Fire Prevention

First responder radio signal and communications can be significantly impacted by building construction, building size, and other factors. Because of that, it is important that emergency personnel have the ability to communicate in the event of an emergency. The good news is that there is a solution! Bi-Directional Amplification (BDA) Bi-Directional Amplification (BDA) is an Emergency Radio Communication System that provides reliable communication radio transmissions between first responders inside a building, and emergency personnel outside the building. What does Bi-Directional Amplification service include? Site Surveys Design Installation Inspections Maintenance & Service Project Management Post-Installation Analysis Testing and Certification Code References If a building does not meet the required minimal signal strength of -95db for both incoming and outgoing signals, the only effective solution is the installation of a signal booster (Bi-Directional Amplification). Standard codes for building to have radio coverage American Fire Protection Group is an elite partner of Honeywell, for their Gamewell-FCI and NOTIFIER product lines Modern day codes, like the IBC 2015 Section 916, IFC 2015 & 2018 Section 510, NC Fire Code 2018 Section 510, NFPA 72 2010 & 2013 Editions, NFPA 1221 and UL2524, require all buildings to have approved radio coverage for emergency responders within the building based on the existing coverage levels of the public safety communication systems of the jurisdiction at the exterior of the building.  American Fire Protection Group (AFPG) is an elite partner of Honeywell, for their Gamewell-FCI and NOTIFIER product lines. AFPG partners with Honeywell on BDA equipment because Honeywell currently offers the only UL2524 listed BDA equipment in the industry. Honeywell lists the following features and benefits for addressable Class B BDAs: Single portfolio to meet any application across US supporting all public safety frequency bands. UL2524 In-building 2-Way Emergency Radio Communication Enhancement Systems listing. CSFM listing. NFPA 72 2010 Edition, NFPA 1221 2016 Edition and IFC 2018 compliant. Built-In NOTIFIER Addressable Monitor Module. Various models available for UHF, VHF, 700MHz, 800 MHz and multi-band. Integrated dual power supply and battery charger with intelligent battery monitoring. NEMA 4 Type (UL Type-4) Approved Equipment Enclosure. NEMA 3R Type (UL Type-3R) Approved Battery Enclosure. Supports higher system gains for efficient link budgeting.

Choosing the right fire suppression system can make all the difference in the protection of vital establishments and entities, including building, assets, and people. Novec 1230 Fire Protection Fluid The Novec 1230 Fire Protection Fluid is a clean agent fire extinguishant that was created as an alternative to hydrofluorocarbons (HFC) and a halon replacement. Fire protection systems using the Novec 1230 fluid are assured that: Fluid is stored as a liquid but discharged as a gas. The system will recognize a fire before it starts and will extinguish the fire in just seconds by rapidly removing heat. This works significantly faster than most water-based systems discharge. As a waterless fire suppression solution, the Novec 1230 fluid leaves no residue behind, helping to protect important documents and electronics. Novec 1230 offers the highest margin of safety for human occupancy of any clean agent solution. The Novec 1230 is not governed by any regulatory body, including the Montreal Protocol. Also, the use of Novec 1230 fluids is not required to comply with Halon 1302 phase-outs or HFC phase-downs. Appropriate for Class A, B and C fire hazards. Environmental manufacturers’ warranties are available. Faster fluid evaporation than water Novec 1230 fluid evaporates much faster than water. How much faster? Try 50 times faster! According to American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) research, Novec 1230 fluid evaporates much faster than water. How much faster? Try 50 times faster! For example, on soaking a phonebook in Novec 1230, it would be dry within 1 minute. Benefits of Novec 1230 fluid include: It is environmentally sustainable. It is close in cost to FM-200 & ECARO-25. It can replace halon fire protection systems. It has a high margin of safety. Novec 1230 is an ideal fire suppression solution for these industries: Data Centers Oil & Gas Facilities Museums Art Galleries Aviation Facilities Medical Centers Industrial Facilities Power Plants

It is safe to say that water is vital to the existence on this planet. What was once in abundant supply is now being rationed due to the growth of the populous; therefore making it crucial to protect what resources one has as best they can. In the fire protection industry, one must do their part to protect the water supply. The most sensible way, at present, is through a Backflow Protection Program. An ever-growing number of cities and small towns are requiring approved backflow preventers to be installed downstream from the municipal water supply. Pressurized fire sprinkler Before installation in Texas, for example, a backflow preventer must be an approved assembly by TCEQ, ‘Texas Commission on Environmental Quality’, and the local authorities. The backflow preventer keeps the pressurized fire sprinkler water line from flowing back into the municipal water line, which is possible if there is a loss of pressure from the municipal water line. Backflow preventers eliminate the possibility of polluting the municipal water system Backflow preventers eliminate the possibility of polluting the municipal water system through cross-contamination. Once an approved backflow preventer has been properly installed by a licensed company, it must have an initial test performed by a licensed Backflow Tester (an individual who has completed the required course for backflow testing and has successfully passed the TCEQ State Test for certification). Fire protection industry In the fire protection industry, there are only two approved main assemblies and the position they can be installed. They must be initially tested to certify the assembly and tested annually thereafter. Two examples are: Double Check – Horizontal or Vertical ‘Up’ - The Double Check Assembly is the mainstay for normal fire protection applications. Reduced Pressure Zone ‘RPZ’ – Horizontal only - The Reduced Pressure Zone Assembly is typically used when chemicals are added to the equation, such as a pre-mixed antifreeze mixture to prevent exposed piping from freezing. However, some municipalities require RPZ’s on all applications. The RPZ uses a double check concept with a relief valve and an air. In short, backflow preventers work to protect the water resources; and for now, this is a good start. American Fire Protection Group is constantly staying informed of the latest in technology to help with all the fire protection needs.

