December 2023
Fire alarm systems are an essential component of any commercial building's safety infrastructure. They are designed to detect the presence of fire or smoke and alert occupants to evacuate the premises promptly. However, when a fire alarm goes off, it can be a stressful and potentially dangerous situation. Knowing how to respond in such an event is crucial for your safety and the safety of others.
In this article, Lynx Fire & Security will explain the key steps to keep your employees as safe as possible in the event of one of our commercial fire alarm systems being triggered – precautionary or not.
Fire Alarm Safety Procedures
Step 1 - Remain Calm
Panic can cloud your judgment and hinder your ability to react appropriately. Take a deep breath and remind yourself that the alarm is designed to keep you safe – treat every alarm trigger as a real event, even if you have been informed that it is a drill.
Step 2 - Take Immediate Action
Evacuate the building as quickly and safely as possible. Do not waste time gathering personal belongings or investigating the source of the alarm. Remember, your safety is the top priority.
Step 3 - Use Designated Exit Routes
When evacuating, use the designated exit routes and follow any evacuation procedures that have been established. These procedures may include specific meeting points outside the building where you can gather to ensure everyone is accounted for. It is crucial to familiarise yourself with these procedures in advance, as they may vary depending on the building.
Step 4 - Avoid Smoke Where Possible
If you encounter smoke while evacuating, stay low to the ground where the air is less toxic. Cover your nose and mouth with a cloth to filter out smoke particles. If possible, wet the cloth to provide additional protection. Avoid using elevators during a fire alarm, as they may malfunction or become trapped, hindering your escape.
Step 5 - Call Emergency Services
Once you have safely evacuated the building, call emergency services to report the fire. Provide them with as much information as possible, such as the location of the fire, any visible smoke or flames, and the number of people still inside the building. Do not assume that someone else has already made the call; taking initiative can save valuable time.
Step 6 - Wait for Assistance
While waiting for emergency services to arrive, do not re-enter the building under any circumstances. Even if the alarm stops or you suspect it was a false alarm, it is crucial to wait for professionals to assess the situation and ensure it is safe before entering again.
Fire Alarm Maintenance
To prevent false alarms, it is essential to properly maintain and test your fire alarm system. Regular fire alarm installation and maintenance by qualified professionals can ensure that the system is functioning correctly, and minimise the risk of false alarms.
Top Tips – Routine testing of the fire alarm system should be conducted by your Company (eg. once a week). Ensure that different call points are tested each time. These tests are usually conducted by your Company’s Fire Marshal(s) – refer to your Fire Risk Assessment to ensure your building has the correct amount of Fire Marshals trained.
At Lynx Fire & Security, our dedicated team of engineers know our fire alarm systems inside and out – making routine maintenance a key element of our comprehensive security services.
To receive a free quotation from a member of our team, you can contact us via our enquiry form, by telephone 0800 998 1303 or email [email protected]
Enjoy this blog? Check out our other blogs here for more tips, answers and advice!
Common Customer Queries
1. How do I tell if my fire alarm battery needs changing?
If your back-up panel battery is starting to run low, your alarm system should begin by telling you on the panel or keypad (this may include a flashing light). As time goes on and the battery becomes critical, your system may start beeping to alert you or the sounder inside may activate.
2. What types of systems do Lynx install and maintain?
We offer systems for both commercial and domestic properties.
For commercial properties, we can install and maintain Intruder Alarms, Fire Alarms, CCTV Systems and Access Control Systems/Door Access Systems. We also offer Emergency Lighting System maintenance for commercial buildings if already attending to conduct preventative maintenance on other systems.
For domestic premises, we offer installations and maintenance of Intruder Alarms and CCTV Systems. Access systems can also be installed in homes.
3. How often should commercial fire alarms be tested?
According to BS 5839:2025, a different manual call point should be tested each week. A professional service should take place at least twice a year (for larger properties, this may be spilt into 3 or four visits). All tests (regardless of if these are weekly or professional) should be recorded in a Log Book.
4. What are common failures of an alarm system?
Some of the main failures of a security alarm system come from a lack of regular system maintenance, old batteries that stopped working, cable damage, loose cables and connections or faulty sensors.
Check out our FAQ's page for more.