What To Do If Fire Sprinkler Goes Off

Fire sprinklers play a crucial role in fire safety systems, designed to automatically activate when a fire occurs. They help suppress or extinguish fires, often preventing widespread damage. However, accidental activation or the aftermath of a fire sprinkler going off can be a stressful and confusing event. This comprehensive guide explores what to do if a fire sprinkler goes off, including key steps to mitigate damage, important safety considerations, and how to prevent such incidents in the future. Whether you are a homeowner, business owner, or facility manager, knowing what to do in such a situation is essential.

Why Fire Sprinklers Activate

Before diving into what to do when a fire sprinkler activates, it’s important to understand the possible reasons behind its activation. Sprinklers are typically triggered by one of the following causes:

1. Heat from a Fire: Sprinklers are designed to activate when they detect a significant increase in temperature, usually around 155°F to 165°F (68°C to 74°C). Once the heat reaches this threshold, the sprinkler releases water to control or extinguish the fire.
2. Accidental Damage: Physical damage to a sprinkler head can cause it to go off unexpectedly. This may happen if the sprinkler head is struck by a piece of equipment, a ball, or something else that physically knocks it out of place.
3. Corrosion or Defects: Over time, corrosion or manufacturing defects can cause sprinklers to malfunction. Regular maintenance is required to prevent this.
4. Overheating: Sprinklers may activate due to a localized increase in temperature unrelated to a fire, such as heat generated by industrial equipment, or during construction projects where hot work is involved.
5. Vandalism or Tampering: In some cases, sprinklers may be set off intentionally due to vandalism or tampering.

Immediate Steps to Take When a Fire Sprinkler Goes Off

When a fire sprinkler activates, there are a series of steps that should be followed to ensure safety and limit property damage.

1. Ensure Personal Safety

The very first priority when a sprinkler activates is ensuring the safety of all occupants. Follow these steps:

• Evacuate the Area: If the sprinkler activates due to a fire, everyone should evacuate the building immediately. The fire alarm system will likely sound along with the sprinkler, reinforcing the need for evacuation. If there’s no fire but the sprinkler has activated, it’s still advisable to clear the immediate area to prevent injury from slipping or falling on wet surfaces.
• Check for Fire Hazards: If a fire is present, ensure everyone is safely out of the area and follow your fire evacuation plan. If the sprinkler has activated by mistake, check the area for potential hazards such as exposed electrical equipment that could cause electrical shock when water comes into contact with it.
• Call Emergency Services: If there’s any doubt about whether the sprinkler system was activated by fire, immediately call emergency services (e.g., the fire department). They will be able to assess the situation, handle the fire, and help you turn off the sprinkler system if needed.

2. Turn Off the Water Supply

Once the area is safe, the next most critical step is to stop the water flow. Fire sprinklers can release a significant amount of water, often up to 25 gallons (around 95 liters) per minute, and the longer the system runs, the more damage it can cause.

• Locate the Sprinkler Control Valve: Fire sprinklers are typically connected to a water supply through a main control valve. This valve can often be found in a utility room, basement, or other accessible areas. Turning off the control valve will stop the water from flowing through the sprinklers. Ensure this is done safely, without exposing yourself to additional risks like electrocution or injury.
• Contact Building Maintenance: If you cannot locate or operate the sprinkler control valve, contact your building’s maintenance team or an emergency plumber. These professionals will be trained to shut off the system safely.

3. Protect Valuable Items

While sprinklers help prevent fire damage, the water they release can cause its own form of destruction, especially to valuable items like electronics, documents, and furniture.

• Cover or Move Valuable Items: If it's safe to do so, protect important equipment or documents by covering them with waterproof materials such as plastic sheeting or tarps. You can also relocate sensitive items away from areas that are being drenched by water.
• Use Absorbent Materials: After the water flow is turned off, use towels, mops, or wet vacuums to soak up excess water and prevent water from spreading to other areas of the building.
• Document Damage: Take photographs of any damaged items or areas. This documentation will be useful when filing an insurance claim for water damage repairs and replacements.

4. Manage the Water Cleanup

Water damage from sprinklers can cause significant issues, including mold, structural damage, and ruined possessions. Addressing water cleanup as soon as possible can mitigate the long-term effects of water exposure.

• Call a Professional Restoration Service: Depending on the extent of the water damage, it may be necessary to contact a water damage restoration company. These professionals have specialized equipment like industrial fans, dehumidifiers, and water extraction tools to help dry the area thoroughly and quickly. Delaying water cleanup could result in mold growth or structural deterioration.
• Air Circulation and Dehumidification: If water damage is limited, you can start the drying process by opening windows, running fans, and using dehumidifiers to reduce moisture in the affected areas.
• Inspect for Hidden Damage: Water can seep into floors, walls, and ceilings, leading to hidden damage that isn’t immediately visible. Have an expert inspect your property to ensure that no long-term issues like wood rot, electrical damage, or mold infestations occur.