The US federal government passed a new legislation called the ‘Tax Cuts & Job Act’. This legislation includes incentives for businesses that install new fire sprinkler systems. As fire sprinklers are the quickest way to extinguish a fire, it’s important to incentivize businesses to install one. Money should never be seen as a deterrent to keeping your employees and patrons safe. ‘Tax Cuts & Job Act’ US Congress has added fire protection as an eligible expenditure under Section 179 of the tax code US Congress has added fire protection as an eligible expenditure under Section 179 of the tax code. The Congress has also increased the cap to US$ 1 million (up from US$ 500,000) as the amount that a small business can deduct in a single year. This provision applies only to commercial structures and cannot be used for retrofitting sprinklers into residential structures. However, critical occupancies such as entertainment venues could easily be done under this provision. This change is also a permanent law and unlike section 13201 is not gradually phased out over time. Best time to install new sprinkler system With tax incentives now in place, combined with one of the best economic growth in recent times, there has never been a better time to install a new sprinkler system. When speaking with a tax professional about these tax breaks, make sure to reference the changes in Section 179 of the recently passed tax reform legislation (P.L. 115-97), for up to US$ 1 million in fire protection. What’s included in Section 179? This includes: Roofs Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Fire protection and Alarm Systems Security Systems What types of Building Types are listed in Section 179? They include: Local, Small Businesses Nightclubs Restaurants/Diners (local owner) Bowling Alleys Locally Owned Movie Theatres Main Street America-type Shops High-Rise Commercial Buildings Residential Occupancies Condos Inclusion of fire sprinklers in tax reform The National Fire Sprinkler Association (NFSA) spent many years working with the government to ensure this tax reform was completed. Vickie Pritchett, the Director of Outreach and Government Relations at the NFSA stated, “The successful inclusion of fire sprinklers in tax reform is a result of years of steadfast work to educate. Our fire service allies and others were difference makers.” She adds, “The advocate voices made a difference as we worked to bring the stories to life, so legislators would understand and support fire safety inclusion in the incentive package.”

The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) is proud to announce a new online learning platform offering 24/7 access to CEUs and/or CPDs from AFSA educational events, including live webinars. AFSA On-Demand offers fire sprinkler contractors and other professionals the access to the best in specialty education anytime. AFSA On-Demand Featuring the most sought-after thought leaders in fire protection, AFSA On-Demand offers a superior learning experience in a unique and user-friendly format. Members benefit from access to AFSA's extensive library of content as well as the ability to earn CEU and CPD credit online. AFSA On-Demand Courses are carefully developed to offer the ultimate in convenience and flexibility AFSA On-Demand Courses are carefully developed to offer the ultimate in convenience and flexibility, as well as AFSA's proven track record for effective training. These skill-building courses are sold individually with CEUs and/or CPDs, and members have one-year from the date of purchase to complete the course. Launched in April 2020, the AFSA On-Demand platform is already populated with eight unique courses with plans to release more content! Online now are: Building Heights & Rack Storage Connecting Actual Job Costs Back to Estimating NFPA 13, 2019 Edition: Part 1 - General Updates NFPA 13, 2019 Edition: Part 2 - Seismic Bracing Update OSHA's Silica in Construction Standard Pipe Size Estimating & Quick Calculations Seismic Bracing: 2016 Edition Update Significant Changes to 2019 Edition of NFPA 20 Learning Management System (LMS) AFSA is committed to quality, excellence, professionalism, and lifelong learning" To provide the best possible experience, AFSA's Learning Management System (LMS) is designed to get people engaged with user-friendly content- anytime, anywhere, on any device. Learners can take training personalized to their needs on mobile and tablet devices, offline and on-the-go, anywhere around the world. "AFSA is committed to quality, excellence, professionalism, and lifelong learning," said AFSA Director of Education Services Leslie Clounts, adding "AFSA On-Demand exemplifies this by offering access to a complete library of educational offerings online, delivered by leaders in the field." Easily accessible anytime AFSA On-Demand is available and accessible anytime, anywhere, via PC, laptop, tablet or smartphone. Users can navigate content by type, event and topic; and use the sort-and-search functions to quickly find educational offerings. Additional key benefits include: Mobile-friendly: Sleek, modern design Flexible training: Refresh skills, learn new techniques and use the presentations to train teams. My Dashboard: Track session progress and receive CEU or CPD verification letters all from one convenient area. Expanding course offerings: Watch for new content to become available soon. Session previews: Comprehensive session previews with speakers' bios are now available to help members select the best sessions for their learning needs.

With the ever expanding construction of refrigerated food distribution warehouses, owners are maximizing building heights in order to increase storage rack heights and the amount of product that can be retained. This sets the stage for large high-challenge fires to develop. Traditional fire protection of these refrigerated and freezer type facilities was limited to double interlock pre-action systems with rows of fire sprinklers also being included in the storage racks. In-rack type sprinklers have always been problematic and damage from fork-lifts can cause system discharges that can ruin the stored products and also result in water becoming frozen within the system piping. Hydraulic calculation requirements System design relies upon specific hydraulic calculation requirements utilizing Ultra K17 sprinkler heads An innovative approach was taken that departed from the previous control mode and suppression mode design methods that eliminated the need for in-rack sprinklers. QUELL Preaction and Dry Systems were developed with the idea of employing a sprinkler operation area sufficient to ‘surround and drown’ a high-challenge fire. System design relies upon specific hydraulic calculation requirements utilizing Ultra K17 sprinkler heads along with fluid delivery time calculations utilizing a special version of the SprinkFTD Fluid Delivery Calculation Program with enhanced features only available to licensed Quell contractors. Licensed sprinkler designers QUELL system design criteria currently allows for Class II and Class III commodities to be stored up to 40’ high with a 48’ ceiling height. Class IV commodities can be stored up to 30’ high with a 35’ ceiling height. Also, Quell technology is presently the only method available for providing dry pipe sprinkler protection to cartoned Group A unexpanded plastic commodities stored above 25’ that does not require the use of in-rack sprinklers. A QUELL training and certification program is required for licensed sprinkler designers and installers to learn key aspects of the QUELL systems and the parameters that are critical to the successful employment of a QUELL system. American Fire Protection Group is one of only very few QUELL trained and certified contractors in the fire protection industry.

