There are some emergency situations that can be efficiently handled if there is adequate water storage at the venue or in the vicinity. Such situations include breaks in municipal water supply, fire outbreaks, disasters that may restrict access to water sources, and so on.
The scenario that is most likely to happen frequently is a fire outbreak. Statistics are a proof of this. Lives and property can be saved if the right preventive measures are put in place. In order to protect loved ones, tenants, employees, property, etc., there is need to have a fire protection storage tank that will be useful during such outbreaks. The relevance of this type of container cannot be overemphasized.
This vessel is used to store water and curb the spread of fire. Ultimately, the objective is to extinguish the fire before it causes further damage. It is a container that can be used for industrial, commercial, domestic, and municipal purposes.
Fire protection storage tanks are either placed above-ground or underground, depending on the building or property they are set up in. Bolted steel tanks are considered to be the most efficient for this purpose. They generally have a capacity that ranges between 20,000 and 300,000 gallons.
Application of Tanks for Emergency Situations
There are several purposes which such vessels can be utilized for in emergency situations. These types of containers are not only used for getting rid of fire, but they also serve as fire prevention accessories for the passage of water through various means into buildings. They are effective measures for fire prevention in industrial structures, commercial buildings, apartment complexes, and other types of properties.
The application of storage tanks in cases of emergency depend on the type of building or structure that they are stationed in. The tanks usually serve one or more purposes.
Here are the common applications of such vessels:
- Allocated Container for Fire Protection Water Supply: In the case of a fire accident in an apartment complex, industrial structure, commercial establishment, or office building, the availability of storage tanks becomes a major aid to firefighters and their various firefighting equipment. The ease of access to water is very important.
Based on the type of building this instance applies to, the tanks are either placed in the building’s basement or above-ground. It is necessary to inspect these tanks regularly. Some governments enforce regulations based on this. New residential buildings need to inculcate this fire prevention measure.
- Source of Water for Fire Sprinkler Systems: In an ideal residential, commercial, or industrial structure, buildings are required to have a sprinkler systems (though not all types of buildings) installed in them. This system serves as an important deterrent to the spread of fire. It is very useful before the arrival of firefighters.
Sprinkler systems consist of water supply systems. They are active measures put in place by property owners. The sprinklers are made active through the provision of adequate pressure and flow rate to water distribution piping systems. Read more about that here.
The tanks that are used for sprinkler systems are typically voluminous. They have capacities as much as hundreds of thousands of gallons. This proves to be very useful in situations where the sprinkler systems run for long timeframes.
- General Purpose Usage: Due to the sturdiness of these types of tanks, some municipalities, suburban localities, rural areas, and remote sites use them for regular water supply. They are employed to serve domestic purposes for various infrastructures within a particular geographical region.
They are also used as a contingency or backup source of water supply for these regions, in the case of a malfunctioning or the damage of related water supply equipment.
Fire protection storage tanks require a level of protection from fire hazards as well. The appropriate designs and apparatuses for these containers are available. Therefore, the protection, durability, and versatility of these tanks are ensured. There is need to learn about the codes and standards required for the design, construction, installation, and maintenance of fire protection storage tank.
Due to government regulations, insurance policies, and industry requirements, the demand for fire protection storage tanks have skyrocketed. In order to keep friends, family members, employees, tenants, and others safe and ensure survival, there is need to be proactive in taking such a measure.
