Fire Protection

March 28 2023

Making a Fire Plan for Your House

Fire Safety, Residential Fire Protection

Fire safety is the name of the game in 2023, and it starts in your home. Every house should be equipped with some basic fire protection equipment like smoke detectors and fire extinguishers. While the equipment is important to have, it’s only half of the battle when it comes to being prepared for a fire. Having a plan ready in the case of a fire will help your family escape as quickly as possible and will make it easier for officials to do a headcount. Here are some quick steps you can take to make sure your family’s plan is up to the task:

Plan the Route

The National Fire Protection Association recommends that households prepare by having two possible escape routes from every room in the house. Adults in the house should know where all of the smoke detectors in the house are to be better aware of where a fire could potentially be in the house. If you aren’t sure if your fire detectors are in the optimal spots in your home, the professionals at Ideal Partners can give you a free estimate and inspect your home.

Households with children should consider drawing out the escape routes to help the children memorize the plan. Review this government checklist with your kids to make sure they know to stay low and move fast when escaping a fire. If there are infants or adults that have limited mobility, there should be someone assigned to assist them out of the house. The last, and perhaps most important, part of a good plan is to have one meeting point a safe distance from the house where someone can do a headcount.

Know Your Equipment

The NFPA does not recommend teaching children how to use a fire extinguisher. Teaching a child to use a fire extinguisher contradicts the primary objective for children in the case of a fire, which is to get out of the house immediately. Additionally, children oftentimes may not be capable of handling a fire extinguisher or determining whether a fire is small enough to be fought with an extinguisher or not. For adults, knowing how to use a fire extinguisher could be the difference between a scary situation and a full-on catastrophe. The NFPA shares a simple acronym to teach how to use a fire extinguisher:

P: Pull the pin
A: Aim low
S: Squeeze the lever
S: Sweep the nozzle from side to side

If you aren’t sure if you have the right fire extinguishing equipment in your home, or if your extinguisher hasn’t been inspected in over a year, give the professionals at Ideal a call to have your equipment inspected or replaced.

Conclusions

Planning for fire safety doesn’t have to take a long time. If you take the time to plan escape routes for everyone and learn how to fight a small fire with your home’s fire extinguisher, you can rest assured that you and your family are prepared in case of a fire. If you’re not sure if your house is ready or if you need professional advice, give the experts at Ideal a call for a free estimate.

February 8 2023

Fifteen-Minute Fire Safety Checklist

Fire Safety, Residential Fire Protection

It takes no time at all for a fire to grow from the size of your hand to filling a room. This video shows just how a housefire can become an uncontrollable blaze. While housefires can be a terrifying thing to have to think about, Ideal Partners has a fifteen-minute checklist that you can use to identify and eliminate dangerous situations in your home where fires are most likely to occur.

Smoke Alarms

These lifesavers are hiding in plain sight, but if you don’t maintain them, they may not be there for you when you need them. Take a couple minutes to test your smoke alarms and change out the batteries in them. The batteries in smoke alarms need to be changed twice a year, so try to change them when you must change your clocks for daylight savings. The Department of Homeland Security gives recommendations on smoke alarm maintenance and more in this article.

Check your Fire Extinguishers

This one only takes minutes. Fire extinguishers need to be maintained and check at regular intervals. Check out this helpful explanation on how to inspect a fire extinguisher quickly and effectively. If you’re still not sold, check out our article on why it is important to check fire extinguishers regularly. Ideal Partners makes it easy. You can pick up a fire extinguisher from the office or schedule to have one delivered to your home.

Make a Plan

Every family or household should have a fire escape plan in place if a housefire prevents everyone from escaping together. Start by ensuring that every room has a viable rapid escape option other than the door entering the room. This could mean attaching a rope ladder to an upstairs window or replacing a closed window with one that opens fully. Next, have a place far enough away from the home to be safe to have everyone meet after escaping. This allows for an easy headcount so you can tell firefighters who is still inside and where they may be.

