Fire Alarm Systems

Understanding Your Fire Alarm System
A building fire alarm system may include a fire alarm control panel, smoke and heat detectors, manual pull stations, audible and visual notification devices, monitoring equipment and other connected components.

Building owners and property representatives should understand the basic operation of their system and know who to contact when service or repairs are required.

When the Fire Alarm Activates

Treat every fire alarm as a potential emergency.

• Occupants should follow the building's Fire Safety Plan and evacuation procedures.
• Do not assume an alarm is false simply because there are no obvious signs of fire.
• Do not reset the fire alarm system before the Fire Department has completed its assessment, when firefighters have been dispatched.
• Follow the direction of responding firefighters.
• If recurring or unexplained alarms occur, arrange for the system to be assessed by a qualified fire alarm service provider.

Alarm, Supervisory and Trouble Signals
These signals don't all mean the same thing.

ALARM
Indicates that a fire alarm initiating device has been activated. Follow the building's emergency procedures.

SUPERVISORY
Indicates that a monitored condition associated with a fire protection system requires attention—for example, certain sprinkler system conditions.

TROUBLE
Indicates a problem with the fire alarm system or one of its components.

A trouble signal should not simply be silenced and ignored.

The cause should be investigated and appropriate repairs arranged.

Important: A trouble condition does not necessarily mean the entire fire alarm system is out of service. The extent of the impairment needs to be determined.

Fire Alarm System Out of Service

If all or part of your fire protection system is impaired or not operating normally, contact your qualified fire protection service provider promptly.

Specific notification, temporary safety measures or a Fire Watch may be required depending on the nature and extent of the impairment.

See: Fire Protection Equipment - Out of Service for more information. 

Inspection, Testing & Maintenance
Required fire alarm systems must be inspected, tested and maintained in accordance with all BC Fire Code and City of Chilliwack bylaw requirements.

Building owners and property representatives should:

• Arrange required testing and maintenance through qualified service providers.  
• Correct identified deficiencies.
• Maintain copies of inspection, testing and service reports.
• Keep required documentation available for review by the Fire Department.
• Ensure changes to the building or fire alarm system are appropriately addressed.
• Update the Fire Safety Plan where changes affect the information or procedures contained in the plan.

Recurring or Nuisance Alarms
Repeated alarm activations should not be accepted as normal building operation.

If your property is experiencing recurring alarms:

• Review the fire alarm panel information.
• Document the dates, times and causes of activations.
• Have the system assessed by a qualified service provider.
• Correct identified deficiencies.
• Keep service reports and documentation.
• Review recurring issues with building management and your Fire Safety Plan as appropriate.
• Do not compromise, disable or routinely silence fire protection equipment as a solution to recurring alarms.

Records to Keep
Maintain all records associated with your fire alarm system, including:

• Annual inspection/testing reports
• Service and repair reports
• Identified deficiencies and evidence of correction
• Alarm or incident records where applicable
• Monitoring information
• Documentation associated with system impairments
• Fire watch records, where applicable