Are you part of a rural community? There’s so much to love about this slow, tranquil pace of life outside the city limits, but owning a rural home does come with certain risks as well. Two major concerns are a lack of access to reliable municipal water sources and a significant distance between many rural homes and emergency first responders. These issues can be costly in the event of a fire—fortunately, there are some innovative fire sprinkler installation options available to protect your residence. Here’s what you need to know.
Why Rural Homes Face Higher Fire Safety Risks
Rural homes face unique fire safety hazards that folks in more urban or suburban developments often don’t have to worry about. These are the main risk factors to be aware of—and plan ahead for—if you live in a rural community.
Limited Water Access
If your home relies on a well, you might not be able to use that water source in the event a fire occurs. That’s because the extreme heat will likely cause a power outage, which means no electricity to pump water out of the well. Even if your well does keep running, chances are, it won’t meet the water pressure demands of a fire sprinkler system.
Longer Response Times
Think about how close (or far away) the nearest fire department is to your home. If a fire sparks, can first responders arrive on the scene within 5–10 minutes? Or will it take them much longer? Slower response times mean a higher risk of the flames roaring out of control.
Combustible Surroundings
As beautiful and peaceful as rural landscapes are, they can also be flammable. Grasslands, forests, dense trees and shrubs, or dry vegetation can cause fire embers to spread quickly across rural areas—especially at the height of wildfire season.
Why Fire Sprinkler Installation Is Difficult in Rural Areas
A traditional fire sprinkler installation process can be hard to execute in rural homes due to some of the following barriers.
- Low Water Pressure: Most fire sprinkler systems require a reliable source of highly pressurized water
- Water Supply Limitations: Wells and water tanks might not be able to provide the necessary volume for fire suppression
- Upfront Costs: Concerns about installation costs might deter rural homeowners from exploring fire safety options altogether
Fortunately, there are a few effective workarounds to protect your rural home from the threat of an uncontrolled fire emergency.
3 Innovative Fire Sprinkler Options for Rural Communities
Pump-and-Tank Systems
A pump-and-tank system stores water in a large tank, then uses a high-powered water pump to deliver adequate pressure in the event of a fire. Some tanks can be buried underground to lower the risk of freezing, too. A buried tank can also be more aesthetic if you want the equipment out of sight. Consider a pump-and-tank configuration if you’re in an area with minimal external water sources. As long as your pump is functional, the entire system will operate.
Optimized Designs for Efficient Coverage
Three-dimensional design software can help tailor the fire sprinkler installation to just about any structure, including a historic home. This will provide adequate area coverage of your home while minimizing excess water waste. Not all fire sprinkler technicians use 3-D design software tools, so look for a reputable installer that knows how to utilize the latest technology to facilitate a customized system. This is one of the most effective ways to mitigate the unique fire sprinkler installation challenges that many rural homes face.
Gravity-Fed Sprinkler Systems
Gravity-fed fire sprinklers can harness the natural pressure created by elevation. These systems function by placing a water tank uphill or on an elevated platform. When the sprinklers activate in a fire, gravity will create the right amount of the pressure necessary to keep the water flowing. Gravity-fed systems also don’t rely on an external pump, which means they can be affordable to install, and often require less rigorous maintenance checks.
Safeguard Your Rural Home With A&A Fire Protection
A&A Fire Protection offers innovative designs to protect rural homes and communities. Our team will create a customized system to meet the needs of your specific residence, which allows us to achieve efficient, optimal water coverage with minimal waste. Reach out to our team of experts for more information today!