Mind your Appliances

Nine out of ten appliance fires start with the dryer. Check your dryer to make sure that lint isn’t built up in the filter screen and be sure to remove lint between every use. Also check your dryer to make sure that you know how many screens there are. Some newer dryers come with two lint filters, so be sure to know about your dryer.

Cooking fires are the most common types of housefires. Always be aware of what you have in cooking appliances like a microwave, oven or air fryer. Additionally, never leave something cooking on the stove while you leave the room to do other things. When cooking on an open stovetop, oil and other flammable ingredients can splash onto the cook surface and ignite, starting a fire.

Lastly, be mindful of heating appliances like space heaters. If you need to use a space heater, be sure to place it on a stable, flat and nonflammable surface like a ceramic tile and away from things like rugs, carpet and curtains.

Ideal Partners can help you be prepared for fires by installing and maintaining fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and even residential fire sprinkler systems. If you want to ensure your home is protected, call Ideal Partners for a free estimate.

a picture of a fire sprinkler on a ceiling

October 11 2022

You Could be Breaking the Law… With Your Sprinklers

Fire Safety, Fire Sprinkler, Inspection

Before you panic, relax. Unless you have an emergency fire sprinkler system, you’re probably in the clear for your garden. But a lot of people don’t know about their city’s requirements for regular fire sprinkler inspections. For example, buildings that are labeled as high-rises, hospitals, daycares or nursing homes are subject to regular inspections in Fort Worth, Texas. Buildings of a certain size or in certain locations can be subject to fire sprinkler requirements too.

In Fort Worth, inspections must be made by specially licensed companies. These are usually done through an annual inspection and a more thorough inspection every five years. Depending on your building’s requirements, Ideal Partners can do annual, semi-annual, quarterly, five year, monthly or weekly inspections on your building.

In the annual checkup, Ideal Partners will inspect/test your fire sprinkler system to ensure it is operating properly. These inspections are logged with the Fort Worth Bureau of Fire Prevention, which is the regulatory body that ensures the inspections are done.

For the five-year inspections, Ideal Partners will ensure that the various pressure systems have not been compromised and are still operational. Their techs will conduct various tests that ensure system readiness in the event of a fire.

If you’re dealing with an emergency, like damage to your fire sprinkler system, Ideal Partners can also make repairs to the existing system, even if it isn’t time for an inspection yet. Ideal offers free estimates for all of their fire protection services on their website.

Apart from the legal requirements, there are other benefits to having a fire sprinkler system in place. Most importantly, your company or home gains the quickest emergency response system to effectively protect your family or employees from a potential fire hazard. Additionally, many insurance companies offer discounts for buildings that have sprinkler systems.

If you think a fire sprinkler system may be right for you, call Ideal Partners for a free estimate and an evaluation as to whether your home or office is an ideal candidate for the installation of a fire sprinkler system.

August 18 2022

Why You Should Get Your Fire Extinguishers Inspected

commercial fire protection, fire extinguishers

Fire extinguishers can be an easy thing to forget about. Until you need one. It’s vitally important that the fire extinguishers at your place of business operate safely and correctly. That’s why there are laws in place for how often businesses need to inspect fire safety equipment. Fire extinguishers with a metal cap can be recharged while those with plastic tops cannot be recharged and should be disposed of after use, even if they were discharged only once. And remember that Ideal Partners can inspect and service your fire extinguishers. Drop by our office or give us a call and we’ll make sure all your equipment is up to code. Below are some important dates to make sure your you’re in compliance with fire safety regulations.

Monthly

According to OSHA 1910.157(e)(2), portable fire extinguishers are required to be visually inspected monthly, usually just by the employer. For these inspections, you should ensure that the extinguisher is where it is supposed to be, is unobstructed, has not been damaged, and is still within the required pressure range. Also check to make sure that it is not time for an annual inspection and be sure to log your monthly inspection on the tag attached to the extinguisher.

