When it comes to safety, nothing is more important than ensuring your home or commercial building is secure and safe from any accidents. Whether you are housing your family, your employees or products, keeping the contents of your building safe in the event of a fire is imperative. While smoke alarms will notify you in the event of a fire, smoke vents can help to mitigate damages.
So what exactly is a smoke vent? Essentially it is a planned exit route for the smoke. When a fire burns, smoke is created and builds as the fire burns. The smoke is hazardous to people because it limits sight and the ability to breathe. When a smoke vent is opened, it pulls the smoke out of the building, giving people more time to exit the building safely. Be aware – this is not the same as opening a window. Some people believe that opening windows during a fire will help to draw the smoke out. This is in fact very dangerous because the oxygen allowed in through the windows will feed the fire. Windows should only be opened if they are your escape route. The smoke vent is unlike a window in that it is a narrow corridor. It gets the smoke out without letting oxygen back in.
There are major benefits to installing and having smoke vents access panels. Firstly, as earlier mentioned, smoke vents help the ease of evacuation. When smoke is vented, it can significantly reduce smoke inhalation for those trying to escape the burning building. Because there will be less smoke, the evacuees will also be able to find the exit more quickly, which could naturally reduce casualties and injuries. Secondly, the less smoke in the building makes it easier for firefighters to do their work. While they are trained to work in smoke-filled buildings the vented smoke will allow them to work faster and more efficiently. An added benefit is that the vents will give visual direction as to where the fire started, making it easier for the firefighters to douse the heart of the flame. Finally, getting the smoke out can also reduce the damage to the building itself and the real contents. Again, since the firefighters can work faster, they can save a higher number of your assets.
Smoke vents and access panels can be an essential part of the safety of your business or home. While we hope that nothing happens to our buildings, the reality is we need to be prepared for the worst. Making sure you have smoke vents, that they operate correctly and that key staff know how to engage them is crucial to your safety plan. Be proactive in fire safety – your business and your personnel are worth it.
Whether you are a contractor for a commercial or residential who is looking to install a smoke vent – consider doing your research to ensure you meet the building codes and needs. More importantly, as a contractor and business, you want to ensure you protect your investments and installing a fireproof access panel and smoke vent means you are ensuring that your building is as safe as possible. Not to mention, you are taking preventive measures and being proactive because you never know what could happen to your investments, your building or your business.
