Did you know that there are around 358,500 home fires annually in the United States, and 50% of these start in the kitchen? You have more than likely heard of fire extinguishers and fire hatchets in case of a fire emergency, but most people are unfamiliar with a fire tank. We have put together this guide to share the ins and outs of fire tanks and how they can provide you with peace of mind.
Read on to learn more.
Fire Water Tank Explained
Most people are not familiar with fire water tanks, but these can be life-changing in the event of a fire. Fire water tanks store water that is pumped directly into a sprinkler system when a fire happens.
They help safeguard property and keep fires from spreading and becoming worse. You can get a better idea of what they look like on the website linked here.
What Is the Shell Made Of?
The outer part of the water tank is usually made out of steel because it is corrosion-resistant. The best tanks are made out of the best steel out there, which is PosMac steel. This steel is about 10x more corrosion resistant than standard galvanized steel.
When choosing your tank, make sure you ask what the specific material of the shell is because you want it to last a few decades. There are steel tanks that can hold up to 1,000,000 gallons of water, which is excellent for a large corporation.
Sometimes fire tanks are made out of fiberglass. These tend to be a bit more budget-friendly compared to the steel ones. Fiberglass tanks can hold up to 50,000 gallons of water, depending on your needs.
Fiberglass tanks can be installed either above ground or below ground. A major pro about fiberglass is that it is stronger than steel and is also corrosion-resistant. These tanks are also fairly light, making them easier to transport, repair, or even customize to fit perfectly in your space.
Another material option is plastic. The great thing about plastic tanks is that they don’t require any maintenance and are great for the outdoors. There are some tanks that you can add a special coat to make them algae and UV-resistant.
Benefits
Whether you opt to use a fire tank for residential or commercial purposes, they have plenty of benefits. Here are some:
Accessibility
Having easy water access is a huge factor in keeping fires from spreading. When you have a tank, you don’t have to worry about water shortages in your area or dealing with damage to water pipelines which can sometimes affect the amount of water you can use during an emergency.
These tanks will allow you to have an immediate response to safeguarding your property during a fire.
Compliance
If you consider placing this in your business, you will automatically be in compliance if this is a requirement in your area. Certain counties put laws in place to help protect against the risk of fire.
Usually part of this requirement is having an adequate amount of stock water for emergencies. If your local area does not require you to have water stored in the event of a fire, you will still see other benefits, such as a lower insurance premium.
Some insurance companies will take your fire tank into account and provide you with a discount because your location is better prepared for fire emergencies.
Integration
Another significant advantage of having a water tank is that it can easily be integrated with your current sprinkler system. Normally, you can either do it yourself or have someone integrate it if you’re not too familiar with your current sprinklers.
Preparedness
No one ever plans on having or even dealing with an emergency, but having a water tank will ensure that you are prepared for this type of disaster. You will be ready for the worst-case scenario because you will have a backup water source to help stop your fire from spreading.
Especially if you live in areas such as California and Oregon where there is not as much rain, and sometimes those states go through periods of drought. Even if you are going through a drought, you will have the backup to diminish the fire and keep it from spreading throughout your home or business.
Common Places to Install Fire Tanks
Homes in rural areas that are not close to a fire department tend to have some fire tank on their property in the event of a fire.
National parks and forests also tend to have fire tanks, especially if they are not anywhere near a water source. Fire-fighting helicopters can use a snorkel without having to land and fill up the helicopters to help put out a fire.
Also, industrial units and warehouses that work with flammable material install fire tanks to ensure that they are covered if a fire were to break out. Handling anything flammable will require plenty of water to keep the fire from spreading.
Feeling Like a Fire Tank Pro?
Now that you have learned everything there is to know about a fire tank, you can make an informed decision about investing in a tank in case of a fire. Hopefully, you will never have to use it, but in an emergency situation, it is best to be prepared.
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