National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) News

Hurricane Florence is expected to make landfall along the southern East Coast of the U.S. in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia, bringing with it extensive rain and wind, and prompting extensive evacuations. The National Hurricane Center has also issued advisories for other tropical storms and hurricanes, and is asking communities to prepare ahead as these storms move closer to land. Electrical safety tips To help navigate these storms and prepare throughout hurricane season, NFPA enc...

September is Campus Fire Safety Month, and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and The Center for Campus Fire Safety (The Center) are working together to promote their national Campus Fire Safety for Students campaign. The campaign, which raises awareness about the dangers of fires among college-aged students who live in on- and off-campus college housing, serves as an important reminder for students, parents, fire safety professionals, and safety educat...

The legislative Regulation Review Committee in Connecticut has formally approved new safety codes, including a State Building Code, Fire Safety Code and Fire Prevention Code that will fall short of nationally recognized standards and fire safety requirements. The Connecticut codes all go into effect by October 2018, but none will include requirements for fire sprinklers that are part of nationally recognized safety codes – including the International Residential Code and the Life Safety Co...

HURST Jaws of Life®, a manufacturer of rescue tools, is raising the bar in cutter performance standards with the launch of the S 799E2 / S 799. The new cutter has earned the highest rating available for cutters in the rescue tool industry and offers an 8.03-inch blade opening to get around tougher metals and newer designs in the posts. Highest rating possible “The new HURST Jaws of Life 799 cutter over delivers on their promise to provide first responders with rescue tools that can...

NFPA releases energy storage system training for the fire service The number of residential battery energy storage system (ESS) installs during the first quarter of 2018 increased nine-fold over 2017 Q1 figures, and equaled totals from the previous three quarters according to PV Magazine. To address potential fire and life safety hazards that may occur with solar and ESS technology in both housing and business settings, NFPA has updated and expanded its Energy Storage and Sola...

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) appointed Andrea Vastis as Senior Director of Public Education. Vastis will oversee NFPA’s well-respected wildfire and home fire education programs. The Seekonk, Massachusetts resident has held various roles in public health education, and has a long history of innovating education programs and fostering rewarding partnerships. Her ability to oversee strategic, purposeful planning, and management of interdisciplinary teams makes he...

NFPA hires new public education leader to oversee fire and life safety education The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) appointed Andrea Vastis as senior director of Public Education. Vastis will oversee NFPA’s well-respected wildfire and home fire education programs. NFPA’s public and fire education programs The Seekonk, Massachusetts resident has held various roles in public health education, and has a long history of innovating education programs and...

NFPA’s fire safety recommendations for revelers for the 4th of July celebrations With the Fourth of July fast approaching and the summer months upon us, indulging in barbecues, holiday parties and swimming often top the list of activities to enjoy during the summer season. To help everyone do so safely, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is reminding people about potential summer fire and electrical hazards and providing tips and recommendations to minimise...

NFPA-IAFC-NVFC unveil joint fire service safety initiative The “Fire Service Safety Stand Down Quiz” Sweepstakes is back as part of the annual Safety Stand Down campaign. Hosted by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) in conjunction with the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) Safety Health & Survival Section and the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC), the interactive online quiz emphasises the importance of the 2018 Safety Stand Down...

NFPA 720 CO detection and warning system to be inducted into 2019 edition of NFPA 72 Upon adjournment of the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) Technical Meeting in Las Vegas, the requirements of NFPA 720, Standard for the Installation of Carbon Monoxide Detection and Warning Equipment are one step closer to issuance by the Standards Council as incorporated into the 2019 edition of NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code. NFPA 720, which has worked to...

Every year the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) Standards Council recognizes individuals for outstanding service to the organization in the development of codes and standards. Awards will be presented to 17 individuals at the NFPA Conference & Expo taking place in Las Vegas. 2018 Recipients for Special Achievement Award. Russell B. Leavitt Telgian Corporation, Phoenix, Arizona Automatic Sprinkler Systems Technical Committees on: Sprinkler System Installati...

NFPA introduces CodeFinder tool to reference international codes and standards The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has released CodeFinder, a new interactive online tool that identifies the NFPA codes and standards that are in effect in U.S. municipalities or counties, as well as in regions of Canada, South America, Latin America and the Middle East. Keeping up with new hazards, changing technologies and best practices is essential when it comes to optimising safe...

NFPA unveils new additions to its board of directors at the annual Conference & Expo 2018 The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) elected Brion Callori, Martha Connors, Reginald D. Freeman, William J. Fries, and Louis Paulson, to its board of directors at the association’s annual Conference & Expo in Las Vegas. The three-year term for each member takes effect upon the close of the conference. Three board members, John D. Bonney, R. David Paulison, and Mic...

NFPA felicitates four awards at annual conference & expo The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) presented four awards to recognise outstanding achievements in fire and life safety at NFPA’s Conference & Expo in Las Vegas. Harry C. Bigglestone Award The Harry C. Bigglestone award is given annually to the paper appearing in Fire Technology that best represents excellence in the communication of fire protection concepts. This award honors the memory of Bi...

NFPA’s James M. Shannon Medal awarded to Jim Dalton in recognition of his work The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) announced Jim Dalton as the 2018 James M. Shannon Advocacy Medal for his career long commitment and passion for fire safety culminating with his efforts that led to the passage of the Fire Sprinkler Incentive Act. NFPA’s Fire and Public Safety initiatives The James M. Shannon Advocacy Medal was established in honor of Jim Shannon, who ser...

