Cultural institutions, such as museums and libraries, have a unique set of characteristics that make fire and life safety requirements different from those of other buildings. A life safety system must simultaneously safeguard precious objects and protect patrons — and do so with minimal distractions or disruptions.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), an average of 1,200 fires occurred in U.S. libraries, museums, courthouses and other public property between 2003 and 2006. Of the 22 industrial nations examined by the World Fire Statistics Centre, the U.S. fire death rate was higher than all but two: Finland and Hungary. One possible reason for this fact is that the United States emphasizes the use of advanced fire suppression technology and fire service delivery mechanisms, while other nations emphasize fire prevention.