Searching for Reliable Fire Alarms for Schools? We Provide Cutting-Edge Fire Protection for Educational Institutions
Schools are among the most at-risk buildings when it comes to fire hazards. With hundreds of students, staff, and visitors on-site daily, ensuring a safe and rapid evacuation in the event of a fire is absolutely critical.
According to Zurich Municipal (2020), schools are twice as likely to experience a fire than any other type of commercial property. Between 2019-2020 alone, around 40 schools per month were affected, with over 15,000m² of classroom space damaged. Despite these alarming statistics, a significant number of UK schools still lack proper fire detection systems.
Don’t take the risk—protect your school today. Call Swift Fire & Safety on 01733 602955 to ensure your school is equipped with a compliant and effective fire alarm system.
The Importance of School Fire Alarm Systems – Key Fire Safety Statistics
- Schools are up to three times more likely to be classified as high fire risk than other commercial buildings.
- 66% of UK schools surveyed by Zurich were found to have inadequate fire protection, including poor fire alarm systems and a lack of sprinklers.
- The Local Government Association reports around 1,500 fires occur in UK schools and educational facilities annually.
- Only 2% of UK schools affected by fires (2015-2020) had sprinkler systems installed.
- 400 out of 32,000 UK schools have fully operational sprinkler systems.
- Up to 75% of school fires are caused by arson, making it the leading cause of fire outbreaks in schools.
- 50% of arsonists prosecuted or cautioned in the UK are aged between 10-16 years old.
- 90,000 students across the UK experience disruptions to their learning due to school fires every year.
Fire Safety Responsibilities for UK Schools
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, every school must appoint a ‘Responsible Person’ to oversee fire safety compliance, including:
- Conducting routine fire risk assessments.
- Organising regular fire drills (recommended at least once per term).
- Ensuring the fire alarm system is tested weekly.
- Keeping records of alarm activations, faults, and maintenance.
Failure to comply with fire safety regulations can lead to fines up to £5,000 or potential prison sentences for responsible individuals. That’s why it’s essential to have a compliant, well-maintained, and effective fire alarm system in place.
Choosing the Right Fire Alarm System for Your School
Selecting a fire alarm system that best suits your school’s needs requires a detailed fire risk assessment and consideration of the following factors:
- Evacuation times and the safest, most efficient routes for students and staff.
- Students or staff with special requirements, including those with disabilities or sensory impairments.
- Risk levels associated with school facilities, such as science labs or kitchens.
- Integration with other security systems, such as CCTV and intruder alarms.
- The size and layout of the school premises.
We recommend seeking expert advice to determine the best system for your institution. Our experienced team at Swift Fire & Safety is always on hand to assist—call us on 01733 602955.
Types of School Fire Alarm Systems
There are two primary fire alarm system types for schools: Addressable and Conventional systems.
Addressable Fire Alarm Systems
These systems identify the exact location of a fire, displaying it on an LCD panel. This allows for:
- Rapid fire detection and response
- Controlled evacuations to reduce panic and overcrowding
- Minimised false alarms with intelligent smoke and heat detection
- Integration with emergency systems, including sprinklers and door access control
Addressable fire alarms are ideal for large school sites or schools requiring zoned evacuation procedures.
Conventional Fire Alarm Systems
Conventional systems divide the school into ‘zones’ and indicate which zone a fire has been detected in. These systems:
- Are more cost-effective for smaller school buildings
- Provide basic fire detection and alarm capabilities
- Are hardwired with fewer advanced features than addressable alarms
For most medium-to-large schools, a wireless addressable alarm system is recommended to ensure full coverage, reduce false alarms, and support an organised evacuation.
What’s the Best Fire Alarm System for Your School?
- Smaller schools with fewer students and simpler layouts may find conventional fire alarms a practical and budget-friendly option.
- Larger schools, colleges, and universities benefit from addressable fire alarm systems, which provide enhanced safety features, precise fire location detection, and flexible evacuation protocols.
With Swift Fire & Safety, you don’t have to guess which system is right for you. Our experts specialise in designing and installing fire alarm systems tailored to your school’s needs.
Why Choose Swift Fire & Safety?
At Swift Fire & Safety, we’ve been trusted by hundreds of UK schools, colleges, and universities to supply, install, and maintain fire alarm systems for over 20 years. Our team of fire safety specialists ensures your school is equipped with the most reliable and compliant fire detection systems available.
We offer:
- Bespoke fire safety solutions tailored to your school’s layout and needs.
- Expert installation by highly trained professionals.
- Regular maintenance and testing to ensure your system remains in top condition.
- Full compliance with UK fire safety regulations.
Protect your students, staff, and premises from the devastating effects of fire. Contact Swift Fire & Safety today!
Call: 01733 602955
Email: info@swiftfireandsafety.com
