COVID-19 - News

XPander is Apollo’s hybrid wireless range. It offers a comprehensive solution to many problems that present themselves when installing a fire detection system. It is quick to install and requires minimal cabling. Often being 75% quicker to install in comparison to a wired system! XPander applications XPander has many applications, and its versatility is key to deciding on which type of system fits best for a building. Ideal applications: Time-sensitive Projects. Minimizing Disrupt...

The premiere of CEFE powered by INTERSCHUTZ attracted numerous visitors in Shanghai in 2019. Now the international trade fair was scheduled to kick off with its second edition from 9 to 11 December 2020. The situation regarding the coronavirus pandemic is such that the platform for fire brigades, rescue services, civil protection and safety/security will not be back for exhibitors and visitors until a year later. The exact date for the event at the Shanghai New International Expo Center (S...

The world of the fire service is heavily related to tangible and tangible things. In this context, people like to think of personal protective equipment, portable pumps, pumps, rescue equipment or emergency vehicles, a dream on 4 wheels with flashing lights and a tone horn, so to speak. Intangible things like software (unfortunately) do not yet have a high priority in the fire service. Digitization In the current discussion about digitization, however, the use of information technology is gett...

The current global spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) has prompted Protectowire Company to inform their customers that there may be interruptions in their supply chain going forward as this crisis develops. They have been monitoring their suppliers and working closely with them to ensure that any shortage or failure to supply is kept to an absolute minimum. However, the Coronavirus situation is changing daily and there is always the possibility of greater fluctuations in the markets which may...

M-Fire Holdings, LLC announces additions to the proven Mighty Fire Breaker® product line designed to defend property and roadway right-of-way from devastating wildfire events. Applying Mighty Fire Breaker® Fire Treated Retention Mulch eliminates the threat of wildfire along exit corridors, ensuring a new level of safety for both fire professionals and evacuating residents. Tools for wildfire management Mighty Fire Breaker® wildfire protective mulch technology was created to assis...

Many routine maintenance visits may have been delayed due to lockdown, in spite of the FIA helping fire professionals being classified as key workers. Many businesses remained closed and inaccessible during the lockdown. As buildings start to open up, the life safety systems installed in them will be in need of some attention in the form of routine inspections by a competent person. Periodic inspection on a fire alarm system isn’t just checking a few call points and detectors, in fact, th...

The spread of COVID-19 has more than just physical health implications. It also creates uncertainty and changes in lifestyle that can have an emotional impact. Firefighters, EMS providers, and rescue workers may be feeling the impact especially hard as they navigate the new realities of responding and maintaining operations during this crisis. NVFC invites all to join Jeff Dill, founder of the Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance, for this free NVFC webinar on May 20 to discuss strategies and...

Nittan are delighted that Videcon have given pride of place to a Nittan product demonstration board. Their planned new demo/training room will include a fully functional Nittan board to enable customers to get hands on with Nittan’s products. Addressable fire detection devices The Nittan demonstration board features the Evolution 1 panel and a number of the key Evolution analog addressable fire detection devices, complementing fire and security products already on display at Videcon. Fo...

Nittan Europe’s Managing Director Yoshiaki Kadokura makes the following statement regarding the company’s functioning during these difficult times: “We are experiencing an unprecedented crisis with the spread of Coronavirus COVID-19, and there remain many uncertainties as to how the situation may develop in the near future." "Our thoughts and hearts go to everyone affected by this outbreak, and we greatly appreciate the healthcare workers and all who are on the front line, wor...

Deep cleaning the restaurant and the commercial kitchen does not just give it a beautiful, sparkling appearance, it also keeps the customers and employees safe! During the COVID-19 pandemic, this level of safety is more important than ever. The COVID-19 pandemic has ushered in a new reality for the restaurant industry: social distancing, altered operating standards, and the need for intense cleaning. Keeping the kitchen sanitary will help keep the customers both safe and happy, as well as more...

The global coronavirus pandemic threw the world into lockdown. Only now are businesses, schools, and places of worship beginning to return to operations making this the best time to reevaluate fire safety, from strategy to equipment. Essentials Every office, retail outlet, restaurant, and public facing-environment must have the basics covered. After a long stint away from work, it’ll be important to make sure everything’s working and stocked. Fire Alarms No matter how small the s...

Wildfire smoke occurring during the COVID-19 pandemic can increase susceptibility to the virus and other infections by irritating the respiratory system, resulting in altered immune function. Populations vulnerable to smoking, including those with compromised immune systems, children under 18, pregnant women, adults 65 and over, and outdoor workers need to be aware of this risk. How to reduce risk from wildfire smoke Inform the community about these actionable steps that t...

As the COVID-19 pandemic affects communities across the United States, it has also impacted in-person fundraising for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). For 66 years, the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) has collected critical funds in the community, one dollar at a time, as part of the ‘Fill the Boot’ program. This summer, the program will launch virtually to address social distancing guidelines for the firefighters and the vulnerable community MDA serves....

Fireworks are synonymous with the Fourth of July. They are beautiful, but can also be very dangerous if not used properly. The Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office not only encourages residents to attend professional fireworks displays and practice fireworks safety but also practice social distancing and wear masks. “Professional fireworks displays are a great way for residents to safely enjoy fireworks, but with the spread of COVID-19 we are also encouraging everyone to practice soc...

Hundreds of fire industry professionals from over 30 countries have benefitted from Apollo Fire Detectors’ free online training courses available throughout the COVID-19 lockdown period. The weekly virtual CPD seminars and product focused webinars have proved so popular that the company has extended the initial six- week program of events into July and August, and potentially beyond. the next phase of courses Warren Moyle, Senior Technical Support Engineer at Apollo Fire Detectors, who...

