Why Outdated Fire Systems Are Costing Hospitality Facilities More Than You Think

Hospitality is a demanding sector to work in. Customer service is the name of the game, and customers can be, well, demanding. Managers and staff that work in the hospitality industry often must work nights, weekends, and holidays to keep their hotels, restaurants, or other customer-facing facilities running smoothly and profitably. Delivering quality goods and services each and every day is a top priority which can, understandably, take the focus off some other issues that are also critically important. Fire safety ranks high on that list. 

Hospitality facilities are particularly vulnerable to fire risks and hazards, as high guest turnover means constant occupancy, increasing the risk to life and liability. And kitchens, laundry rooms, and event spaces can be especially prone to fires. 

So, on top of the day-to-day duties that hospitality managers are tasked with, making sure that fire inspections are performed regularly on their premises is critically important as well, for many reasons. For starters, hotels, resorts, and restaurants often host large numbers of people unfamiliar with the layout or fire exits. Regular inspections ensure that fire alarms, extinguishers, sprinklers, and emergency exits are fully functional. And from a compliance and liability standpoint, fire codes such as NFPA 80 and NFPA 101 require annual inspections of fire doors and safety systems. Failing to comply can result in fines, lawsuits, or even closure of the facility. In addition, insurance claims may be denied if inspections are skipped or improperly documented. 

Beyond these obvious unwanted costs, there are many other financial and operational liabilities hiding in plain sight that can come with a hefty price tag if not addressed with regular, ongoing fire inspections. For instance, if an old and unchecked fire system fails, the costs of emergency replacements can run twice as much as a planned upgrade due to overtime labor, expedited parts, and fire watch services. Business disruption and reputational damage are also potential budget busters. A fire – even a false alarm – that is caused by faulty equipment can lead to evacuations, lost bookings, and long-term brand damage, particularly for hotels and resorts where guest experience is everything. Operating a facility with a fire protection system that isn’t up to code or lacks modern features like smart detection and real-time alerts can result in a huge hike in insurance premiums, or denial of coverage altogether. Older systems often must be inspected and repaired manually, which translates into higher labor costs and downtime. Upgrading to a more modern fire system is often a very wise choice for hospitality facilities.  

Independent Alarm is here to help. Contact us today to learn how modernizing your fire systems can help lower insurance premiums, reduce false alarms, streamline inspections, and enhance guest safety and peace of mind. 

About Independent Alarm 

Founded in 1978, Independent Alarm is a trusted provider of custom-designed security and life safety systems for businesses, homes and institutions across Southern and Central New Jersey, Delaware and the Greater Philadelphia area. With decades of experience and a strong commitment to customer service, Independent Alarm offers comprehensive solutions including video surveillance, intrusion detection, fire alarms, camera systems, access control, and 24/7 monitoring. As a locally owned and operated company, Independent Alarm takes pride in protecting your People, Property and Profits with personalized service, cutting-edge technology, and a team of highly trained professionals. Independent Alarm is proud to be a part of Zeus Fire and Security.