Jurisdictions that require sprinklers in homes report that there have been zero fire deaths in homes protected with sprinklers. The vast majority of sprinkler systems, are extremely reliable and will provide the expected high degree of life and property safety. Sprinklers are activated by heat from a fire. The sprinkler nearest the fire will open and control the fire with a very small amount of water. Fire sprinklers protect firefighters as well as civilians because they quickly control or extinguish the fire before firefighters arrive.
Fire sprinklers conserve water and fire department resources.
Fires in sprinklered buildings require one tenth the amount of water and about one half the number of firefighters and apparatus. Also, occupants near the fire often do not need to be rescued and occupants in other areas of the building often do not need to evacuate, further reducing the demand on responding firefighters. It is clear that the Central Omega-type heads have presented a challenge to our industry. I think 'Dateline' presented the issue with these sprinklers in a fair and objective manner. Rightfully, installation was not made an issue, nor should it have been.