Infinity Fire Protection

Fire Safety for Children -

Fire safety tips for keeping children safe from fire by the U. S. Fire Administration.

The relative risk of children dying in a fire is now less than the general population. Lower risk may be attributed, in part, to an increase in public fire education and prevention efforts by fire departments and other fire safety organizations. Although the relative risk of dying in a fire for children is less than that of the general population, the fire service must continue its important role in teaching parents and caregivers about how to protect kids from fire.

Make a fire escape plan:

It is important to have a plan when there are children in your home. Children sometimes need help getting out of the house. They may not know how to escape or what to do unless an adult shows them.

- Have a plan for young children who cannot get outside by themselves. You will need to wake babies and very young children and help them get out. In your plan, talk about who will help each child get out safely.
- It is important to find 2 ways out of every room in your home in case the first exit is blocked or dangerous to use.
- Choose a meeting place outside your home. Children should know what to do when they hear a smoke alarm and there is no adult around. Help them practice going to the outside meeting place. Teach them to never go back inside a building that is on fire.

Keep children safe from fire and burns:

Some children are curious about fire. There are simple steps you can take to keep you and the people you love safer from fire and burns.

- Keep children 3 feet away from anything that can get hot. Space heaters and stovetops can cause terrible burns. Keep children at least 3 feet away from stoves, heaters or anything that gets hot.
- Keep smoking materials locked up in a high place. Never leave cigarette lighters or matches where children can reach them.
- Never play with lighters or matches when you are with your children. Children may try to do the same things they see you do.

Messages to share with kids:

- Fires burn fast and hot, and smoke can make a room very dark.
- You should know 2 ways out of every room and 2 ways out of your house.
- Before you open a door, feel it. If it is hot, use your other exit.
- Stay low and get to your exit if you smell or see smoke or if your smoke alarm sounds.
- Stay outside. Don't go back inside for anything.
- Never touch matches, lighters or candles. If you find matches or lighters, tell an adult.

The author of this content cannot be liable for any use or misuse of the contents. This is a guideline and is meant for information only.

https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/home-fires/at-risk-audiences/children/

Staying Safe from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning -

Learn how to protect yourself, your loved ones and your home from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning from the American Red Cross.

Just like home fires, carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning can affect anyone and is dangerous. CO is an odorless, colorless gas. People are not usually aware of its’ presence and can get sick or die from breathing in the poisonous gas. Carbon monoxide poisonings occur daily across the country and can happen after any emergency. CO poisonings often increase during power outages as people depend on generators and grills. But we can take action to prepare. Prepare now to protect yourself, your loved ones and your home.

What is Carbon Monoxide?

- Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas sometimes called “The Invisible Killer.”
- CO kills hundreds of people each year and injures thousands more.
- You cannot see, smell or hear it.
- You can be poisoned by a small amount of CO over a long period of time OR by a large amount of CO over a short amount of time.

Where is Carbon Monoxide Found?

- Generators
- Fuel-fired room heaters
- Engine powered cars and trucks
- Small engines such as lawn equipment
- Fuel-fire lanterns
- Fuel-fire grills
- Fireplaces
- Gas ranges and stoves
- Furnaces and boilers
- Fuel-fired water heaters

What are the Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?

Symptoms vary based on a number of factors, including body size, breathing rate and physical condition. CO poisoning symptoms affect the most vulnerable first including children, pets, older adults, pregnant women and those with medical conditions. The initial symptoms are often described as “flu-like” and can include:

- Dizziness
- Headache
- Mental confusion
- Vomiting
- Upset stomach
- Trouble breathing
- Feeling tired

If left untreated, CO poisoning can progress into permanent organ damage and at high levels can quickly kill you. If you have been exposed to CO it is important to get a blood test within 4 hours of the exposure.

