Description
Donation to the Sprinkler System for the AWA Communication Technology Museum
Undoubtedly, each of us carefully considers where our philanthropy will have the most impact among the many different organizations asking for our support. I would like to explain just how your support will positively affect the Antique Wireless Association and your Communications Technologies Museum.
Our Mission continues as we strive to leverage our members’ outstanding knowledge and their generosity. Our tremendous collections and displays in the Museum reflect the dedication of our incredible members and our volunteer staff. They have turned these artifacts into a beacon of learning, enlightening visitors of all ages through the educational opportunities sponsored by the AWA Educational Institute.
Although AWA is insured, we would never be able to replace our world-class artifacts in our collection, including numerous “first of its kind” items. AWA has determined that water-based sprinklers are the best option for fire protection.
- Non-water-based systems are designed for use in small, contained areas such as a server room. The Museum’s main open room is 10,000 sq. ft. These systems deliver their gas capacity, bursting in “one-shot”, and they are done. If the system fails to extinguish the fire, they are useless. Also, they are a threat to the occupants in the room. For a museum with the general public in the building, that is a real safety problem.
- In a water-based sprinkler system, each sprinkler head in the system is independent and opens in response to fire (heat) directly below the head. Once a head detects heat and starts, it continues to spray water until the fire department arrives and turns off the system. Sprinklers will extinguish the fire. Thus, the water is distributed to a local area rather than across the entire facility.
- What about the water damage? Objects below the sprinkler head are already on fire and being damaged. If that fire is not extinguished, the artifacts will be destroyed, and the fire will likely spread. Potential water damage near a sprinkler head is a small price to pay to protect the remainder of the building.
- A variant of the water-based sprinklers, a “dry charge” sprinkler system, pauses before the water is released. This allows time to fight the fire before discharging. This type of system is primarily used where staff or security are present at all times. This is not the case at AWA.
Thank you for your generous support of the Antique Wireless Association and its “world-class” Communication Technologies Museum.
Select your level of donation from the following:
I/We donate $1000.
I/We donate $ 700.
I/We donate $ 500.
I/We donate $ 300.
I/We donate $ 200.
I/We donate $ 150.
I/We donate $ 100.
I/We donate $ 75.
I/We donate $ 50