What must be done regularly to maintain fire safety systems?

Regular testing and maintenance of fire safety systems are crucial for ensuring their reliability and effectiveness in an emergency. Fire safety systems, including alarms, sprinklers, and emergency lighting, are designed to respond to hazardous situations, and their functionality must be verified through routine checks. This proactive approach helps identify and rectify any issues before they lead to failures during an actual fire incident.

In Minnesota, as well as across many jurisdictions, building codes and safety regulations emphasize the importance of ongoing maintenance to minimize risks and protect lives. By performing regular tests and maintenance, building officials and property managers ensure compliance with safety standards, keep systems operational, and ultimately safeguard the building and its occupants.

While keeping occupants informed about the fire safety systems is also important, it does not replace the need for actual testing and maintenance of these systems. Upgrading systems every year might be necessary in some scenarios, but the most immediate and critical need is to ensure that existing systems are functioning as intended through regular checks. Ignoring fire safety systems altogether until an emergency arises poses a significant risk and contradicts best practices for fire safety management.