From a 48-storey fire in the UAE, to a 200-firefighter-strong blaze at student accommodation in the UK, several high-profile, high-rise fires continue to keep the focus of utilities, regulators, developers, and public associations everywhere on actively seeking ways to reduce the risk of fire with innovative materials. Statistics show that the majority of fire related fatalities occur in a domestic setting between the hours of 10 pm and 6 am. Protecting high-rise residential buildings from fire, where occupancy rates are high but the reaction to danger is lower (while asleep), is a critical engineering challenge. Fire risk assessment While most recently built high rise buildings will be equipped with risk safety provisions such as wet or dry risers, protected staircases, sprinklers, and communications systems as standard, thousands of post-war, purpose-built flats require careful risk assessment and improvement. What was acceptable at the time of build may no longer meet today’s standards or may have been affected by changing environmental factors such as the encroachment of neighboring buildings. While the fire safety legislation adopted in 2006 has driven improvements that seek to address these types of issues While the fire safety legislation adopted in 2006 has driven improvements that seek to address these types of issues, its application has sometimes been problematic, with varied results from site to site. A fire risk assessment is the first step in evaluating the risks posed and identifying options to reduce the potential for a devastating event. Potential fire risk Electricity substations, which are often located in the basement or adjoining a high-rise building, will often be identified as a potential fire risk due to the proximity of a source of a fuel – mineral oil – to a source of heat and sparks. This concurs with the findings of the MIDEL Transformer Risk Report 2020, where respondents identified fire risk as the second most important consideration when assessing transformer risk overall. Mineral oil is widely accepted as the most flammable of the insulating fluids used within a substation’s transformers, but has persisted in its use due to its price point. A mineral oil fire will burn ferociously, producing thick, black smoke, impeding evacuation by reducing visibility and potentially jeopardizing ground floor and basement exits. Fire suppression systems At their worst, there are documented cases where transformer fires have caused loss of life and significant damage to the environment. They are certainly not a risk to be ignored. In newer buildings, the use of mineral oil in a transformer needs to account for the substation to be constructed to the latest fire safety standard – reinforced concrete or brickwork with a minimum four-hour fire containment rating. The fire risk can be mitigated in a completely different way once mineral oil is eliminated from the equation In addition to fire suppression systems involving significant civil engineering works, these measures do not eliminate the risk of fire by preventing it but are necessary to contain a fire once one starts. Additionally in older buildings, where the retrofitting of concrete reinforcements or a complete relocation of the substation would be expensive and technically challenging (if not impossible), the fire risk can be mitigated in a completely different way once mineral oil is eliminated from the equation. Enhancing fire safety One pioneering UK utility is leading the way in mitigating transformer-related fire risk. Following the fire at Grenfell in the UK, the utility considered that any element of risk was no longer acceptable and so undertook a sizeable and substantial review of its property portfolio. It subsequently identified over 100 residential sites where upgrades could be made to further enhance fire safety and the safety of residents. Many of these higher-risk units are located in embedded substations in the basements of the high-rise apartments that rely on them for electricity. The units range from 500kVa to 1000kVa. After exploring the options, the utility embarked on an extensive program of corrective upgrades at a scale never seen before in the UK. Minimizing fire risk One long-term and economic solution to reduce transformer fire risk stood out; replace the mineral oil in each transformer with a fire safe alternative. Synthetic ester fluids are a K-class rated fire-safe and biodegradable alternative to mineral oil, and it is increasingly being chosen by power utilities and end users to minimize fire risk. The significantly higher fire point makes it the ideal choice for improving the safety of transformers The contract for the utility’s schedule of upgrades was awarded to MIDEL Service Partner Grosvenor Oil Services who opted to use MIDEL 7131, a synthetic ester transformer fluid, that has a high fire point of 316°C, far exceeding that of mineral oil (180°C). The significantly higher fire point makes it the ideal choice for improving the safety of transformers located in residential and high-rise buildings. High-Rise buildings The retro filling technicians leveraged their experience of MIDEL’s ester liquids to the benefit of the project - and the safety of residents. For each site, the technicians inspected the condition of the transformer before draining it of the mineral oil and flushing it through. Once completed, the transformers were retro filled with the fire safe synthetic ester and tested. Replacing mineral oil has several benefits beyond the peace of mind it brings to residents in high-rise buildings. For one, it significantly enhances the sustainability of substations: ester fluids are biodegradable and non-toxic – in the event of a leak, it does not pose a threat to the environment or to people that come into contact with it. Unexpected power outages Ester fluids also keep the transformer in better condition for longer, by reducing the impact that water ingress has on components such as the insulating paper. Because of this benefit, ester-filled transformers require less frequent quality testing (once every five years, rather than once every 12 months). Sites are also better protected against unexpected power outages due to failure Subsequently, this reduces utilities’ maintenance burden as well as increase uptime. Sites are also better protected against unexpected power outages due to failure. Finally, it offers the ability to safely increase transformer load, a benefit that became particularly fortuitous when the COVID-19 lockdown significantly increased domestic property electricity demand. Fire-Safe materials While pioneering, this utility is not alone in its efforts. Utilities across the UK are turning to the benefits of fire-safe materials to reduce the potential for transformer fires in high-rise buildings and higher-risk locations such as hospitals, schools, and shopping centers. The benefits and the process of retro filling is well-established, and with many more people expected to work from home for the foreseeable future, there is not a moment to waste to ensure that the thousands of transformers that supply domestic power are fire safe, sustainable and reliable.

