in…
A functional fire alarm system is one of the most necessary factors in keeping your building safe and compliant with legal requirements. Your system requires regular maintenance and inspections to ensure it’s up to code and working properly. Regardless of the age and features of your system, a maintenance program is necessary to keep…