The session will be presented by Kyle Minick, Deputy Fire Chief of the North Charleston Fire Department and Chairman of the South Carolina Fire Sprinkler Coalition. Members of the public and the media are encouraged to attend.
Sprinkler systems, a common precaution against fires in commercial structures which reduce a fire’s size and impact, are increasingly used as a line of defense against fires in private residences as well. Residential sprinkler systems may cost about $1.50 per square foot in a new home and $2.50 to $5 per square foot when installed in an existing home, according to the United States Fire Administration. Residential sprinkler systems are designed to activate in the very early stages of a fire, while still reducing the likelihood of accidental activation, attacking the fire at a point when less water is required.
“When sprinkler systems are combined with properly installed and maintained smoke detectors, the prevention efforts can save most potential house fire victims,” Fire Marshal Bryan Crowley said. “When we can encourage more residents to make use of these lifesaving devices, we can create a higher level of local fire protection than ever before.”
