Keeping your business and employees safe from fire hazards and mitigating risk isn’t a DIY job. You need a partner to help you navigate the options and services available and select the best system for your property.
That’s why choosing your fire protection company is equally important to choosing your fire protection system. Without knowledgeable experts to recommend, advise on, install, and maintain your fire protection systems, you’re forging your own path and risking major losses or destruction if what you’ve selected isn’t actually the right system for your space.
But whether you’re a retail chain, grocery store, restaurant, or distribution center, the choices for fire protection seem daunting. There isn’t just one company to look to, and it’s difficult to sort through the noise and find the right solution.
Here are seven questions you need to ask to determine whether a fire protection company is the right fit for you.
What services are included?
Not every fire protection company offers every service. If you need consulting on the right protection system, you need to make sure the company offers that service, not just repairs and maintenance. And, if you want a company that is going to come out and perform repairs, testing, and maintenance, you need a comprehensive fire protection company that can take care of you from A to Z.
Lastly, some companies focus on just sprinklers or just extinguishers. Make sure the company you’re speaking to offers the products you need.
Are you licensed, certified, and affiliated with major industry organizations?
Before you get to anything else, you need to know whether the company you’re speaking with has the credentials to back them up. First, ask whether they’re actually licensed in your region, and be aware that this varies from state to state. For every company, you will need to ask if the company is licensed and certified in the state.
Do you have experience in my industry?
Every industry provides its own challenges. Ideally, you want to work with a fire protection company that has serviced companies specifically in your industry, whether you’re a grocery store or a factory.
Who performs the on-site work?
The majority of fire protection companies sub out their on-site installation, maintenance, testing, and repairs to contractors. While that isn’t always a problem and the contractors may be qualified, this is something you want to be aware of ahead of time.
How do you maintain records on client fire protection systems?
One of the most critical parts of the fire protection process is keeping records on maintenance and testing. Without a thorough record, it’s difficult to know when you need to inspect, test, and replace systems or whether it’s time for another inspection test. A competent fire protection company will keep the records for you and possibly have a customer portal you can access, but you need to understand what that process looks like and if it works for you.
What does your customer service access look like?
You hope that you’ll never need to reach customer service in an emergency, but you also want to know they’re accessible when you need them. Ask your fire protection company whether they have customer service accessible 24/7 and what the process looks like in case of an urgent need. Companies using an answering service can delay responses, which can contribute to more damage if a system fails or there is an accidental discharge.
How do you price your fire protection plans?
You always want to go with the most qualified fire protection company. This is not an area to look for the cheapest option. But you also want to go in with clear eyes around how this will fit into your budget. Ask for details on pricing, plans, and the best options for you.
We’re happy to answer your questions
If you want to learn more about fire protection systems at AIE, our customer service, certifications, maintenance, and more, contact us today. We’re happy to answer all of your questions and find the right path to fire safety for your business.
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