In any business, fire can cause significant damage and substantial loss of revenue, assets, or productivity due to a period of downtime. However, fires can be prevented through continuous temperature monitoring, as it can detect hot spots or rising temperatures that may lead to a fire. Temperature monitoring, in combination with effective suppression systems, can largely reduce fire risk and safeguard your teams, assets and the environment. How thermal imaging supports fire detection and suppression An effective method of monitoring temperature to aid fire detection and suppression is thermal imaging. Many thermal imaging cameras can work in conjunction with fire detection systems, by providing automatic alerts Thermal imaging cameras work by measuring infrared radiation. Invisible to the human eye, infrared radiation is detectable to thermal cameras, as it releases heat. Thermal imaging cameras measure the amount of heat (or infrared radiation) released from an object or in an area. The findings are then converted into images or videos, which show ‘hot spots’ as bright, orange-like markings, in comparison to cooler areas, which appear dark and blue-like.   Thermal imaging cameras are described as ‘non-contact’, as they have the ability to monitor temperatures from a significant distance, providing view is not obstructed. Working In Conjunction Many thermal imaging cameras can work in conjunction with fire detection systems, by providing automatic alerts when the temperature reaches or exceeds a certain limit, or increases at a fast pace. These alerts then trigger an alarm, allowing for quick response and mitigation of high temperatures, reducing the risk of a fire breaking out or spreading. The ability to detect heat or hot spots that are invisible to the naked eye, and untraceable by traditional fire detection methods, such as smoke detectors, prove Temperature monitoring can largely reduce fire risk and safeguard your teamsthermal imaging cameras to be an incredibly effective addition to any business’ fire detection system. Thermal imaging cameras can be connected with fire suppression systems, allowing you to entirely automate your response to fires, meaning you can focus on the safe evacuation of your teams. Systems can be integrated to allow your suppression solution to be automatically released if high temperatures are detected, for example. The benefits of thermal imaging Using thermal imaging to support fire detection and suppression has a variety of benefits, including: Detecting high temperatures before a fire breaks out – the fundamental benefit of thermal imaging is the ability to detect heat or monitor rises in heat before a fire begins. This allows for appropriate measures to be carried out to lower temperatures to avoid risk of a fire breaking out. It can also help to identify shortfalls in existing fire prevention measures, which may have resulted in the increase in temperature, allowing for the rectification of these issues. Detecting smaller flames – due to the ability to monitor subtle temperature changes, thermal imaging has the capability to detect and alert to small fires in early stages, which conventional smoke detectors may not be able to detect. Monitoring even in low-light – as thermal imaging cameras do not require light to be able to capture an image, they are ideal for use in low-light environments. This allows for continuous monitoring at night when facilities are unoccupied, providing 24/7 protection. Protecting in multiple ways – thermal imaging can be used not only for fire detection and prevention, but also for security purposes and equipment monitoring. Their constant monitoring will record any trespassers on-site and can be connected with security alarms to notify facilities owners or managers of a break-in. In addition, the temperature of equipment can be consistently monitored, highlighting any faults that may occur when the facility is vacant Where is thermal imaging best used? Thermal imaging cameras can be an effective form of fire detection in a variety of settings. However, they are often most suitable for use in environments which work with combustible materials, have unconventional infrastructures or have operations involving open flames: Environments working with combustible materials – many businesses, such as construction, waste facilities, manufacturing and agriculture, work with combustible materials. This increases the risk of fire, as combustible materials can easily cause a fire to begin and spread if combined with heat or other ignition sources. Thermal imaging cameras can monitor these operations consistently, to quickly detect increases in heat that could result in spontaneous combustion. Facilities with unconventional infrastructures – across a facility, there are a number of components which can present fire risk. Often, these components are in areas that are difficult to monitor on an ongoing basis. Thermal imaging cameras can monitor specific areas or pieces of equipment, such as boilers or furnaces, to continuously monitor temperatures and alert to any abnormal increases in temperature. Operations working with open flames – in facilities where open flames are used in normal operations, such as on construction sites, thermal cameras can monitor existing flames. This ensures the active fire is effectively and safely contained to one area Thermal imaging cameras are an effective method of enhancing your fire detection and suppression systems, by monitoring temperatures 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to protect your teams, assets and the environment.

There are many daily risks faced by buildings and their managers, with electrical fires being one of the most common and dangerous. Commercial fires impact occupant health, property and the business itself – with 25% of businesses who suffer a fire never reopening.  Given the often-unpredictable nature of electrical fires, businesses must invest in the latest technologies to prevent irreparable damage. It is the responsibility of the consultant engineer to show leadership and initiative in improving safety to protect the business, its employees and its most valuable assets. Engineers must look beyond simply tackling overloads and short circuits and examine a range of connected solutions that can stop a fire before it even has a chance to begin. This drastically reduces the cost of damages and repairs, while giving building operators unrivalled visibility. Connected protection is crucial at every level of the circuit, from the switchboard to distribution. A centralized system for equipment monitoring and detection provides building managers with all the information they need to keep fire risk under control, and therefore protect staff, property and business. Electrical fire risk awareness During the design and implementation phase, the consultant engineer’s role is traditionally to respect and master the local standards. They should ensure all components and parts of the circuit comply with the latest wiring rules, electrical and building codes. Yet for enhanced safety they should also be willing to look beyond the standards of the day. Given the often-unpredictable nature of electrical fires, businesses must invest in the latest technologies to prevent irreparable damage Today’s regulations do a good job of protecting buildings from the dangers of short circuits and overloads, mostly by mandating the use of circuit breakers. However, consultant engineers should also be aware of the risks posed by circuit deterioration and mistakes made during the installation. Loose cabling and faulty insulation or connections – even something as small as an untightened screw – can significantly increase a circuit’s fire risk. It’s up to consultant engineers to know their market and provide solutions that go beyond the minimum to detect and prevent electrical fires. Why electrical engineers must go the extra mile A stitch in time saves nine. While tackling overloads and short circuits is crucial, engineers must go further, examining a range of connected solutions that can stop a fire before it even has a chance to begin. Acting pre-emptively can drastically reduce the cost of damages and repairs and provide building operators with unrivalled visibility of their facility. Connected protection is crucial at every level of the circuit, from the switchboard to distribution. A centralized system for equipment monitoring and detection will provide the building manager with all the information they need to keep fire risk under control. Connected protection is crucial at every level of the circuit For optimal protection, organisations should employ smart, connected solutions that detect fire and the risk of fire at every level. This means additional protection for the switchboard and the circuit at all levels of the electrical installation, underpinned by a centralised system for monitoring and pro-active action. Using Residual Current Devices (RCDs) against insulation faults triggered by earth leakage currents exceeding 300mA, is a familiar solution. Engineers now have access to more effective earth leakage protection solutions with the same footprint as a classical overload and short-circuit protection. Products can now also offer permanent earth leakage current measurement which, when connected to a monitoring system, allows pre-alarming and monitoring during the time of any drift in the insulation. Identify switchboard vulnerabilities Unprotected electrical switchboards are especially vulnerable to fire risk. The equipment is susceptible to rodent infestation and internal overheating, issues that can often go unnoticed until it is too late. The IEC 61439-2 Low-voltage switchgear and control gear assemblies – Part 2: Power switchgear and control gear assembly’s standard addresses these risks, making compliance a must. However, fulfilling these design and manufacturing rules for switchboards does not eliminate the risk of connection failure. A critical sequence of events can occur. First, increasing electrical contact resistance accelerates further deterioration. This increased resistance induces a rise in temperature – high temperatures deteriorate the connection surface even more. The more deteriorated surface leads to a further increase in contact resistance, and the resulting thermal runaway will cause complete connection failure. Fire, flash-over and explosions become a real risk. Enhanced electrical fire prevention Moreover, final circuits should be protected by an arc fault detection device (AFDD) for enhanced fire prevention. Final circuits should be protected by an arc fault detection device (AFDD) Circuits age unevenly and unpredictably, so persistent monitoring and predictive maintenance are key to limiting fire risk. Cloud analytics can help provide asset health analytics to interpret the status and history of your most critical assets, with preventive notifications and 24/7 support. Fire prevention must be a top priority when assessing all the safety and risk-management of a building. In the case of electrical fires, prevention is better than cure. Therefore, establishing the right approach before crisis strikes will be invaluable. Connected solutions across the entire circuit are an effective solution for consultant engineers to defend buildings from the often-underestimated dangers of faulty installation and ageing components. In short, smart electrical fire prevention provides peace of mind for engineers, facility owners and occupants alike.

