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False fire alarms continue to increase in communities throughout the world. As the trend persists, numerous jurisdictions have attempted to mitigate the issue, often with less than acceptable results. Nuisance false fire alarms are a problem for the fire service, schools, universities, hospitals, nursing homes, stores, hotels, businesses, and the public. Most buildings often indicate false fire alarms are among their biggest fire safety challenges.

In the most recent study, U.S. fire departments responded to 2,889,000 false fire alarms in 2018 (Statista Research Department, January 15, 2021). Malicious false calls increased by 22% from 2017, accounting for 171,500 of all false calls.

Those numbers are unacceptable. Failure to take meaningful action could have disastrous consequences for citizens, first responders, building owners, and security officers.

With safety being a main concern in today’s world, it is vital to have minimal interruptions. Businesses have an ethical responsibility to keep staff, employees, students, and visitors secure. A failure of that obligation can put everyone involved at risk.

Preventing false fire alarms saves lives, possible municipal fees and helps reduce building evacuations, disruptions, lost revenue, and a loss of productivity. 

To help decrease false fire alarm dangers with Safety Technology International (STI) invented the Universal Stopper® protective polycarbonate cover. The sleek, super tough indoor/outdoor cover helps protect manual call points, electrical switches, pull stations and more from malicious or accidental activation, physical damage, dust, and grime, as well as severe environments. When the cover is lifted a warning horn sounds locally and flashes (STI-14000 series). Immediate attention is drawn to the area before a false alarm can be pulled. The Universal Stopper does not restrict legitimate alarms from being activated. A variety of covers offer color choices, label options, and mounting selections.

Experiencing problematic exits and entries through an unsupervised door that must be kept unlocked for safety purposes? To help solve unauthorized use, STI designed several alarms. A time-tested quality standalone alarm, the Exit Stopper® flashes and sounds when a door is opened helping to deter unwanted use and theft. Additional sirens/strobes attract immediate attention and are available for doors, cabinets, enclosures and more.

Prevent theft and misuse of fire extinguishers with STI’s battery operated alarm. Having an extinguisher accessible—and not stolen—helps keep everyone safe in case of a fire. With the cost of fire extinguishers on the rise, it is now more important than ever to protect these vital units. STI’s Fire Extinguisher Theft Stopper® alarm offers a unique steel cable switch mechanism to help stop theft, vandalism, and misuse of fire extinguishers. If a protected extinguisher is moved, the device emits a 95/105 dB alarm. The siren helps draw attention to an extinguisher and the vandal will either run or be caught before harming or stealing the vital equipment. Completely self-contained, the alarm does not interfere with firefighting in any way. Includes symbols and 20 labels to warn in two languages.

Improve protection for important horn, strobe, and speaker notification appliances against vandalism and accidental damage. STI’s complete line of polycarbonate and wire guards help ensure these essential units stay operational where abuse is severe, or it is imperative the units continue to operate. Constructed of tough polycarbonate material or 9-gauge steel wire, coated with corrosion resistant red or white polyester. Fast and easy installation. Many sizes available and several models are UL/cUL Listed.

Safety Technology International is a long-time trusted manufacturer of fire, safety and security products that help deter false alarms, prevent theft, and minimize damage to equipment in buildings around the world. For over 40 years STI’s mission is to help reduce building disruption, vandalism, tampering and theft.

STI began by creating protective covers to help stop false fire alarms and guard important equipment. The company now manufactures protective covers, enclosures, push buttons/switches, alarms, and wire cages. The time-tested and reliable products help ensure building safety problems are solved.

For over 40 years you can Rely on STI® for covers, cages, alarms and buttons. Find more information on Safety Technology International at www.sti-usa.com/ses8 or call 248-673-9898.