Choosing Fire And Smoke Detectors for Your Business

April 14th, 2023



Businesses that suffer from fire damage may experience property loss, and across the country, that property loss accounted for millions of dollars. For a Chico small business just starting out, this can be devastating.

Even larger businesses suffer and may face failure if they don't have proper fire detection and prevention tools in place.

Smoke and fire detectors are a good way to prevent damage before it becomes too extensive, so it is a good idea to understand how to select the best fire and smoke detectors for your business.

Evaluate Your Needs

Before finding equipment options, you first need to evaluate the unique needs of your business as well as any liabilities there may be.

How many will you need? You need to determine how many fire and smoke detectors you will need to adequately cover the property, and then you need to determine the best placement for them. Areas with higher fire risks including kitchens, break rooms containing appliances, and any other room containing a fireplace, lantern, or some other similar appliances should have a smoke detector.

The current business system. You also have to ensure that what you choose also falls in line with your IT team and security vendors to make sure that there is proper communication across all channels in the event of a fire.

How much can you spend? The budget is another determining factor to consider as well. You don't want to compromise the security of your business, and you want to make sure you have the proper equipment.

Installation and monitoring. Will your current security vendor install and monitor the system you select? You want to work closely with your vendor to make sure everything is properly installed and monitored.

Finding the right features. What kind of features do you want to have included? Some come with backup battery, a voice alarm, and even a hush button. Whatever features you choose can go a long way in improving the overall usability of your system.

Fire regulations and codes. Finally, you need to understand the fire regulations and codes in Chico, CA. You can do this by contacting your local fire department for more information.

Researching Smoke Detectors

There are many available options when it comes to fire and smoke detectors you can choose for your business. To find the right one, you should familiarize yourself with each type to see what will work the best for your property.

  • Air Sampling Detectors: these can detect smoke in sensitive areas

  • Automatic Sprinklers: these are automatically activated when any heat is detected in order to control the fire

  • Heat Sensors: any change in thermal energy is detected

  • Ionization Alarms: these alarms can find invisible fire particles that may be present in fast flame fires

  • Dual Sensors: these sensors combine the technology of ionization alarms as well as photoelectric alarms

  • Duct Smoke Detectors: these detectors will close air ventilation units to help prevent smoke inhalation due to the fire

  • Photoelectric Alarms: detects visible fire particles during a slower burning fire

  • Pull Stations: these are where you can trigger audible and visual cues whenever a fire is detected

For more information on the different kinds of smoke and fire detectors you can choose for your business in Chico, contact a security company in your area today.

What Our Customers Say

"I had the Alibi system installed several years ago. It has functioned flawlessly. The image quality is exellent both night and day and in all weather conditions. I particularly like the replay (which can be set at various speeds) and zoom functions of the system. Tech support from Crimefreeliving has been excellent. I have received quick responses to questions, and timely home visits — as when I changed IP carriers and my Alibi system needed to be reset. I have recommended Crimefreeliving to several friends."

Rich

"As a small business owner here in Chico we definitely saw the need for video surveillance. After expressing our needs and concerns Tim did an excellent job getting us set up with the set up with the appropriate equipment. He really took the time to address our concerns in a very friendly, professional and knowledgeable manner. I highly recommend Tim for all of your business and residential video surveillance needs."

Ron H., Owner/Auto Doctor

"I have to say I love having my security cameras at my home. Tim Truby did a wonderful job of installing the five cameras. He is very neat and cleaned everything up after the installation. He explained to me how to operate the monitor, my phone and IPad. However, I have had to call Tim because I'm not tech savvy and forget what he has told me. He usually just helps me over the phone and then all is well. I'm 80 years old and enjoy the comfort of knowing I have these security cameras."

Gloria

"Tim Truby designed and installed a 32 camera system for us here at the Butte County Mosquito and Vector Control District. We had received several other quotes from security system vendors, but Tim’s quote was the least expensive. Tim also installed the system quickly and has always been available when we needed him. We are very happy with our security camera system and we can highly recommend Tim Truby for all of your surveillance system needs."

D. Weseman, Butte County Mosquito and Vector Control District

Crime Free Living updated our old video system with a new 16 Channel HD Alibi Video Security System. The old system had been added onto by different installers which resulted in a cabling mess. There were cables that worked and cables that went nowhere. It was a mess. Tim sorted it all out and installed cameras that are very clear. He also installed a monitor for our cashiers to watch hidden areas, a monitor to watch the entry door, and a monitor that allows employees to watch the outside parking and gas pump area. All work was done on time and very professional! Will always recommend Tim and Crime Free Living.

S. AM PM Chico Arco Station

"I had Tim install an Alibi Video Security System at my residence and a couple business locations. The remote view option is invaluable to absentee owners or anyone who travels a lot. The clarity and quality of the cameras have allowed for viewing employee theft. The evidence provided from the HD video cameras was fantastic! Tim was professional and provided extra value from his law enforcement background."

J. Folsom Arco Station

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John M.

"In April of 2017, my husband and I made a phone call to Crime Free Living that turned out to be a smart and wise decision. Amazingly, in just a few hours, Tim installed four Dome Security Cameras, weatherproof enclosures, and hooked up into our home a 23" Full HD Widescreen Security Monitor. Even more than his professional expertise was the time spent with us in making sure that this system was working correctly and properly installed on our phones so that anywhere in our travels we can monitor our new home in Magalia."

Tieka and Don S.

"I have been using Crime Free Living for the last couple years ar work and at home and I really recommend this product. Tim is a very good service provider. If he can't figure it out, he's got good tech support with the system that he offers."

Gary D.

"I have known Tim for over 10 years. To date, Time with Crime Free Living has installed two separate surveillance systems for my company. With each system, Tim has listened to my needs and custom dsigned surveillance systems for my specific needs and within my budget. The equipment used is always state of the art, the workmanship is top notch, and Tim is the example of trustworthy. I would recommend him for any job."

Steve D., Down Range Indoor Training Center

images Certifications & Training

With 16 years of experience in law enforcement, Tim Truby, CEO, is fully certified in video surveillance and training.

  • Certified Advanced Crime Prevention Specialist
  • Academy Instructor Certification
  • California POST Certification in Specialized Surveillance Equipment
  • California POST Certification in Basic Crime Prevention
    • Advanced Crime Prevention through Environmental Design
    • Certified Alibi Security Dealer
    • Enhanced Risk and Threat Assessment (FEMA)
    • Incident Command System (100 & 200)
    • Certified Cognitech Video Forensic Investigator
    • Neighborhood Watch Toolkit Trainer
    • Computer Crimes/Investigations
    • Domestic Crisis for Crisis Negotiators
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