Ignore Myths about Sprinkler Systems
2/22/2012 6:55:00 AM
Installing protective devices in homes can attract discounts on New York homeowners insurance premiums. While it’s commonplace for protective devices like burglar alarms and smoke detectors to be fitted in residential properties, it’s not so common to find fire sprinkler installations in homes.
It’s surprising that more householders have not installed sprinkler systems, especially when you consider that these devices actually contain and extinguish fires and minimize fire damage, unlike smoke detectors that merely provide a warning so that people can escape a burning building. Perhaps the limited uptake of sprinkler systems is a result of a few myths that have circulated.
• Many people think that sprinkler systems are outrageously expensive. Do a little research to check the cost of installing sprinklers in a home the size of yours.
• Sprinklers have a reputation of being an “all or nothing” solution; people think that if one sprinkler head is activated all of them will go off. In fact, each sprinkler head is individually activated and only heads in the vicinity of a fire will go off.
• Homeowners sometimes avoid installing sprinkler systems because they believe that water will damage their building and furniture. Of course some water damage is inevitable when a sprinkler system is activated, but sprinklers help to limit the extent of fire damage and destruction.
Modern residential sprinkler systems have been thoughtfully designed - they work effectively, look unobtrusive and use a minimum of water. Talk to your agent or insurer if you invest in a sprinkler system, and see if you can claim a discount that will reduce the cost of your New York homeowners insurance.
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• Many people think that sprinkler systems are outrageously expensive. Do a little research to check the cost of installing sprinklers in a home the size of yours.
• Sprinklers have a reputation of being an “all or nothing” solution; people think that if one sprinkler head is activated all of them will go off. In fact, each sprinkler head is individually activated and only heads in the vicinity of a fire will go off.
• Homeowners sometimes avoid installing sprinkler systems because they believe that water will damage their building and furniture. Of course some water damage is inevitable when a sprinkler system is activated, but sprinklers help to limit the extent of fire damage and destruction.
Modern residential sprinkler systems have been thoughtfully designed - they work effectively, look unobtrusive and use a minimum of water. Talk to your agent or insurer if you invest in a sprinkler system, and see if you can claim a discount that will reduce the cost of your New York homeowners insurance.
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