Translation in an emergency setting is a challenge that first responders face on a daily basis. For example, London Luton Airport’s Fire Service would previously have to find a member of staff or a passenger that could help them translate, which is not always possible. As a last resort, the service would carry around a large flipbook containing numerous medical questions in a multitude of languages, but this did not solve the problem of understanding any responses. AI-Powered Language Translation Device Now they have a more instant device to provide a faster and easier way to communicate. It’s called Pocketalk, an AI-powered language translation device designed for instant and accurate two-way conversations at the touch of the button, even in noisy environments. Pocketalk supports 82 languages, addressing 90% of the world’s population. It has been used as an emergency communications tool to break down barriers between first responders like fire service staff and healthcare practitioners and their service users/patients. Quick, Easy, Calm Firefighters can use Pocketalk to communicate quickly, easily, and calmly with people at the scene of an emergency. It helps them to overcome language barriers and achieve a range of goals – from assessing injuries of people who don’t speak English as a first language to asking them for more information about an emergency situation. Organizations face a growing challenge to meet changing communication needs. For example, among the United Kingdom’s increasingly diverse population, around one in ten people do not speak English as their first language. In areas like London, this figure is around one in five people. Emergency Services Donations Healthcare providers including five UK ambulance services received donations and are using Pocketalk Following an announcement earlier in 2020 that 500 Pocketalk W devices were being donated to emergency services providers in Europe to help them deal with COVID-19, London Luton Airport’s Fire Service was one of the organizations to apply for units. Healthcare providers including five UK ambulance services - North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust, Avon Valley Community Responders, St Johns Ambulance (Norwich), St Johns Ambulance (Greater Manchester), and Special Ambulance Transfers – also received donations and are using Pocketalk. The parent company, Sourcenext, has an interest in language learning, which is where Pocketalk came from. The product vision was simple –to make it easy for people who speak different languages to understand each other. Pocketalk is now helping to break down language barriers all over the world. Awareness & Usefulness The best way to increase awareness of Pocketalk and its usefulness in an emergency situation is to get the devices in the hands of service users, the company says. “During the start of the COVID pandemic, we wanted to help people by donating devices to emergency services teams,” says Tomoaki Kojim, Senior Managing Director of Sourcenext Corp. “This, in turn, has helped these teams to understand exactly how it can be of benefit in an emergency —namely, by providing quick and accurate language translations, without the need for an interpreter (in person or on the phone).” Two-Way Communication Pocketalk helped to open up two-way communication quickly and save time for medical emergencies  For the London Luton Airport Fire Service, Pocketalk devices have helped to open up that two-way communication quickly. In medical emergencies, time can be crucial – Pocketalk not only helps them to save time but also to get a detailed account from the patient or any witnesses to an incident. It has also helped with general communication from the passengers, some of whom are distressed when trying to find the correct gate or which bus to catch as they leave the airport. No Language Barrier London Luton Airport Fire Service has not had to change any of its procedures after implementing Pocketalk, but they have been very happy to retire their translation book. It also reassures them that language is not the barrier it used to be when dealing with people during their working day. For them, implementing Pocketalk devices has been easy, and all operational members of staff at the fire station have had a short training session on how to operate the Pocketalk devices. The fire service has also loaned its spare device to passenger services assistants at the airport to help them with any potential communication issues. One challenge to implementing the device could be getting staff to learn how to use it and practice with it in training situations, so they can really rely on it in an emergency. That said, “Pocketalk is easy to use and does not take long to master,” says Kojim.

Technology and innovation are shaping the future of the fire industry. During 2020, TheBigRedGuide.com published many articles touching on research, development, and new technologies. This roundup will review some of the most popular articles, including links to the original content. Thermal Imaging & Augmented Reality (AR) Combining thermal imaging and augmented reality (AR) enables firefighters to see through smoke, in effect enhancing their vision in the life-threatening environment of a fire. AR capabilities can be deployed in a visor attached to a helmet, and an affixed thermal camera captures the images. The most recent prototype of such a product is a robust helmet design that withstands rough treatment. The system also includes software processing that augments thermal images to enable firefighters to see the outline of objects more clearly, thus enabling their detection in the field. Rocky Mountain Research Station (RMRS) The fire research program at the Rocky Mountain Research Station (RMRS) in Missoula, Mont., enhanced firefighter safety by improving metrics for determining firefighter safety zones and escape routes, improving and modernizing determination of fire danger, and developing systems and applications such as the Wildfire Safety Evaluator (WiSE) and WildfireSAFE to facilitate the use of these metrics by wildland firefighters. The program has also pioneered the development of metrics for scenario planning and assessing wildfire risk to communities. Internet of Things (IoT) The Internet of Things (IoT) is expanding the variety of technical capabilities deployed in the interest of public safety, and smart cities are leveraging IoT data to provide insights and improve operations. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is promoting technology development through its Science and Technology Directorate’s SCITI (pronounced “city”) solutions lab. SCITI stands for Smart City and Internet of Things Innovation. Crowd Management & Fire Protection Research Foundation (FPRF) Fire Protection Research Foundation (FPRF) has developed a computerized tool to provide data Crowd management can be critical in a fire emergency – or in almost any other emergency situation. The Fire Protection Research Foundation (FPRF) has undertaken a project to develop a computerized tool to provide data and situational awareness about crowds based on computer vision analysis of the video. Crowds have become an unusual occurrence during the COVID-19 pandemic, but sooner or later, life will be returning to normal. When it does, the safety consequences of poor crowd management will again become top-of-mind for many in the emergency response fields. Complexity Of GPS Coordinates A solution to address the complexity of GPS coordinates in an emergency situation, “what3words” is an easy way to identify precise locations using a unique combination of three words. The benefits of what3words for fire and emergency services agencies are already being realized. what3words addresses are shorter, easier to understand over the phone, and built-in error prevention technology allows emergency services to immediately verify the location and correct mistakes. Drones For Firefighting And Fire Prevention Drones, or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), are expanding their usefulness in the arenas of firefighting and fire prevention, whether in a downtown business district or in fire-prone wildlands. Among other benefits, drones can provide situational awareness, guide emergency response, and perform dangerous duties while keeping fire personnel safe. Drones provide a new solution for extinguishing fires in high-rise buildings, which can occur beyond the reach of fire nozzles and rescue ladders. Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning Students and faculty at Hongik University are developing AI and machine learning (ML) algorithms The fire service worldwide collects a lot of data, and a university in Seoul, South Korea, is researching how to crunch the numbers using artificial intelligence (AI) to predict the probability of fires more accurately and to direct fire departments’ assets where they will do the most good. Students and faculty at Hongik University are developing AI and machine learning (ML) algorithms into a model that can predict the probability of fires and enable authorities to take action to make the city safer. The project has used the Microsoft Azure Machine Learning Studio, a Web portal for data scientist developers. The researchers ran various ML modules until they were able to predict fires with 90% accuracy. Firefighters Health Wellness, mental toughness, and psychological self-care for firefighters are available in the palms of their hands; in a smart phone app. Fire and police agencies can provide their officers access to these and other self-help tools in an app that reflects each agency’s identity and design choices. Employees can be assured that the use of the app is totally confidential. Tracking Exposure Tracking firefighters’ exposure to smoke and cancer-causing materials is important when it comes to assessing liability claims, worker's compensation, and coverage for occupational health claims. Tracking and documenting exposure data for firefighters is easier than ever using the National Fire Operations Reporting System (NFORS) Exposure Tracker App, developed by the International Public Safety Data Institute (IPSDI) as part of the NFORS Analytics Data System.