Annually

OSHA 1910.157(e)(3) also requires an annual inspection of all worksite fire equipment to be done by a professional fire protection servicing group. This is where Ideal Partners can help. Ideal Partners fire prevention division employs trained professionals with the necessary equipment and expertise to assess the safety of the extinguisher, including making sure it can still handle its pressurized contents.

Every 5 & 12 Years

Businesses often overlook is the 5-year (liquid chemical extinguisher) and 12- year (dry chemical extinguisher) inspections but they are just as important as the monthly and annual checkups. Both include a hydrostatic test to ensure that the extinguisher is structurally sound and a complete recharging of the unit. These inspections require specialized equipment, so be sure to have this done by a professional fire safety company.

At Home

While there aren’t any specific laws or mandates for checking home fire extinguishers, that doesn’t mean that they are any different than the ones you find at work. By following the same guidelines listed above, you can avoid running the risk of not having a functioning fire extinguisher when you need one most.

Don’t try to cut corners with the fire safety of your business. Follow the laws and guidelines and make sure your workspace is a safe space. And why would you treat your home any differently? Follow the guidelines above to also make sure that your home space is a safe space. Give Ideal Partners a call today for a free estimate or to learn which fire protection solutions are right for your business or home.

Fire safety Tip for the holiday season. Image of a Fireplace with fire burning and a Christmas tree with ornaments.

December 10 2021

Fire Safety Tips for the Holidays: Ideal Partners Fort Worth

Carbon Monoxide Detector Fire Alamr, Fire Alarm, Fire Protection, Fire Safety, Fire Safety Tips, Holiday Tips, Winter Safety Tips

Festive celebrations, flickering lights, and Christmas trees are hallmarks of the holiday season. But they also present fire risks that can quickly turn this festive time of year into a devastating one. Yes, tis the season…for increased fire risk. Did you know that a house fire occurs every 24 seconds? That is more than 3,000 fires each day, and the threat increases during the holiday season. To ensure that your family’s holidays are merry and bright, make these fire safety tips a priority in your home during this most wonderful time of the year.

Fire Safety Tips for Holiday Decorating

Ribbons, greenery, ornaments, lights, and candles are all beautiful ways to add a Christmas spirit to your home. U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission urges people to look for and eliminate potential dangers from holiday lights and decorations that can lead to fires and injuries. Many of these risks are preventable. Use these tips to create a safe festive holiday environment.

Trees & Greenery

Did you know that heat sources placed too close to a Christmas tree account for 25 percent of Christmas tree fires? The NFPA urges homeowners to keep their trees at least three feet away from heat sources, including “fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights.”

To minimize risk, use these fire protection tips:

Buy a fresh tree with intact needles, get a fresh cut on the trunk, and water it daily. A well-watered tree is almost impossible to ignite.
Keep the tree away from heat sources, such as a fireplace or radiator, and out of traffic patterns.
If you’re using live garlands and other greenery, keep them at least three feet away from heating sources.
And if you’re an Elf on the Shelf family, heed warnings from fire departments across the nation: Don’t leave the little guy near any heat sources, including lamps. There’s nothing sadder (or possibly more dangerous) than a melted elf.
When purchasing an artificial tree, look for the label “Fire Resistant.” Although this label does not mean the tree won’t catch fire, it does indicate the tree will resist burning.

Lights

It’s not Christmas without holiday lights! But did you know that the electrical distribution of lighting equipment was involved in 43% of Christmas tree fires? Use these few fire safety tips to keep your holiday light from adding too much sparkle to your home.

