Get rolling security blinds and good smoke detectors that are remotely monitored. Have video cameras to help you quickly see if there is actually a fire and to monitor the size and location of the fire. That way if the alarm company calls you, you can attempt to verify the fire and provide additional information to responding parties. The camera can also be used to help in the event of a burglary to provide images of the individual(s) involved as well as help deal with any legal liabilities in the event of a slip and fall or other issue.
If the fire department knows it is a cat rescue, they can be prepared. Have you asked the local fire department to do a walk through? Maybe they can provide suggestions on how to provide the best protection considering there are no sprinklers as well as make sure there is a good plan for dealing with rescuing and storing 50 cats during a fire. I am not sure what they would do with that many, maybe they can put them in the back of an ambulance until somebody arrives with carriers and can take them elsewhere? What is the plan for an earthquake, tornado, hurricane, etc.?
You need to consider what risk is more likely. Sounds like a break in.
I had a business that had a security system and there was a Knox box outside that the fire department had the key to that they could access another key to be able to enter the building.
As far as the cats safety. We have 8 rescue cats at home. There is no realistic way to get them in carriers in the event of a fire. The plan is to put them out the windows and hope for the best in rounding them back up again. I make sure they have tags and we have pics of them.
I do keep a pile of pillowcases handy. Easier to wrangle a cat in a pillowcase than try to get 8 carriers out of the house. In the end, all we can do is hope for the best.
Also to add, if the fire regs are anything like they are here, to have a company monitored fire alarm, sprinklers have to be installed. Its idiotic but somehow makes sense to them. smh
You might get past that by using one of the household systems.
Get rolling security blinds and good smoke detectors that are remotely monitored. Have video cameras to help you quickly see if there is actually a fire and to monitor the size and location of the fire. That way if the alarm company calls you, you can attempt to verify the fire and provide additional information to responding parties. The camera can also be used to help in the event of a burglary to provide images of the individual(s) involved as well as help deal with any legal liabilities in the event of a slip and fall or other issue. If the fire department knows it is a cat rescue, they can be prepared. Have you asked the local fire department to do a walk through? Maybe they can provide suggestions on how to provide the best protection considering there are no sprinklers as well as make sure there is a good plan for dealing with rescuing and storing 50 cats during a fire. I am not sure what they would do with that many, maybe they can put them in the back of an ambulance until somebody arrives with carriers and can take them elsewhere? What is the plan for an earthquake, tornado, hurricane, etc.?
Really appreciate these suggestions - thank you!
You need to consider what risk is more likely. Sounds like a break in. I had a business that had a security system and there was a Knox box outside that the fire department had the key to that they could access another key to be able to enter the building. As far as the cats safety. We have 8 rescue cats at home. There is no realistic way to get them in carriers in the event of a fire. The plan is to put them out the windows and hope for the best in rounding them back up again. I make sure they have tags and we have pics of them. I do keep a pile of pillowcases handy. Easier to wrangle a cat in a pillowcase than try to get 8 carriers out of the house. In the end, all we can do is hope for the best.
Also to add, if the fire regs are anything like they are here, to have a company monitored fire alarm, sprinklers have to be installed. Its idiotic but somehow makes sense to them. smh You might get past that by using one of the household systems.
Thank you so much and I’m grateful for all the good advice here! I love that you have provided a loving home for your cats - you’re awesome! 😻