Home fire sprinklers are the single most effective means to prevent death and injury from a fire. Sprinklers are especially important for those who cannot escape without assistance, those who may not hear the alarm when sleeping, or those with synthetic furnishings (foam, pressboard, plastic, nylon) in their home. Sprinklers are important for everyone!
Fire Sprinklers are simple devices. When the direct, high heat of a fire touches the sprinkler, the plug falls out and water in the pipe is released. The water cools the fire and keeps it from spreading. This keeps the heat and the smoke levels low, giving people more time to escape.
Only one sprinkler turns on at a time. Only the sprinkler activated by the direct, high heat of a fire turns on. Most fires are controlled by one sprinkler. If the fire is between two sprinklers, the heat may reach both at about the same time and activate both sprinklers.
Smoke and alarms do not activate a fire sprinkler; only the direct, high heat of a fire.
Home Fire Sprinklers come in a variety of sizes and shapes. Can you spot the sprinklers in each of the photos below?
Become involved by joining the South Dakota Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition.
You only have one or two minutes to escape a house with a fire. Learn more here.
Sprinkler Saves: Reporting on lives and property saved by fire sprinklers View fire sprinkler saves by state, by time of day, or by date.
Learn more about fire safety
Prevent Cooking Fires
Cooking is the leading cause of fire in Rapid City. The good news is it is easy to prevent a cooking fire and keep fires small once they’ve begun.
Teach Fire Safety to Others
Find fire safety lessons and resources for classrooms, homeschool, daycare, and preschool. Find business fire safety resources. Volunteer with us!
Stop Youth from Starting Fires
While curiosity is a childhood trait, most youth do not play with fire and put themselves and those around them at risk. We can help you turn this curiosity away from dangerous fire-related behaviors.
Keep Your Smoke Alarms Working
Working smoke alarms that will wake you are important. Alarms should be installed on every floor of the home, outside every sleeping area, and in every bedroom. For earliest notification, alarms should be connected so that when one sounds they all sound.
Plan Your Escape
Make sure everyone knows what to do when the alarm sounds and plan for those that will probably not escape on their own.