Citizens are being encouraged to give consideration to integrating fire safety systems into security set-ups installed in their homes and businesses.

This urging comes from Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) Deputy Commissioner, Sean Martin, who says that based on the advancements in technology, persons are now able to access and utilise a wide range of smart devices to create safer environments.

“We would have realised that a lot of persons have security systems in their homes or in their business places, and what we are saying [is] just for a few dollars more, you can integrate a fire safety system at very minimal cost,” Martin said.

Martin, who was speaking during a Jamaica Information Service (JIS) ‘Think Tank’ at the agency’s head office in Kingston on Wednesday, informed that he recently purchased five smart smoke and carbon monoxide detectors for under US$50. “[The] five of them can interlink, and I have installed them in my house. Now, what that does [is], it ties into my security system. If one of the smoke detectors goes off, it sends a notification through my security system to my phone. So immediately, I can check my camera system to see what is happening, and it allows me to call the Fire Brigade,” he said.

The deputy commissioner pointed out that the devices did not require any wiring or professional installation, noting that they can also be linked to Google Home, Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri to get notifications in one place. He also indicated several other smart devices that citizens may invest in.

These are smart fire extinguishers, smart outlets, smart home hubs and assistants, smart surveillance cameras, smart fire alarms, intelligent fire suppression systems and smart power management systems.

Martin explained that when a smart fire extinguisher is removed from its stand, it automatically triggers the fire alarm system. “[Previously] when you removed a fire extinguisher, you had to activate the pull point… [and] aim the nozzle to the base of the fire… [and] that takes time. Now, it automatically detects where the heat is coming from and it guides the nozzle to that base of the fire, and it allows you to be more efficient in your operation. That is the beauty of a smart fire extinguisher,” the deputy commissioner added.

Meanwhile, Martin advised that the JFB will be focusing on the use of technology and smart devices to enhance fire safety efforts during this year’s observance of Fire and Life Safety Awareness Week, from October 27 to November 2. Citizens will be engaged through several activities islandwide during the week, being observed under the theme ‘Embracing Digital Innovation to Improve Fire Safety’.

These engagements include a National Church Service on October 27 at  Swallowfield Chapel in Kingston; and a series of expos hosted by each JFB Area, showcasing various smart devices and how they can be integrated into daily fire-safety practices. The expo for Area Four will be held on October 29 at the Black River Fire Station in St Elizabeth; Area Two, on October 30 at the Port Antonio Fire Station in Portland; Area Three, on October 31 in Mandeville, Manchester, and Area One, on November 1 at St. William Grant Park in Kingston. A Firefighter’s Ball is slated for Saturday, November 2, at Royalton Resort in Negril.