The TV program also pointed out that there a millions of fire sprinklers in use and this report covered only one brand from one manufacturer, and they closed the program by noting that if you have sprinklers you should leave them unobstructed and not paint them or use them for anything other than fire protection. The following information was included in that mailing to fire authorities around the country to assist them in responding to any questions.
Fire sprinklers have a superior record.
They have been installed in buildings since 1898, and about 30 million sprinkler heads are now installed each year. Fire sprinklers for residential dwellings have been available since 1980. 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.