Risk Conversation®

Grizzly Giant is arguably the most famous of the giant sequoias in Yosemite’s Mariposa Grove. To protect this beloved tree during the Washburn Fire last fall, forest ecologists creatively fashioned a sprinkler system to increase moisture at the base of this centuries-old landmark.

What worked to protect Grizzly Giant – a sprinkler system – can also protect your family, home and belongings. 

While some municipalities now require new residential construction to include fire sprinkler systems, installation is generally at the discretion of the homeowner.  

Looking for reasons to add a home fire sprinkler system? Consider this:  

1. Life safety. Home fire sprinklers save lives. By reducing flames, heat and smoke, a home fire sprinkler increases your time to evacuate yourself and loved ones to safety. This can be especially beneficial for children and individuals with cognitive or physical challenges.   
2. Property protection. Fire is fast! With open floor plans and increased combustibility of items typically found within a home, fire spreads faster today than in years past. A home fire sprinkler helps slow the spread of a fire, thus improving overall protection of precious property.
3. Environmentally friendly. Home fire sprinklers reduce the amount of water required to fight a home fire and reduce air and water pollutants released from a home fire, thus protecting the quality of our air and waterways.
4. Smart home. Home sprinklers activate automatically. They are designed to only activate heads nearest to the fire.
5. Low-cost. You can expect installation costs ranging from $3 to $5 per square foot in a newly built home.
6. Insurance discount. Installing a home fire sprinkler system may entitle you to discounts on your home insurance premium. Check with your insurance agent/broker for potential credits.

A home fire sprinkler should be professionally installed, maintained, and monitored, and have sufficient water capacity to supply sprinkler heads until fire-fighters arrive. Consider pairing your home fire sprinkler with a permanent back-up generator to ensure operation during a power outage. The National Fire Protection Association is an excellent resource for consumers and home builders.

Don’t fall prey to smoke and mirrors when considering a home fire sprinkler system. The Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition is dedicated to sprinkler education, including debunking common myths.

Terese Shelledy is a Senior Risk Consultant and Property Protection Specialist at Chubb Personal Risk Services.