Wildfires represent extreme instances of the deadly destructiveness of fire. There seem to be more wildfires every year, and there are certainly larger and more deadly wildfires all over the world than ever before. Wildfires dominate the public perception of the most extreme consequences of fire. This look back at 2020 will highlight some of the articles about wildfires published by TheBigRedGuide.com, with links to the full-length original articles. The wildfire season in 11 Western U.S. states started out slower than last year. In the first half of the season, wildfires in the Arctic reached new levels, especially in Alaska and Siberia. Larger fires burning Wildfires in the West killed 160 people and caused $40 billion in damage in the past two years, according to the National Centers for Environmental Information. The trend is toward larger fires burning more acres – especially in years that are warm. Early in 2020, Australia was the epicenter of a wildfire disaster. Persistent heat and drought exacerbated the wildfires, and there have been fires in every Australian state, although New South Wales has been hardest hit. Strong winds have spread smoke and fire rapidly and led to fatalities. Big cities like Melbourne and Sydney have been affected; large fires have damaged homes in the outer suburbs and smoke has destroyed air quality in urban areas. Whole towns have been engulfed in flames. Active wildfire season Another cause of recent wildfires was lightning with more than 10,000 lightning strikes sparking 376 fires In the context of wildfires, even seemingly minor events can have a very large impact. For example, an explosion of blue-colored smoke on Sept. 5, 2020, in Yucalpa, California, was the beginning of a large wildfire in El Dorado Ranch Park. The pyrotechnic device was essentially a smoke bomb designed to send plumes of pink or blue smoke rising into the air, designating the gender of an expected baby. Another cause of recent wildfires was lightning with more than 10,000 lightning strikes sparking 376 fires on Aug 16 and 17, 2020. The global pandemic presented complications for firefighters during what will the active wildfire season. Firefighting manpower could be diminished by the pandemic; training sessions have been canceled, postponed, or conducted remotely. And travel risks undermine the traditional approach of calling on firefighters from throughout the country or around the world to help fight the wildfires. Addressing forest management Social distancing is at odds with the teamwork and camaraderie that characterize firefighting units. Communal basecamps where everyone eats and sleeps together are unworkable during the pandemic. Instead, smaller camps are the rule, and packaged meals are delivered to each camp. Smaller teams reduce the need for widespread quarantine if someone tests positive for the novel coronavirus. Drones are a tool to address forest management and wildfire prevention. Drones are finding multiple uses when it comes to fighting and preventing wildfires. One application is to drop self-igniting ‘dragon eggs’ that spark smaller fires to trim back overgrown forests and help prevent more destructive megafires. The dragon egg system is made up of self-igniting plastic spheres – about the size of a ping-pong ball. Dragon eggs have been an industry standard for years, usually dropped from planes or helicopters. Burnable plant material Researchers are looking to apply new approaches in address the risk of wildfires The spheres are filled with potassium permanganate powder and injected with glycol as an igniter just as they are being dropped. The reaction sets the balls ablaze after about 30 seconds, which is enough time for them to bounce to the ground through a forest canopy. Researchers are looking to apply new approaches in address the risk of wildfires. They include tools such as deep learning and artificial intelligence (AI) to better understand wildfires and to control their intensity. The model could be used to reveal areas of greatest risk for wildfires. A new deep learning model uses remote sensing and satellite data to trace fuel moisture levels across 12 Western states, in effect tracking the amount of easily burnable plant material and how dry it is. Damaging impacts of wildfires Science shows clearly that the way to reduce the damaging impacts of wildfires and threats to life and property is to proactively manage ecosystems that evolved with fire. This means reintroducing fire in the right ways and places combined with mimicking the effects of fire on forest structure through mechanical treatments. “Rocky Mountain Research Station's Fire, Fuel, and Smoke Science Program (RMRS) focuses on the science of risk management from ways that they can treat fuels and mitigate risks to helping communities assess and mitigate risk and be more resilient,” says Thomas C. Dzomba, Deputy Program Manager and Director of the Fire Modeling Institute. Understanding the underlying causes of wildfires enables us to control them better over the long haul. Enhancing fire science With a primary goal of enhancing fire science, the lab also impacts operational fire response One element is climate change, which has created conditions prone to wildfires by increasing heat, changing rain and snow patterns, and shifting plant communities. But there are also other contributing factors in the growing scale and intensity of wildfires. One is the condition of the forests in Australia, California, and other areas where the incidence of wildfires has increased. In California, for example, it is well known that the forests are unhealthy and in need of more prescribed burns and other thinning efforts. On the front line of turning data into useful information to advance fire science is the WIFIRE Lab at the University of California San Diego. The WIFIRE lab grew out of a project funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF). With a primary goal of enhancing fire science, the lab also impacts operational fire response, increasingly in real time. Wildfire risk monitoring The tragic Camp Fire in November 2018, which burned for 17 days in Butte County, near the city of Paradise, Calif., has prompted research to improve risk management and monitoring of wildfires in the future. The vision of the research is ‘a computational platform for multi-level wildfire risk assessment.’ The researchers seek to redefine wildfire risk monitoring and management to provide a platform that can be used by wildfire managers, emergency responders and utility companies to plan for, respond to, and mitigate the risk of wildfires. In Australia, new resources are addressing the growth of wildfires. Preventing and controlling wildfires Andrew and Nicola Forrest have committed 50 million Australian dollars (US$35 million) to the Fire and Flood Resilience initiative through Minderoo Foundation, with a goal of raising an additional 450 million (US$320 million) in direct or in-kind support over the life of the program. The goal of the ambitious investment is to make Australia the pioneer in fire and flood resistance by the year 2025 The goal of the ambitious investment is to make Australia the pioneer in fire and flood resistance by the year 2025. It is an audacious vision that requires an innovative approach, and the organization takes inspiration from the U.S. Apollo mission of the 1960s. In effect, it will be a ‘moonshot’ to advance the cause of preventing and controlling wildfires. Specifically, the first mission, Fire Shield, seeks to ensure no dangerous bushfire in Australia will burn longer than an hour by 2025. Local fire departments The biggest risk of property damage and injury from wildfires comes at the wildland-urban interface (WUI), which is defined as areas where structures and the built environment begin to intermingle with wildland vegetation. More and more such areas are being created as humans move near wildland areas to take advantage of their natural beauty and privacy. The ‘Ready, Set, Go! (RSG!)’ Program works to increase engagement by local fire departments with residents that live in areas at risk of wildland fires. A program of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), ‘Ready, Set, Go!’ offers the tools and resources for fire departments to provide more understanding of the risk of wildland fires and the actions residents should take to reduce the risk.