Home Safety:

- Make sure all gas appliances are vented properly.
- Have all heating systems (including chimneys and vents) inspected and serviced annually by a professional using a portable CO detector. Inspections should check for blockages, corrosion, and disconnections.
- Never use a charcoal or gas grill inside your home, garage, vehicle, tent or semi- enclosed space like a porch.
- Never leave a car running inside a garage, even if the garage door is open.
- Do not use portable generators inside your home, basement, garage, crawlspace, shed, or in a semi-enclosed space like a porch.
- Generators, as well as any other equipment with an engine in it, should be used at least 20 feet away from your home.
- Do not use a gas range or oven to heat your home.

Prevention:

- If you are alerted by either a CO alarm or detector, evacuate immediately.
- Get everyone in the household, including pets, outside immediately to your meeting place. Call 911 once you are outside. - - Do not go back inside until emergency responders say it is safe.
- Document your CO alarm and detectors expiration date. Over time, sensors and batteries expire and become less effective. Replace them following manufacturer guidelines.

https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/carbon-monoxide-poisoning.html

The author of this content cannot be liable for any use or misuse of the contents. This is a guideline and is meant for information only.

Is your Sprinkler System Freeze Ready?

The time to winterize your Sprinkler System is before freezing weather hits!

According to NFPA statistics, 10% of sprinkler system failures are due to lack of maintenance and 7% of failures are due to damaged system components. With a little care these types of failures can be avoided when the temperature starts to drop!

Per the National Fire Sprinkler Association (NFSA); sprinkler systems exposed to cold weather are especially vulnerable. During cold months, these systems are more susceptible to catastrophic failure. Frozen sprinkler pipes are among the more common service calls throughout winter months.

- Maintaining a minimum of 40 degrees (F) is imperative in ensuring the sprinkler pipes do not freeze. Many areas that go unnoticed during the summer can create issues in cold months, these areas include, but are not limited to, entry ways (vestibules) and stairwells, unoccupied spaces, and areas that are not properly insulated.

- The low point and auxiliary drains are required to be drained after each operation of the system, before the onset of freezing weather, and as needed after that. How often these drains shall be operated throughout the cold season will depend on how much condensation is in the drain.

- Removing water from a dry system is an essential part of a good maintenance program. Failure to keep the dry system free of water can result in damage and expensive repairs to both the system and the building.

When not properly maintained, fire protection systems can freeze, burst, and fail to function entirely. It is extremely important to ensure that these systems are properly maintained to make sure they are ready to operate in the event of an emergency.

https://www.nfpa.org/news-blogs-and-articles/blogs/2019/10/10/winter-is-coming-how-will-your-sprinkler-system-survive

https://nfsa.org/2022/11/10/how-to-winterize-a-fire-sprinkler-system/

The author of this content cannot be liable for any use or misuse of the contents. This is a guideline and is meant for information only.

Holiday Fire Safety Tips

From Thanksgiving to New Year, it is time to enjoy our favorite holiday traditions, celebrating around the table, and making new memories with friends and family. To ensure that the festivities are both happy and safe, here are some useful holiday season fire safety tips from The American Red Cross -

Cooking & Baking:

No holiday celebration would be complete without a feast, but be sure to take precautions against kitchen fires when you’re cooking and baking. That includes keeping children and flammable items such as grocery bags and kitchen towels away from the stove and oven. Clean up greasy spills as you go to remove another fire hazard. If you are deep frying a turkey, keep the fryer well away from structures and trees, make sure your turkey is fully thawed, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your fryer.

Christmas Trees:

Old fashioned Christmas celebrations featured wax candles on live tree branches – inside homes! Today we know better, but risks still remain. If your family prefers real trees, be sure to water yours every day because dry needles and wood catch fire more easily. Go ahead and use many strings of light, but don't plug more than 3 strings into each other (opt for a power strip instead). Discard light strings that are worn or broken. And be sure to always unplug the lights before leaving the house or going to sleep.

Fireplaces:

Nothing takes the chill off winter holidays like the light and heat of a fire on your hearth. Just be sure to keep “fuel” – from wrapping paper to rugs to clothing – at least three feet away from the flames. Use a fire screen to keep embers and logs from escaping. Lastly, make sure all embers are fully extinguished before you turn in for the night.

