Fire alarms are among the most important safety devices in any building. They are designed to give an early warning so people can evacuate before a fire becomes uncontrollable. In Pakistan, especially in cities like Islamabad where commercial buildings, offices, schools, and residential complexes are growing rapidly, the need for reliable fire safety equipment has increased. One important part of a fire alarm system is the manual call point, often referred to as a fire alarm call point.
In this article, we will explain in detail how to use a fire alarm call point, why it is necessary, and how it connects with the overall fire alarm system. We will also highlight the importance of maintenance and how costs, such as the fire alarm system price in Pakistan, should be considered when planning safety measures.
What is a Fire Alarm Call Point?
A fire alarm call point is a small, wall-mounted device that allows anyone to manually trigger the fire alarm system in case of an emergency. It is usually placed near exits, staircases, corridors, and common areas where people can easily access it.
Unlike smoke or heat detectors that activate automatically, the call point requires a person to push or break the glass to send a signal. Once activated, the fire alarm system sets off sirens and flashing lights, alerting everyone in the building.
Why Fire Alarm Call Points Are Important
In many fire incidents, automatic detectors may not immediately pick up smoke or heat, especially if the fire starts in a hidden corner. In such cases, a person spotting the fire first can raise the alarm quickly through the manual call point.
Some major benefits include:
- Quick Response: Immediate activation ensures faster evacuation.
- Safety Assurance: Reduces the chances of fire spreading unnoticed.
- Compliance with Safety Standards: Most building safety regulations in Pakistan require functional call points as part of fire alarm systems.
For businesses in Islamabad, this is not just about safety, it is also about fulfilling regulatory compliance and protecting both property and lives.
How to Use a Fire Alarm Call Point (Step by Step)
Using a fire alarm call point is straightforward, but it must be done correctly to ensure the system responds as intended. Here is the process:
1. Locate the Call Point Quickly
When a fire is noticed, do not waste time. Move towards the nearest manual call point, usually marked with a red box and labeled โBreak Glassโ or โPress Here.โ
2. Activate the Call Point
- If it has a break glass type, press firmly on the center until the glass breaks.
- If it has a push-button type, press the button firmly.
This action will send an immediate signal to the fire alarm control panel.
3. Wait for the Alarm
Within seconds, the alarm sirens and flashing lights should activate throughout the building, alerting everyone.
4. Evacuate Safely
Once the alarm is raised, follow the evacuation plan of the building. Do not attempt to collect belongings or delay.
5. Do Not Reset Without Authorization
Only trained staff or fire safety professionals should reset the call point after the incident or drill.
Common Mistakes People Make
Despite being a simple device, misuse or misunderstanding of fire alarm call points is common in Pakistan. Some issues include:
- Ignoring the Call Point: People often look for security staff instead of using the device directly. This wastes valuable time.
- Testing Without Permission: Children or untrained staff sometimes press the button as a joke, which creates unnecessary panic.
- Not Reporting Damaged Units: A broken or blocked call point may fail during an actual fire.
This is why regular maintenance and awareness training are so important.
Maintenance of Fire Alarm Call Points
A call point is only effective if it works properly when needed. Businesses and property owners in Islamabad should arrange scheduled fire alarm maintenance. During maintenance, technicians check:
- Glass condition (not broken or missing)
- Button functionality
- Connection with the fire alarm control panel
- Proper positioning (not blocked by furniture or decorations)
At Fire Safety Trading, we provide fire alarm maintenance in Islamabad and across Pakistan, ensuring your system is fully functional at all times.
Fire Alarm Systems and Their Costs in Pakistan
While discussing fire alarm call points, it is also important to understand how they fit into the overall fire alarm system. In Pakistan, the fire alarm system price in Pakistan depends on several factors:
- Type of System: Conventional, addressable, or wireless.
- Size of the Building: Larger facilities require more detectors and call points.
- Brand and Quality: Reliable international brands may cost more but offer long-term safety.
- Installation and Maintenance: Professional installation ensures reliability, while maintenance prevents costly failures.
For example, in Islamabad, a small office may need only a basic conventional fire alarm system, while a shopping mall or hospital requires an addressable system with multiple call points, detectors, and panels.
Investing in a quality system may seem like an expense at first, but it provides long-term safety, compliance with building laws, and peace of mind.
Where to Install Fire Alarm Call Points in a Building
According to international fire safety guidelines, which are also followed in Pakistan:
- Call points should be installed at all building exits.
- They should be placed along escape routes and stairwells.
- Height should be around 1.4 meters from the ground, making them easily accessible to everyone.
- The maximum distance between two call points should not exceed 30 meters.
Proper installation ensures that wherever a fire starts, someone nearby can activate the alarm without delay.
Fire Alarm Call Point Training for Staff
Simply installing a system is not enough. Employees, tenants, and residents must know how and when to use a fire alarm call point. In Islamabad, many businesses now arrange fire safety training sessions that include:
- How to recognize fire hazards
- When to use call points vs. extinguishers
- Evacuation procedures after raising the alarm
- Reporting system faults to the maintenance team
This training reduces panic during emergencies and ensures faster evacuation.
Final Thoughts
A fire alarm call point is one of the simplest yet most effective tools for fire safety. Knowing how to use it properly can save lives and prevent major damage. For businesses and residents in Islamabad, installing reliable fire alarm systems, keeping them maintained, and ensuring everyone knows how to use the call points is essential.
When evaluating safety measures, do not overlook the costs. The fire alarm system price in Pakistan varies, but it is a small investment compared to the potential loss in case of a fire. At Fire Safety Trading, we provide complete solutionsโfrom installation to maintenanceโso your property always remains protected.
If you are in Islamabad and want to learn more about fire alarm maintenance, visit Fire Safety Trading and ensure your system is always ready when needed.