An Advanced fire alarm control panel has been selected to protect Marsham House, a high-end apartment building in Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire. Installed to ensure the safety of the 50 luxury apartments at Marsham House is a four-loop MxPro 4 panel covering all public areas and the underground car park of the six-storey building. Hertfordshire-based Amida Fire – responsible for the installation, integration, programming, commissioning and handover of the fire system – specifically sought approval from the main contractor to use an Advanced solution. Addressable fire panel In designing the system, Amida Fire has focused on ensuring false alarms are minimized. The MxPro 4’s confirmation filter has been used in the basement areas of the building so that both heat and smoke need to be detected before an alarm is confirmed as genuine, thus avoiding unnecessary evacuation. In designing the system, Amida Fire has focused on ensuring false alarms are minimized Michael Draper, Director, at Amida Fire, said: “The specification we received for the fire system at Marsham House contained some very particular requirements. Advanced has been our go-to choice of addressable fire panel for over a decade because of its versatility in a wide range of applications. We were confident that once again Advanced would meet all the criteria and so specifically requested that it be installed.” Extract control system Helping to ensure residents’ safety, the MxPro 4, with built-in printer and zone indication, was integrated with the building’s AOV system, BMS, basement air intake and extract control system. It also works seamlessly with the building’s access control and lift systems and is linked to a central monitoring station. Amanda Hope, UK Business Development Manager, at Advanced, said: “The power and performance of our fire alarm control panels mean they easily and effectively integrate with a wide range of third party systems – from smoke control and ventilation to BMS and remote monitoring, among others.” Alarm management solutions Repeated false alarms cost money, cause panic and distress and lead to complacency" “Repeated false alarms cost money, cause panic and distress and lead to complacency. However, Amida Fire’s project at the high-spec Marsham House is a fantastic example of how Advanced’s built-in false alarm management solutions can be applied to simplify the complex process of designing effective false alarm management systems.” Advanced, owned by FTSE 100 company Halma PLC, protects a wide range of prestigious and high-profile sites across the globe – from London’s Shard and the Berkeley Hotel to Abu Dhabi International Airport and Las Vegas’ Golden Nugget Casino. Intelligent fire systems Halma is a global group of life-saving technology companies with a clear purpose to grow a safer, cleaner, healthier future for everyone, every day. Advanced is a pioneer in the development and manufacture of intelligent fire systems. Advanced’s reputation for performance, quality and ease of use see its products specified in locations around the world, from single-panel installations to large, multi-site networks. Advanced’s products include complete fire detection systems, multiprotocol fire panels, extinguishing control, fire paging and false alarm management systems.

The fire alarm control equipment from UK manufacturer, Advanced, has been installed at the core of a wireless fire detection system protecting Leuchie House in East Lothian on the Scottish Borders. As part of an upgrade to the existing radio fire system at the classical Georgian mansion house in North Berwick which operates as a respite center for people with multiple sclerosis, an Advanced 4-loop MxPro 5 fire panel has been installed alongside the latest EMS wireless FireCell equipment. Fire detection systems The MxPro 5 was selected to protect the five-storey, 18th century building and its residents, thanks to its compatibility with EMS FireCell XP detection – one of the most advanced cable-free fire detection systems available on the market. Responsible for the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of the fire system at Leuchie House is Galashiels-based Safe Services, who required a solution capable of delivering seamless protection whilst keeping disruption to the fabric of the building at a minimum. As a listed building, retaining a radio fire system was agreed to be the most suitable form of protection to safeguard the features of this period property. Installing cabling would have been intrusive to the décor and difficult and costly to achieve in the more inaccessible areas of the site. Multiprotocol fire system The MxPro 5 fire panel was the obvious choice for installation at the core of this wireless fire detection system Graeme Millar, Fire Systems Technical Engineer at Safe Services, said: “Having worked with Advanced products for many years, we were confident that we could rely on its solutions to perform as required. Now that Advanced supports EMS wireless FireCell detection, the MxPro 5 fire panel was the obvious choice for installation at the core of this wireless fire detection system, effortlessly ensuring protection across all five levels of the building.” The MxPro 5 is the unbeatable multiprotocol fire system. Approved to EN54-2, 4 and 13, it offers four protocols, Apollo, Argus, Hochiki and Nittan and a completely open installer network that benefits from free training and technical support. Panels can be used in single-loop, single-panel format or easily configured into high-speed networks of up to 200-panels covering huge areas. Protecting historic buildings MxPro 5 panels are backwards compatible with existing MxPro 4 networks and include a host of features including AlarmCalm for complete false alarm management and reduction. Neil Parkin, Sales Manager for the North, said: “Advanced offers a wide range of solutions to help our customers overcome the common problems encountered when protecting historic buildings.” The fire protection now in place at Leuchie House makes great use of the versatility Advanced offers" “The fire protection now in place at Leuchie House makes great use of the versatility Advanced offers – minimizing aesthetic impact, supporting a diverse range of detection options and supporting the fast and safe evacuation of buildings.” Advanced, owned by FTSE 100 company Halma PLC, protects a wide range of prestigious and high-profile sites across the globe – from London’s Shard to Abu Dhabi International Airport and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge. Intelligent fire systems Halma is a global group of life-saving technology companies with a clear purpose to grow a safer, cleaner, healthier future for everyone, every day. Advanced is a pioneer in the development and manufacture of intelligent fire systems. Advanced’s reputation for performance, quality and ease of use see its products specified in locations around the world, from single-panel installations to large, multi-site networks. Advanced’s products include complete fire detection systems, multiprotocol fire panels, extinguishing control, fire paging and false alarm management and reduction systems.