Only use up to three standard-size sets of lights per single extension cord. Overloaded outlets and power strips are big fire hazards.
Use heavy-duty quality extension cords that are grounded for fire safety.
When hanging lights outside, avoid using nails or staples, damaging the wiring and increasing the fire risk. Instead, use UL-rated clips or hangers.
Turn off all lights and decorations before leaving the house or going to bed. To avoid braving the cold every night, install a timer to automatically turn on the lights at dusk and turn them back off at dawn.
Check bulbs and connections. Replace any frayed wires or wires with a worn appearance with a new strand,
Consider using LED lights. They put out more light and require less energy than incandesce lights.
For added electric-shock protection, plug outdoor electric lights and decorations into circuits protected by ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs).

Candles

Use caution when decking the halls with your favorite pine-scented candles!

Keep candles at least 12 inches away from all flammable items.
Always use a sturdy candle holder to keep it from tipping over or touching flammable surfaces.
Store matches and lighters up high, preferably in a locked cupboard.
Put candles and lighters out of reach from children and pets.

Fire Safety Tips for Holiday Heating & Cooking

Fireplaces & Furnaces

Santa isn’t the only one who likes a clean chimney! Keep chimneys clear of animal nests, leaves, and residue to ensure proper venting.

Have all fireplaces cleaned and inspected annually by a professional.
Do not burn wrapping papers in the fireplace. A flash fire may result as wrappings ignite suddenly and burn intensely.
After your fire is entirely out, cover the wood with a thin layer of baking soda to ensure there are no active embers.
When cleaning fireplace embers from your fireplace, place them in a metal ash container. Store the container in a safe place outside your home and away from any combustible materials for added protection.
Fuel-burning space heaters can be threats for carbon monoxide poisoning. Make sure that they are used in a well-ventilated space.

Kitchen Cooking

The holidays present a flurry of distractions and lots of cooks are busy in the kitchen. These simple kitchen fire safety tips can ensure that you end up at the dining room table for Christmas dinner.

Stay in the kitchen when cooking. According to the USFA, unattended cooking is the leading cause of holiday fires,
It is pretty easy to get distracted in the kitchen, especially during Christmas. One simple safety tip is to set a kitchen timer. You can even bring a potholder with you when you leave the kitchen as a reminder that you have something on the stove.
If you’re planning to deep-fry your holiday turkey, do it outside, on a flat, level surface at least 10 feet from the house.

Carbon monoxide / Fire alarms / Fire Extinguishers

With the abundance of Christmas decor and heating and cooking appliances operating at full tilt, now is the time to do a check-up on your fire protection equipment: Carbon Monoxide Detectors, Smoke Alarms , and Fire Extinguishers.

Test and replace batteries in all of your Carbon Monoxide Detectors and Fire Alarms.
Carbon Monoxide Detectors and Slarms should be located outside of each sleeping area and on every level of the home.
Replace CO alarms every five to seven years to benefit from the latest technology upgrades.
In case of a power outage, install at least one battery-powered CO alarm or AC-powered unit with a battery backup.
Place Fire Extinguishers in strategic locations around your home so you can quickly contain any fire threat before it spreads.
If you need additional, updated detectors, alarms, or extinguishers, contact us to have one of our fire specialists ensure that you have proper fire protection this holiday season.

What to do if a Fire Breaks Out In Your Home?

Once a fire breaks out in your home, you will have only seconds to make important decisions about putting out the fire, escaping from your home, and calling the fire department. Being prepared is the key to responding in this threatening fire environment to keep your family safe.

Know How to Use Your Fire Extinguishers

Create a Fire Escape Plan

Develop a fire escape plan?
Practice your planned escape route and discuss the possibility of hot doorknobs.
Teach your children the Stop, Drop and Roll safety procedure.

Discuss calling 911 for Fire Assistance

Fires in the home are certainly not expected or welcomed during the holidays. With just a few intentional fire safety measures, you can have a holiday filled with beautiful decor, bountiful family meals, and warm fireplace gatherings. Review these fire safety tips when doing your holiday decorating and home and meal preparations. Then, do a thorough maintenance and supply check of your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers. Finally, design and practice a fire escape plan for your family. These few simple proactive fire safety tips can keep your family safe and your holidays merry and bright…with the right kind of light!

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