Residential Fire Sprinkler Myths

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Myth: If one goes off, they all go off.

Fact: Sprinklers activate independently; only the sprinkler closest to the fire will activate.

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Myth: Sprinklers will leak.

Fact: Sprinkler mishaps are generally less likely and less severe than home plumbing system problems.

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Myth: Water damage from sprinklers is worse than fire damage.

Fact: A sprinkler flows 10-26 gallons of water per minute. The property loss in a sprinklered home fire is a small fraction of the typical loss in an unsprinklered home fire.

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Myth: Sprinklers will freeze in winter.

Fact: The national installation standard provides guidance for proper installation in cold regions.

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Myth: The fire department will be able to put out the fire and save my things.

Fact: In the 9-12 minutes a fire department needs to respond, an uncontrolled fire will grow and spread through the home, causing tremendous smoke and fire damage.

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Myth: I have smoke alarms so I don't need fire sprinklers.

Fact: Smoke alarms are essential in every home. But they can only detect a fire. Fire sprinklers detect the fire and automatically control it, saving lives and property.