Key points:
- What remote fire monitoring is.
- Why virtual monitoring isn’t compliant in most cases.
- Why upgrade to a remote monitoring system if it isn’t compliant.
Wondering if the growing range of AI-powered and remote surveillance tools can be utilized for compliant fire monitoring. In most cases, virtual fire watch isn’t compliant when fire safety and suppression systems go down. This emerging technology is a proactive approach to fire and security risks. It’s a way to elevate your risk mitigation strategy.
Virtual fire watch utilizes a combination of surveillance cameras, sensors, and AI-powered tools to detect heat, smoke, and flames. Some systems are paired with satellite data to monitor the spread of fire. In most cases, these systems aren’t compliant with fire code.
When Is Virtual Fire Monitoring Compliant?
Virtual monitoring is occasionally allowed in unoccupied warehouses, high-risk construction areas, and unoccupied hazardous material storage facilities. Before implementing remote monitoring, you must confirm with the Fire Marshal that it’s compliant. Also, with your insurance company and OSHA.
AI tools are powerful, but they don’t replace the human ability to evaluate and evacuate. For most circumstances that require fire watch, one or more certified professionals must be dispatched.
How These Systems Differ from Standard Security Cameras?
Remote systems are the next-generation of surveillance and are a premium offering from existing security companies. They’re the most advanced technology on the market, providing any combination of the features below.
- Thermal sensors: Thermal sensors detect heat signatures, including humans, wildlife, small ignitions, and flames.
- Temperature sensors: Temperature sensors detect even the slightest rise in heat in temperature-controlled areas.
- Chemical/vapor sensors: These sensors range from chemical-specific, such as carbon monoxide or lithium-ion battery offgassing. Or they detect any change to the air quality.
- Motion Detection: Motion of any kind is tracked, including motion that is not standard for daily operations. This feature may only be activated after hours.
- AI Identification: Virtual fire monitoring systems detect sparks, smoke, flames, and other risk factors. Also, non-threatening objects and activities.
- Satellite Data: Exterior systems monitor surrounding areas to track nearby fires and incidents, or whether your incident spreads beyond your business.
- AI Overview and Mapping: AI automatically generates an overview of the incident area and provides predictive analytics for how the fire or catalyst may spread. It can also aid in identifying safe evacuation routes.
- 2-Way Intercoms: Intercoms are utilized to communicate threats, incidents, and evacuations while communicating with staff.
- Automated Alerts and Dispatching: Like all security systems, when an incident occurs, it triggers a predesignated response. This includes notifying occupants, first responders, and stakeholders.
Why Implement Remote Fire Monitoring If It’s Not Compliant?
AI-powered sensors and cameras are proactive, particularly in high-risk scenarios. The new generation of tools is increasingly installed in lower-risk settings to minimize risk.
- Virtual systems provide peace of mind in remote areas.
- Systems paired with satellite data help identify and track wildfires.
- Although not compliant, upgraded systems provide additional “proof” of patrols.
- Even with onsite monitoring, systems may identify risk before live monitors.
- Cameras identify remaining occupants during evacuation.
- Comprehensive views and intercoms identify safe evacuation routes.
- Systems with intercoms can aid in guiding occupants during evacuation.
Read more:
- Spring and Summer Fire Hazards in Denver
- Colorado’s New Defensible Space Zones
- What Smoke Control Rational Analysis Means For Denver Builders
- Office Conversion Fire Safety System Upgrades
- How Your Wildfire Risk Score Impacts Colorado Fire Watch Requirements
Compliant Fire Guards in Denver and The Springs
When water is out, your fire safety system is down, or you require hot work—in-person fire monitoring is required. Scout Security works with you and your team to ensure 100% compliance at all times.
Book now, or add our contact information to your emergency response contact list.
