Multi-Family Fire Safety: Save Lives & Lower Costs
Apartment buildings are at a higher risk for fires. Fires also pose the most risk for property damage to apartments besides a catastrophic natural disaster.
As a property manager you don't have to leave the possibility of fires up to fate.
Implementing risk management solutions can save your buildings. Consider smart technology and fire safety systems to reduce risk. These risk management strategies can help you save money on property insurance claims and may even help lower your premiums.
Want to learn more about how you can save your buildings from fires, and save money? Let's talk about it.
Why Apartment Fire Safety Should be a Top Priority
The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) reported 76,500 apartment/multi-family housing fires in 2023. These caused 400 deaths, 2,740 injuries, and $2.3 Billion in property damage.
Aside from these astonishingly high stats, it is important to remember that not prioritizing fire safety can be against the law. The fines and penalties for not following fire code can be expensive.
To learn about the most common code violations check out our blog on the topic.
Fire safety involves 3 main ideas:
- Prevention
- Suppression
- Education
We will talk about education in a bit, but to prevent and suppress fires there are different strategies you can use.
Essential Fire Safety Systems for Multifamily Properties
The most important fire safety system for your apartment buildings is smoke detectors. The number one factor in saving lives in residential fires is working smoke alarms.
When it comes to other safety devices, there are two schools of thought.
Put out the fire quickly aka suppression or don't let the fire start aka prevention.
The main suppression technologies are:
- Sprinkler Systems
- Stove Canisters
- Fire Extinguishers
- Fire Blankets
Each of these are effective for putting out fires but should be used in different scenarios.
The main prevention technology today is the FireAvert Shutoff device.
Comparison Table
| Device | Cost | Automatic | Needs Maintenance | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sprinkler Systems | ~$4/sq ft | ✅ Yes | ✅ Annual checks | Suppress |
| Stove Canisters | ~$60 (pair) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Replace every 6 years | Suppress |
| Fire Extinguishers | ~$20 each | ❌ No | ✅ Annual recharge | Suppress |
| Fire Blankets | ~$25 | ❌ No | ❌ None | Suppress |
| FireAvert | $249.99 | ✅ Yes | ❌ None | Prevent |
Let's learn more about these devices and their implementation.
Sprinkler Systems
Residential fire sprinkler systems are a great suppression technology! They excel at minimizing fire damage in large buildings.
They do include high costs to install with averages around $4 per square foot of coverage. While they do minimize fire damage, the water can lead to expensive water damage repairs.
Stove Canisters
Rangehood canisters are an automatic suppression device that is installed above the stove. When a fire gets hot enough it can trigger the device to cover the stove in a flame suppressing powder.
These work great for automatic fire suppression in a variety of situations. They are affordable and effective at reducing fire damage. They must be replaced every 5 years or so to ensure effective suppression.
Stove canisters do sometimes have false triggers from cooking. This can lead to cleanup and maintenance costs as they must be replaced once activated.
Fire Extinguishers
The fire extinguisher is an excellent suppression device. They have long shelf lives and effectively suppress fires, minimizing damage and cleanup costs.
Fire extinguishers must be replaced/recharged every 6-10 years. They are great for suppression, but offer no automatic suppression for accidental fires.
Fire Blankets
Fire Blankets are a great suppression technology that is super simple to use. They effectively smother fires and can be used by anyone without hesitation.
They are designed for one time use, so make sure to replace fire blankets if they ever get used. Fire blankets are affordable and can be stored easily in every unit.
FireAvert Automatic Shutoff Devices
Auto shutoff devices are the only device that can prevent both fire and smoke damage. They are a must have for high rise/apartment fire safety and security.
The devices detect smoke and shutoff the appliance before fires even start. With varied specifications, they can be installed on any stove type or even smaller cooking appliances.
With the FireAvert PRO, every unit can be monitored with a comprehensive dashboard. Using this smart home system, FireAvert can identify high-risk behaviors and tenants. Using this information, educating tenants can further reduce your risk for building fires.
Any one of these devices can improve building safety. But, combining multiple solutions creates a strong defense against fires.
Combining FireAvert prevention technology with effective suppression will prevent smoke and fire damage. This prevents repairs from breaking the budget and impacting net operating income (NOI).
3 Simple But Effective Fire Safety Tips
No matter how much prevention and suppression technology you have, sometimes fires will ignite in your building. These tips will further minimize the risk of costly fire damage in your properties.
- Install & maintain smoke detectors
- Keep hallways and stairwells clear
- Ensure building & unit numbers are visible
1. Install & maintain smoke detectors
Like we previously said, and as the NFPA reports, smoke detectors are the best way to save lives in building fires.
In fact, working smoke alarms reduce the death rate per 1000 home fires from 14.4 to 5.8. Saving 2.5x more lives is as simple as installing and maintaining smoke alarms.
To learn more about how you should implement smoke alarms in your properties, read our guide on the topic.
