2024 - Page 2 of 2 - Infinity Fire Protection

October 23, 2024

Information

Wet vs Dry Sprinklers

Wet vs Dry Sprinkler types of systems from the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association):

Wet sprinklers are the most common type of sprinklers. In this system, the sprinkler piping is constantly filled with water. When the temperature at the ceiling gets hot enough the glass bulb or fusible link in a sprinkler will break. Since the system is already filled with water, water is free to flow out of that sprinkler head. Contrary to what Hollywood would have you think, not all sprinkler heads will operate at once in this type of system. The temperature around that specific sprinkler head needs to be high enough to break the glass bulb or fusible link that is holding water back. Once that happens, water will immediately start flowing from only that head. Wet pipe sprinkler systems are the most reliable and cost effective. Therefore, they should be the first type considered when selecting a sprinkler system. However, there are times when a wet pipe sprinkler system may not be appropriate. One of the major factors in determining if a wet pipe system can be used is the temperature of the space can be maintained above freezing.
Dry sprinklers are very similar to wet pipe systems with one major difference. The pipe is not constantly filled with water. Instead, the water is held behind a dry pipe valve, usually some distance away from where the sprinklers are located. Like a wet pipe system, when the temperature at the ceiling becomes hot enough, the glass bulb or fusible link of the sprinkler breaks. However, in this case, water isn’t immediately available because the pipe is not water filled. Instead, air is released from the now open sprinkler head. This creates a drop in pressure causing the dry pipe valve to open and water to fill the system. Water will then flow from the open sprinkler head. A dry pipe system is a great option for unconditioned spaces, or locations where the temperature of the space cannot be guaranteed to be high enough to prevent water in the system from freezing.

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 sprinkler

October 16, 2024

Safety

Apartment Fire Safety

Important safety information from the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association)

People living in an apartment building need to think ahead and be prepared in the event of a fire. It is important to know the fire safety features in your building and work together with neighbors to help keep the building as fire safe as possible.

Know the plan
Make sure that you’re familiar with your building’s evacuation plan, which should illustrate what residents are supposed to do in the event of an emergency. The evacuation plan should be posted in places where all residents can see and review it, and the building management should hold a fire drill with occupants at least once a year. Most states also require that buildings periodically test their fire safety systems as well. Be sure to participate when your building drills take place. When looking for an apartment or high-rise home, look for one with an automatic sprinkler system. Sprinklers can extinguish a home fire in less time that it takes for the fire department to arrive.
Practice is key
Whether your building has one floor or 50, it’s essential that you and your family are prepared to respond to a fire alarm. Identify all the exits in your building and if you are using an escape planning grid, mark them on your escape plan. Make sure to mark the various stairways too, in case one is blocked by fire.
Never use the elevator
In case of fire, always use the stairs to get out, never the elevator. Make sure to practice using the stairs as part of your escape plan. If someone in your family has difficulty climbing down steps, make sure to incorporate a contingency for this into your plan.
Stay low
Smoke from a fire is toxic and deadly no matter what kind of structure you live in. When you hold your fire drill, everyone in the family should practice getting low and going under the smoke to the exit. In the event of a fire, if both stairwells are filled with smoke, stay in your apartment and wait for the firefighters.
Seal yourself in for safety
If you can’t exit an apartment building due to smoke or fire in the hallway, call the fire department to report your exact location and gather in a room with a window to await their arrival. Close all doors between you and the fire. Use duct tape or towels to create a seal around the door and over air vents in order to keep smoke from coming in.
Stay by the window
If possible, you should open your windows at the top and the bottom so fresh air can get in. Don’t break the window – if smoke enters the room from outside the building, you won’t be able to protect yourself.
Signal to firefighters
Wave a flashlight or light-colored cloth at the window to let the fire department know where you are located.

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.

Apartment Building on Fire

October 9, 2024

Fire Prevention

Severe Weather Fire Safety

Below are several steps you can take to prevent fire during severe weather from the US Fire Administration

Never use candles for emergency lighting. Use flashlights and stock up on extra batteries.
Make sure your smoke alarm has a backup battery.
Use surge protectors.
Consider unplugging appliances.
Disconnect motor vehicle batteries in flood-prone areas.
Connect appliances to portable generators with heavy-duty extension cords.
Don’t fuel your generator when it is running. Spilling gas on a hot engine can cause a fire.

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.

Flashlight power outage