5. Resetting the Fire Sprinkler System

After resolving the initial water damage, you’ll need to reset the fire sprinkler system to ensure it’s ready for future use.

• Contact a Fire Safety Professional: You should not attempt to reset the sprinkler system yourself unless you are trained to do so. Instead, contact a fire protection company or the system’s manufacturer for assistance. They will inspect the system for any malfunctions or damage, replace any used or damaged sprinkler heads, and reset the control panel.
• Replace Activated Sprinkler Heads: If the sprinkler head activated due to heat or damage, it will need to be replaced. Only trained technicians should perform this task to ensure the integrity of the fire protection system.
• Check the Water Supply: Ensure that the water supply to the fire sprinkler system is restored and the system is fully operational after the incident.

6. Notify Your Insurance Provider

If there has been significant damage due to the sprinkler system, it’s essential to contact your insurance provider as soon as possible. Your insurance policy will likely cover fire and water damage, but quick communication will help speed up the claims process.

• Provide Documentation: Submit photos and a detailed list of the damaged items and areas to your insurer. Also, keep receipts for any repairs or restoration services used.
• Follow Insurance Guidelines: Be sure to follow your insurance provider’s procedures for filing a claim, which may include getting estimates from approved restoration companies or submitting a detailed report.

7. Investigate the Cause of Activation

After dealing with the immediate effects of the sprinkler going off, it’s crucial to determine the cause of the activation. This step will help prevent future incidents.

• Review the Incident: Look into whether the activation was caused by a legitimate fire, accidental damage, vandalism, or equipment failure. If it was a false activation, investigate what conditions led to the sprinkler activating.
• Inspect for Defects or Damage: Fire sprinkler systems need to be regularly inspected and maintained. Have a professional technician inspect the system for any issues like corrosion, faulty components, or improper installation.
• Take Corrective Action: If the cause of activation was accidental or preventable, take the necessary corrective measures. For example, if overheating equipment triggered the system, reposition the equipment or implement additional safeguards. If the sprinkler head was accidentally damaged, consider relocating it to a safer area or installing guards to protect it from impact.

How to Prevent Accidental Fire Sprinkler Activation

While fire sprinklers are vital for safety, there are steps you can take to minimize the risk of accidental activation.

1. Regular Maintenance

One of the most important preventive steps is regular maintenance. Fire sprinklers should be inspected at least once a year by certified professionals. These inspections help identify any signs of wear, corrosion, or mechanical failure before they become problems. Building owners or facility managers should ensure that the system’s maintenance schedule is adhered to strictly.

2. Install Protective Guards

In areas where sprinkler heads are vulnerable to impact (such as warehouses, gyms, or industrial facilities), consider installing protective guards around them. These guards can prevent accidental damage from equipment, sports activities, or other potential hazards.

3. Educate Occupants

Whether you are in a home, office, or industrial setting, ensure that all occupants understand the purpose of fire sprinklers and the importance of avoiding tampering with them. Educating employees or residents about the dangers of tampering or misusing fire sprinkler systems is an essential preventive measure.

4. Monitor Heat Sources

Avoid placing heat-producing equipment near sprinkler heads. This can include anything from industrial machinery to home appliances like ovens or space heaters. When installing new equipment, ensure that it is positioned a safe distance from the fire sprinkler system to avoid accidental activation.

5. Avoid Hanging Items from Sprinkler Heads

A common mistake, especially in homes or dormitories, is using sprinkler heads as hooks or hangers for clothing or other items. This can damage the sprinkler, potentially causing it to malfunction. Ensure that no items are hung from the sprinkler system.

6. Implement a Testing Protocol

During routine system testing, ensure that all necessary precautions are taken to prevent accidental activation. Test protocols should follow NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) guidelines and use trained personnel to avoid triggering the sprinklers accidentally.

What to Expect After Fire Sprinkler Activation

Once you have dealt with the immediate aftermath of a fire sprinkler activation, there are several steps to expect in the recovery process.

• Water Damage Restoration: Depending on the volume of water released, restoration may take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. Professional restoration companies will assess the extent of the damage and develop a plan to dry and restore the affected areas.
• Insurance Process: Working with your insurance provider will require coordination for damage assessment, repairs, and compensation. Expect multiple interactions with adjusters, contractors, and other professionals involved in the recovery process.
• Fire Protection System Review: After an incident, it’s likely that your fire protection system will be inspected to ensure that it meets local fire codes and NFPA regulations. Any repairs or replacements made to the system will need to be certified to ensure that it is functioning correctly.

Conclusion

While fire sprinklers are an essential part of fire safety, dealing with their activation can be challenging, particularly when accidental. The key is to stay calm, prioritize safety, and take quick action to minimize water damage. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure that the situation is handled effectively, minimizing disruption and reducing long-term damage to your property. Regular maintenance and preventive measures will help ensure that your fire sprinkler system remains a reliable safeguard against fire while reducing the risk of accidental activation.