Ampac Queensland, the Queensland State branch of Ampac, has been successful in obtaining the order for the Grafton Prison for a total of 64 networked Firefinder Plus Panel, computer graphics, and 366 Wagner Aspirated Systems. This is the largest prison to be built in Australia. Ampac Queensland is proud to be working with their customer, Triple M and fire systems installer, Interfire Systems. Firefinder Plus Panels delivered It’s a slice of countryside nestled in the Clarence Valley, in the Australian state of New South Wales that will soon be home to 1,700 criminals. The newly renovated Grafton prison will have a ‘campus-style’ layout and tablet computers for inmates The newly developed Clarence Correctional Center, located 12km south of Grafton, in Australia, will be a state-of-the-art development and correctional facility for men and women that will also mark a significant shift away from the traditional prison model. With no bars on the windows, the newly renovated Grafton prison will have a ‘campus-style’ layout and tablet computers for inmates to use for financial and technical tasks, such as checking their finances and undertaking training programs. The Clarence Correctional Center The new Clarence Correctional Center at Grafton prison will house up to 1000 maximum-security male prisoners and 300 maximum-security female prisoners, alongside another 400 minimum-security male offenders. Along with rehabilitation, high-tech security and surveillance are also a focus of the US$ 700 million prison development budget plan. The correctional facility project is due to be completed by mid-2020. The prison is being developed by the New South Wales State Government, in partnership with a consortium that includes John Holland, Serco, John Laing, and Macquarie Capital.

State and local agencies in South Carolina used the Rhodium Incident Management Suite before, during and after Hurricane Florence made landfall in September 2018. The cloud-based incident management platform allowed agencies to manage response both locally and along the entire coast where hundreds of crews and resources were deployed. The benefits of Rhodium were first realized while the storm was still gathering strength offshore. Emergency management teams had already used Rhodium to create hurricane pre-plans, which were then adjusted within the software platform as the hurricane’s course shifted. Public safety agencies Rhodium was key to planning and managing our response to Hurricane Florence" Rhodium’s mapping interface was particularly useful in managing evacuations, and post-landfall, to route assets to areas where they were needed most. “Rhodium was key to planning and managing our response to Hurricane Florence,” said Captain Mark Arnold of the Mount Pleasant Police Department which utilized Rhodium’s enhanced ICS forms and mapping features extensively during the storm. Users also highlighted Rhodium’s ability to streamline daily planning and coordination. The platform allows a digital copy of daily plans to be sent to all responding agencies by email. Not only does this save money on printing but ensures that the plan being viewed reflects the latest operational information. Rhodium also assisted agencies in logging and sharing fuel availability at area gas stations throughout the storm. Rhodium continues to be utilized by public safety agencies in the southeastern United States in the ongoing recovery efforts from both Hurricane Florence and Hurricane Michael.

Alberta Fire and Security in collaboration with CNS Digital Media is honored and proud to announce a new commissioned CCTV System at Corinthia Royal, Budapest. The client, Corinthia Royal,Budapest, requested the design, installation and configuration of a holistic CCTV system by AVIGILON Trusted Security Solution. To come up with a proper compliant solution and a complete coverage, Alberta proposed the installation of a full Avigilon surveillance solution including over one-hundred Avigilon cameras with self-learning video analytics, 48TB Avigilon network video recorder, and Avigilon Control Center video management software with Avigilon Appearance Search technology. Surveillance camera system Appearance Search video analytics technology uses deep learning artificial intelligence search engine Subsequently, Corinthia Royal Budapest sought to replace their analog cameras by an end-to-end high definition surveillance camera system to maximize protection; to enable proactive event response and facilitate the recording; and to capture and sharing of clear footage. To address the above the Alberta proposed the installation and configuration of Avigilon Appearance Search technology system. Having this high tech surveillance system in place, enables the possibility to search for a person by incorporating unique characteristics of a face and appearance to find similar recorded footage of the same person or vehicle across multiple cameras installed on site, quickly and efficiently. In addition, Avigilon Appearance Search video analytics technology uses a sophisticated deep learning artificial intelligence search engine to sort through hours of footage with ease. Analyses video data Hence, saving the Hotel time and effort during critical investigations. This is possible because Avigilon Appearance Search technology intelligently analyses video data, helping to track a person’s or vehicle’s route and identify previous and last known locations. Alberta Fire and Security takes this opportunity to thank all the people involved and that made this project a success with special thanks to Mr Mate Feher, IT Manager, Corinthia Royal.

Everyone at Alberta is appreciative of the work being carried out by all Medical and Support Personnel at Mater Dei. They know that every single moment of their time is dedicated to saving lives and it is because of this that they should have the best tools to ensure a better use of their skills. Hikvison together with local authorized partners, Alberta have donated a Hikvision Temperature Screening Solution so that key workers can monitor the elevated skin-surface temperature of hospital visitors without the need for unnecessary physical contact.

When a fire or other emergency occurs in a building or facility, first responders depend on every available resource to ensure a safe and orderly evacuation and response. One element in any response plan is the facility’s physical security systems, including access control, video surveillance and intrusion detection. How can these systems contribute to an orderly response to a chaotic situation?  We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What is the role of security systems in the event of a fire or other emergency evacuation?