NFPA’s 2017 U.S. Firefighter Fatalities report reflects lowest on-job deaths in 40 years The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) released its annual U.S. Firefighter Fatalities report, which showed a total of 60 U.S. firefighter fatalities while on duty in 2017. This number represents the lowest total reported since 1977, when NFPA began reporting on-duty firefighter fatalities; it is the sixth time in the last seven years that the total has been below 70 deaths....

NFPA’s Fire Prevention Week 2018 theme aims at enhanced home fire security The latest statistics from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) show that if you have a reported fire in your home, you are more likely to die today than you were a few decades ago. This startling statistic is behind this year’s Fire Prevention Week theme: “Look. Listen. Learn. Be aware - fire can happen anywhere.” Fire Prevention Week takes place October 7-13, 2018....

NFPA unveils key security measures to avoid shock hazards in water bodies With Memorial Day and the start of summer just around the corner, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is reminding people about the potential electrical hazards in swimming pools, hot tubs and spas, on board boats and in the waters surrounding boats, marinas and launch ramps. Countering the threat of electric shock drownings Electric shock drowning (ESD) happens when marina or onboard elect...

NFPA provides safety tips on grills to avoid structure and unclassified fires Grilling season is right around the corner and grill gurus everywhere are preparing for many family parties and barbecues. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) encourages grillers to pay attention to safety during the spring and summer months when home fires involving grilling incidents occur most often. High rate of structure and unclassified fires In 2011 – 2015, fire departments...

Metro fire chiefs meet in San Antonio to talk on key topics and issues  The Metropolitan “Metro” Fire Chiefs Association, a section of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) held its 2018 annual conference in San Antonio, Texas May 4-10. More than 120 Metro chiefs from Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States attended the conference and elected the Association’s 2018-2019 off...

NFPA and HFSC initiate action day to tackle the growing menace of home fires In the U.S., home fires claim the lives of seven people each day and injure 13,000 annually. Home fire sprinklers can help eliminate these tragedies, but legislative barriers and a general unawareness of this technology have prevented its use in new homes. Safety advocates across North America will be taking collective action on the same day to raise awareness of these challenges and a fire sprinkler&...

NFPA releases unified planning strategy to counter active shooter threat The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) released NFPA 3000TM (PS), Standard for an Active Shooter / Hostile Event Response (ASHER) Program to help communities holistically deal with the fast-growing number of mass casualty incidents that continue to occur throughout the world. Serving as the first of its kind, NFPA 3000 provides unified planning, response and recovery guidance, as well as civilian...

The National Electrical Code is updated every three years to include the latest in proven safety technology Flipping a light switch. Plugging in a coffeemaker. Charging a laptop or iPhone. These actions are second nature for most of us. Electricity makes our lives easier, but its potential for shock and fire-related hazards are often taken for granted. That is why the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) actively supports National Electrical Safety Month, an annual camp...

In making its decision, the Council concluded there is a fundamental lack of consensus on how to test and evaluate residential upholstered furniture flammability exposed to a flaming ignition source After reviewing the entire record before it, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standards Council voted to cease standards development of NFPA 277, Standard Methods of Tests for Evaluating Fire and Ignition Resistance of Upholstered Furniture using a Flaming Igniti...

Wildfire Community Preparedness Day is a reminder that there are many steps communities can take to be prepared for wildfire Wildfires are causing more damage to homes and businesses each year, not only in California but in states as different as Tennessee, Montana and Florida. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and State Farm are helping communities take steps toward safety with their fifth annual national Wildfire Community Preparedness Day event on May 5, 2018....

The new report by the Policy Institute found a number of factors that contribute to mismatched NEC adoption practices across the country Across America, states vary widely in how promptly, or even if, they adopt the latest edition of NFPA 70: National Electrical Code (NEC). Not adhering to the latest edition can lead to serious shortfalls in electrical safety for citizens and a failure to protect first responders and workers from preventable dangers. Underscoring these conce...

The tall wood building project was sponsored by the Foundation’s Property Insurance Research Group through a grant from the USDA, Forest Service The Fire Protection Research Foundation (the Foundation), the research arm of the National Fire Protection Association, has released findings on how exposed timber in high-rise residences might impact fire behaviour. The new Phase 2 ‘Fire Safety Challenges of Tall Wood Buildings’ report provides data and insights f...

The NFPA Standard Council is charged with overseeing the NFPA codes and standards making process The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Board of Directors has appointed two new members to the NFPA Standards Council: Jack Poole of Poole Fire Protection Inc., and Rodger Reiswig of Johnson Controls. Poole and Reiswig are each serving a three-year term effective January 1, 2018. NFPA also announced that current members Patricia Gleason of Safety Equipment Institute (...

Denise Hynes has developed teacher workshops, prop kits, and safety events using NFPA programs The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has named Denise Hynes, public educator for Toronto Fire Services, as the 2018 Fire and Life Safety Educator of the Year. Hynes will be recognised at NFPA’s 122nd Conference & Expo, the premier event in fire and life safety, this June in Las Vegas. Each year, NFPA bestows the Fire and Life Safety Educator of the Year award on...

The fact sheets for all 50 U.S. states serve as a snapshot of where each state has made improvements in meeting the needs of its communities How well are the needs of fire departments in your state being met? Access the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) all-new, state-by-state fact sheets and online portal, which deliver statewide and customisable data, to find out. Both resources were developed using results from the association’s four U.S. Needs Asses...