Brookstone Homes Will Participate in National Home Fire Sprinkler System Pilot Program

May 23, 2005 - Brookstone Homes has been chosen by the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition (HFSC) to participate in the Built for Life pilot program, part of a national homebuilder education effort. The program is funded through a Fire Prevention Grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. It is being conducted in ten markets throughout the country.

By participating in the program, Brookstone Homes will have a residential fire sprinkler system installed in one of their model homes currently under construction in the Cedar Bluffs subdivision in Slinger. The home will be available to view later this summer.

"We are excited about the opportunity to team up with the HFSC, as it allows us to offer innovative fire safety solutions for our customers," says Chris Weir, Vice President and Director of Purchasing for Brookstone Homes. "The efforts of the HFSC fit well with Brookstone's commitment to safety as many of our customers have young children and fire safety is a major concern of theirs. If we can offer an option on our homes that would save someone's life; the benefit of that alone is worth it."

After the fire sprinkler system is installed, the home will be used to educate Brookstone Home's sales staff, other builders in the area, and realtors about the design and installation of the system. Education material will be available once the model is open to help people who tour the home understand the life-saving benefits of residential fire sprinkler systems.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 80% of fire deaths occur in the home. Most fire deaths occur at night while people are sleeping. Smoke alarms warn people when there is deadly smoke, fire sprinklers control and often extinguish the fire while the fire department is responding to the alarm. Each sprinkler is individually activated. Only the sprinkler closest to the fire will activate, spraying water directly on the fire, not the rest of the house.

A recent consumer fire safety survey conducted by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) suggests that there may be growing consumer demand for the life-saving systems. In a survey of more than 1,000 adults, 47% said they would definitely consider installing a home fire sprinkler system if they were building a new home.

Home fire sprinklers are small and inconspicuous. Concealed sprinklers will be installed in the Brookstone home. They are mounted flush with the ceiling. According to HFSC, nationally on average, sprinklers add about 1.5% to the total building cost.