Video shows how quickly bedroom without sprinkler protection becomes deadly

Here's an dramatic video from the Orange County (CA) Fire Authority of burn demonstrations in two bedrooms, one which has been outfitted with a sprinkler head. Watch the clock in the lower left corner of the screen to see how quickly the room without sprinkler protection becomes unsurvivable.

- Mike Hazell

Comments

[Munros Safety]

Alarming isn't it? But amazingly, most homes do not have sprinkler systems for fire protection. Shouldn't this be a requirement for new homes?

[Mike]

The fact is, home fire sprinklers are affordable. The Fire Protection Research Foundation issued the Home Fire Sprinkler Cost Assessment report (http://www.nfpa.org/assets/files//PDF/Research/FireSprinklerCostAssessment.pdf), which revealed that the cost of installing home fire sprinklers averages $1.61 per square foot for new construction.

To put the cost of a sprinkler system into perspective, many people pay similar amounts for carpet upgrades, a paving stone driveway, or a whirlpool bath. Sales in many U.S. communities where sprinkler systems are available show that, not only are consumers requesting this feature, but also that houses with sprinkler systems are selling faster than those without.