Baystone Government Finance announced its completion of $3.35 million financing for the City of New York. Assistant Vice President Christina Ummel said the funds will be used to pay for 19 ambulances pressed into service at the height of the City's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. "The FDNY had an urgent need for additional vehicles that could be used to transport patients from their homes to medical facilities or between facilities throughout the city," said Ummel. "The 19 vehicles purchased...

Mayor Peter Feldmann, Chairman of the Messe Frankfurt Supervisory Board, also stressed: “The Group’s strength – which lies in its solid and strategically smart business and investment practices – is proving its worth more than ever today. I particularly welcome the counter-cyclical investments, be it in the exhibition grounds – as is the case with Hall 5 at present – or in strengthening its portfolio of events around the world.” In the second half of th...

During the FDIC team’s extensive outreach and conversations with the fire service, there was an overwhelming desire expressed by firefighters to come together in the fall to celebrate the unity of the fire service, learn, and support ongoing efforts in serving their communities and continue training. These requests are being answered with the launch of a new event, United Fire Conference, that will take place September 22-24, 2020, at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, IN. The...

bp continues to support first responders, doctors, nurses, and medical workers on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic by offering a discount of up to 15 cents per gallon on every fill up at bp and Amoco stations for 60 days. Program sign-up is available through the company’s website and rewards can be used at the pump with the BPme app for no-contact payment. This offer is in addition to the more than $8 million in fuel discounts issued by bp since April 2020 to 650,000 responders and...

In a typical year, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) encourages the public to only attend public fireworks displays put on by trained professionals, reflecting its’ long-standing position against consumer use of fireworks. However, with public fireworks events around the country being canceled in the year 2020, NFPA is vigorously discouraging individuals’ use of consumer fireworks, recognizing that the likelihood of such activities may increase in the absence of public...

A recent article on the Londonderry Chamber, Good news Friday newsletter, has highlighted the work being done by Hunter Apparel to support frontline workers during this COVID-19 period. It outlines the various PPE items that have been developed by the highly talented technical team at Hunter, which in turn has increased the demand for qualified staff on the factory floor to help produce the volumes required for new orders coming in thick and fast. It also discusses how the company has developed...

The FIA assisted the National Fire Commercial Transformation Programme (NFCTP) that is led by Kent’s Chief Fire Officer Ann Millington by engaging the members and asking them to leverage their contacts in wider industry sectors to source PPE such as gloves, masks as well as hand sanitizer. The FIA ensured that all suggested suppliers had evidence to prove that they were compliant with the appropriate standards as defined by the technical due diligence process outlined by Kent Fire and Resc...

G4S India offers a comprehensive range of solutions under the work assurance program in the post COVID-19 lockdown era. This year so far has been quite unprecedented for people, businesses, economy and the government. Safety and care for all lives has taken a center-stage and a preventive approach is the most sought-after behavioral change. Everything that was done prior to COVID-19 is being questioned from a safety stand point and simple things that were routine have become important now, for...

Learn how first responders stay safe on the front lines of a pandemic. With states cautiously reopening, many departments are figuring out the best practices for protecting their residents and that means keeping them safe first. This includes more rigorous hand washing and sanitizing, as well as keeping the firehouse and their vehicles cleaned. This has been especially true for one of the EMS divisions we spoke to out of the Northeast. The agency supplied N95 masks and half-face respirators wit...

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dräger has decided to expand its production capacities for light respiratory protection in Europe. To this end, the company will expand existing production sites in Sweden and Germany and build a completely new factory in France. Rainer Klug, Executive Board Member for Safety Division at Dräger: "We assume that demand for light breathing protection will be higher than before the Corona pandemic in the long term. Our goal is to ensure a stable supp...

Leaders from across the fire safety sector offered their expertise on how they believe the industry has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and what their various associations have been doing to support their members. Presentations come from the heads of the Fire Industry Association (FIA), Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP), Fire Sector Federation and Fire Protection Association. Social distancing rules Following the presentations, speakers took audience questions, coverin...

Thirty-three Fire and Rescue Services (FRS), comprising over 33,500 firefighters, are now benefiting from the Local Authority Collaborative PPE Framework. Launched three years ago in June 2017, the Framework gives UK FRSs access to high quality PPE ensembles and volume discounts through a streamlined procurement process. The Framework was set up in response to calls from government and the industry for FRSs to work together to share best practice and deliver efficiencies. It is run by Kent FRS,...

The Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI) takes this opportunity during National EMS Week to honor the men and women serving in fire and emergency services departments across the nation who deliver pre-hospital 9-1-1 emergency medical care. The fire service has a rich history of protecting the health and safety of the communities through an ‘all hazards’ response model that includes the delivery of pre-hospital emergency medical care. Fire service-based EMS providers are loca...

June 14 marked the third anniversary of the Grenfell Tower tragedy. As an organization, and as individuals, all have spent the last few days reflecting deeply on the Grenfell Tower disaster where 72 people tragically lost their lives and countless other lives changed forever. ‘The Bishop of Kensington, Graham Tomlin, said commemorating the fire has been "quite a challenge" because of coronavirus. Remembering Grenfell Yet thousands of people illuminated their rooms and houses green for G...

Beyond keeping the industry updated on the latest updates on the most important topics, the FIA is actively involved in these topics through its work with Government, councils and committees. The section aims to serve as a collection of the FIA’s involvement with a variety of topics and will be continuously updated moving forward with links to the relevant news story where available. This will allow one to see what FIA have done and are doing to improve the industry for the members. COVID...