2. Keep hallways and stairwells clear
Hallways and stairwells in apartment complexes can turn into dangerous obstacles in the event of a fire. Even a partially blocked hallway/stairwell can cause deadly congestion in an emergency.
These areas are often used for residents to store bikes or other possessions. We have even seen property managers store combustible materials or chemicals in these areas.
We understand the temptation for residents and property managers to use these spaces for storage. But, fire code requires that these areas be kept clear. You can save money and lives by following this simple tip.
3. Ensure building & unit numbers are visible
This tip eliminates one of the worst scenarios we can imagine. When the fire department is called to put out a building fire, you don't want them wasting time finding the right building or unit to target.
Easy-to-read lettering ensures emergency personnel can respond fast in case of a fire. If the building and unit numbers are not visible or obscured by trees/vegetation, it can compromise building safety.
Make sure building numbers are well-lit and visible. Ensure unit numbers are easy to read and maintained.
Following these tips not only protects your property and residents. When tenants trust your properties are fire safe your reputation improves.
A good reputation has a direct impact on revenue and NOI. This will also improve occupancy rates, and tenant retention/satisfaction.
How to Prevent Fires in Your Apartment Buildings
According to the NFPA, cooking equipment causes nearly half of all apartment fires. On top of that heating and electrical failures account for another 30%.
As a property manager, your role isn’t to just comply to code. You must actively reduce risk through engineering controls, tenant policies, and smart technology.
Here’s how to address the top causes of multifamily fires with proven strategies.
1. Kitchen Fires: The Leading Cause of Apartment Fires
- 48% of fires start in the kitchen
- 28% of kitchen fires are from unattended kitchen the #1 cause of fires
- Kitchen fires cost over $550 million
Kitchen Fire Prevention Strategies
Automatic Stove Shutoff Devices - These completely prevent the #1 cause of fires. They are the only device certified to prevent fire AND smoke damage.
Tenant Policies & Education - Include lease clauses requiring no unattended cooking and to keep flammables 3+ feet from stoves. Distribute Safe Cooking flyers at signing.
2. Space Heater Safety: Avoid Heating Disasters
- Approximately 1,100 Space Heater Fires reported each year
- 48% from placing heater too close to combustible materials
- 41% of all heating fire deaths were from space heaters
Space Heater Risk Management
Unit Inspections - Conduct annual inspections and document heater locations with photos.
3-Foot Rule - Fine tenants who are placing anything within 3 feet of heating units.
3. Chemical Fires: Hidden Hazards
Case Study - A recent fire in Mountain View, California cost the property an estimated $1 million in damage. The fire started due to improperly stored chemicals.
The fire only consumed 2 units, but still cost over $1 million in damages alone. That estimate doesn't account for rent loss or any insurance costs.
Prevent Chemical Fires
- Understand the chemicals you have and their risks
- Leave in approved containers
- Keep incompatible chemicals separate
- Store in well-ventilated areas
How Smart Home Technology Enhances Fire Safety
A single fire can cost $50,000+ in damages with an average cost of $32,000. But with smart home systems, property managers can stop fires before they start while saving money.
Here’s how home automation is rewriting multifamily fire safety.
The Smart Home Advantage
Prevention > Reaction: Traditional alarms alert after a fire starts. Smart devices intervene proactively, monitoring high risk tenants and cutting heat before a fire can start.
Smart Technology Systems for apartments include FireAvert PRO and our new partner iApartments. These give managers and owners real time information regarding tenants behaviors and habits that are high risk.
The FireAvert PRO dashboard is constantly improving. We want to help identify which units to focus education and prevention efforts.
How Much does Fire Prevention Technology Cost for Apartments?
FireAvert bulk pricing depends on a few factors including:
- Number of units
- Stove type
- Installation needs
- Other add-ons
Large properties can get massive discounts with this technology. For exact pricing for your building get a bulk pricing quote.
You can save thousands of dollars a year on fire and smoke damage repairs and lost rent from fires.
Building a Fire Safe Property
There isn't just one product you can buy that completely resolves all fire risks. You have to master the fundamentals as well.
The Fundamentals of Apartment Fire Safety
Conducting regular fire safety inspections are critical to fire safety. Our guide on structuring and conducting these inspections should help you understand how this reduces fire risk.
Equally important is emergency preparedness. Follow our step by step guide to prepare your buildings and teams for any emergency.
These measures cost you nothing, but can save your buildings and you, thousands of dollars.
Key Takeaways
1. Fire safety starts with basics: Inspections and emergency plans are non-negotiable for risk management.
2. Technology multiplies protection: Smart systems address human error—the root cause of most fires.
3. Every dollar prevents thousands in losses: From $20 fire blankets to $250 shutoff devices, layered solutions protect both lives and NOI.
Want to learn more about FireAvert and get a Free Quote for your property? Check out our page all about FireAvert for multi-family properties.