Fireworks:

We usually talk about firework safety for the Fourth of July, but many New Year celebrations also include fireworks. If you will be setting off fireworks at home, choose a location away from buildings and trees. Be sure your spectators, including children and pets, stay well back. Keep a supply of water or fire extinguisher at hand.

https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/fire/holiday-fire-safety.html

The author of this content cannot be liable for any use or misuse of the contents. This is a guideline and is meant for information only.

National First Responders Day -

At the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), and at Infinity Fire Protection, we are proud to recognize National First Responders Day every October 28th. This day serves as a tribute to the brave men and women who dedicate their lives to protecting and serving our communities in times of crisis.

The vital role of first responders:

First responders are the backbone of emergency services: firefighters, law enforcement officers, emergency medical technicians, paramedics and 911 dispatchers. These individuals are the first to arrive at the scene of emergencies, providing critical assistance and often risking their own lives to save others.

Every day, across the United States, approximately 4.6 million first responders stand ready to answer the call of duty. They face a wide range of challenges, from severe weather events and chemical emergencies to fires, vehicle accidents and acts of terrorism.

The toll of service:

The work of first responders is not without its risks. Last year, according to the National Fire Protection Association, 89 firefighters in the United States died from traumatic injuries, heart attacks, strokes or aneurysms while on duty or within 24 hours of duty. Beyond the physical dangers, many first responders also grapple with the mental and emotional toll of their work, including high rates of post-traumatic stress disorder.

Recognizing their sacrifice:

National First Responders Day is an opportunity for all Americans to show their appreciation for these everyday heroes. At the USFA, we encourage everyone to take a moment to reflect on the sacrifices made by first responders and their families.

How to show your support:

There are many ways to honor first responders on this special day:
1. Express your gratitude: A simple “thank you” can mean a lot to a first responder.
2. Support local first responder organizations: Consider donating to or volunteering with local fire departments, EMS agencies or police departments.
3. Raise awareness: Use social media to spread the word about National First Responders Day using . Attend community events: Many localities host events to honor first responders. Participate and show your support.

https://www.usfa.fema.gov/blog/national-first-responders-day/

The author of this content cannot be liable for any use or misuse of the contents. This is a guideline and is meant for information only.

Fire Prevention Week -

This year’s Fire Prevention Week™ campaign, October 5-11, 2025 “Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home,” works to educate everyone about using these batteries safely. The campaign stresses how important it is to BUY, CHARGE, and RECYCLE safely when it comes to lithium-ion batteries from the National Fire Prevention Association (N.F.P.A.) -

If not used correctly or if damaged, lithium-ion batteries can overheat, start a fire, or even explode. To reduce these risks, look around your home — it’s important to know which devices are powered by them. Lithium-ion batteries are powerful, convenient, and they’re just about everywhere. This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign helps you understand the importance of using these batteries correctly to prevent fires in the home and to follow the Buy, Charge, and Recycle Safely approach.

Charge into Fire Safety: 3 Steps:

1. Buy only listed products:
When buying a product that uses a lithium-ion battery look for a safety certification mark such as UL, ETL, or CSA. This means it meets important safety standards.

2. Charge devices safely:
Always use the cords that came with the product to charge. Follow the instructions from the manufacturer. Buy new chargers from the manufacturer or one that the manufacturer has approved. Charge your device on a hard surface. Don’t overcharge your device. Unplug it or remove the battery when it’s fully charged.

3. Recycle batteries responsibly:
Don’t throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash or regular recycling bins because they could start a fire. Recycle your device or battery at a safe battery recycling location. Visit call2recycle.org to find a recycling spot near you.

Most of the electronics we use in our homes every day are powered by lithium-ion batteries. In fact, most everything that’s rechargeable uses this kind of battery.

Lithium-ion batteries store a lot of energy in a small place. These batteries can overheat, start a fire, or explode if overcharged or damaged. By learning how to BUY, CHARGE, and RECYCLE these batteries safely, you can help prevent a fire in your home.

https://www.nfpa.org/events/fire-prevention-week

The author of this content cannot be liable for any use or misuse of the contents. This is a guideline and is meant for information only.