Smart Home - News

Autocall Foundation Series Offers Compact, Streamlined Fire Detection Solution For Small Buildings

Johnson Controls, the globally renowned company for smart, healthy, and sustainable buildings, announced the launch of Autocall Foundation Series fire detection systems for small- to mid-size building protection. The Foundation Series is a complete, off-the-shelf fire detection solution featuring addressable and non-addressable models, and a full range of reliable, proven Autocall devices. economical and effective package “This new, simplified series provides all the benefits and reliab...

Application Period Announced For Anheuser-Busch Emergency Drinking Water For Wildland Firefighters Program

Anheuser-Busch, together with its wholesaler partners and the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC), will provide another one million cans of clean drinking water to volunteer fire departments that respond to wildfires. Through the Emergency Drinking Water for Wildland Firefighters program, 1.5 million cans were allocated to over 600 departments during a previous application period in March. This addition means over 1,000 departments will receive 2.5 million cans of water in 2023. Hydration i...

NVFC Discusses Firefighter Retention In IAFC Webinar

On Tuesday, July 11, 2023, the National Volunteer Fire Council’s (NVFC) Deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr. Candice McDonald, participated as a featured presenter at the International Association of Fire Chiefs’ (IAFC) webinar on ‘Igniting Firefighter Retention’. The webinar provided strategies and tips for volunteer fire departments to utilize to boost retention and create a dynamic team.

NVFC Offers New Course That Addresses Substance Abuse, PTSD, And Other Concerns In The Fire Service

Volunteer fire and EMS personnel regularly go from their normal daily routines to a response mode that can expose them to acute, and sometimes traumatic, stress. Unfortunately, this can sometimes lead to serious behavioral health issues, including PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and substance abuse. NVFC's new course examines PTSD The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) offers a new course that examines PTSD and the various types of substance abuse that is frequently seen in the fire...

FEMA Authorizes Federal Funds To Fight Golden Fire Burning In The State Of Oregon, USA

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Golden Fire burning in Klamath County, Oregon, USA. The state of Oregon’s request for a federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) was approved by FEMA Region 10 Administrator - Willie G. Nunn on Sunday, July 23, 2023, at 4:34 p.m. PT. He determined that the Golden Fire threatened to cause such destruction as would constitute a major disaster. This is the fir...

National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) Announces It Has Published Its New Member Strategy

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has published its new Member Strategy, setting out its ambitions to continuously improve, and to firmly establish NFCC and the UK Fire and Rescue Service as among the best in the world. The Strategy, which has been shaped by extensive engagement and consultation with NFCC members, demonstrates how NFCC will achieve its mission of working with fire and rescue services over the next three years, to achieve safer communities through collaboration, partnershi...

MSA Safety Welcomes Tour De France To Its Own ‘World Capital Of Fire Helmets’

Helmets are an important safety product used by people around the globe, ranging from the cyclists in the Tour de France to firefighters helping to keep their communities safe. In 2023, the Tour de France is making its first-ever stop in the 'World Capital of Fire Helmets', as MSA Safety’s own Chatillon-sur-Chalaronne, France, manufacturing facility welcomes the world’s best cyclists for Stage 13 of the race. MSA Gallet fire helmet Home to the iconic MSA Gallet fire helmet, Chatil...

NFCC And BRC Unveil Voluntary Guidelines For Retailers Launched To Help Reduce Disposable Barbecues (DBBQs) Wildfire Risk

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) and the British Retail Consortium (BRC) have launched voluntary guidelines for retailers on the sale of disposable barbecues (DBBQs). The guidelines provide retailers with principles to support wildfire risk reduction at both a local and national level. Voluntary guidelines for retailers The guidelines support responsible retailing and outline the steps that retailers can take The guidelines support responsible retailing and outline the steps that reta...

National Fire Chiefs Council Brings “Stop Battery Fires” Public Safety Film To Raise Awareness Of Fires Caused By Batteries In The Waste Stream

In response to increased reports of fires caused by batteries and electricals containing batteries in the waste and recycling system. Material Focus is strengthening its work to help address this issue. A new public safety film ‘Stop Battery Fires’ created in partnership with the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), has been launched and is available for local authorities to share. Material Focus is also calling on local authorities to participate in the 2023 ‘Stop Battery Fi...

NVFC Announces Fire Departments Can Boost Their Hazmat Preparedness With The CHEMTREC® HELP Award

The number of hazmat incidents occurring annually continues to increase based on 10-year incident summary data from the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration. This data underscores the need for firefighters to be trained and ready before an incident or emergency occurs. CHEMTREC® HELP Award Volunteer fire departments can now apply to receive US$ 10,000 in funds through the CHEMTREC® HELP Award to enhance their hazardous materials response capabilities and improve resp...

Inspiring Documentary Film, ‘Odd Hours, No Pay, Cool Hat’ Showcases Volunteer Firefighting Community To Audiences Nationwide

‘Odd Hours, No Pay, Cool Hat’ takes audiences behind the lines of America’s volunteer fire service with upcoming theatrical & TVOD/digital release this summer. Sub-Genre Media began the release of the engaging documentary – ‘Odd Hours, No Pay, Cool Hat’, a Vignette Production and Hold Fast Features Project from filmmaking, co-directing team - Gary Matoso & Cameron Zohoori, in theaters beginning on July 7, 2023, in New York and Los Angeles, as well as...

National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) Announces The Second Recipient For The 2023 MSA Cairns® XF1 Fire Helmet Giveaway

Congratulations to Gerard Thorry, the Treasurer at the Mountain Lake Fire Company in Belvidere, New Jersey, USA, for winning a personalized MSA Cairns® XF1 Fire Helmet! Gerard Thorry is the second recipient of the 2023 MSA Cairns® XF1 Fire Helmet Giveaway, a program in partnership with the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC). 2023 MSA Cairns® XF1 Fire Helmet Giveaway The Cairns® XF1 Fire Helmet reduces snag hazards, provides a personalized fit The giveaway provides an oppo...

Rosenbauer To Present At Retter Wels 2023 Trade Fair

The Rosenbauer Austria team looks forward to welcome everyone from September 21 to September 23, 2023 at Retter Wels 2023 fair, at the Retter Messe in Wels, Austria’s renowned trade fair for emergency response organizations. Rosenbauer At Retter Wels 2023 Get immersed in the Rosenbauer world and discover the news and innovations from the areas of personal protection equipment, technical equipment, extinguishing systems and Rosenbauer Digital Solutions at Retter Wels 2023 trade fair. The...

Coopers Fire Highlights Fire Safety For Remote Work, Ensuring Protection In The Virtual Workspace

As the world rapidly embraces remote work, the concept of traditional office space is gradually fading away. With the flexibility and convenience that remote work offers, employees can now work from the comfort of their homes or any location of their choice. However, in this transition to a virtual workspace, it is crucial not to overlook the importance of fire safety. Coopers Fire, a globally renowned company specializing in fire and smoke curtains, recognizes the need to raise awareness about...

False Fire Alarms Are Costing The UK Economy Almost £7 Million Every Year

Research has revealed that the cost of avoidable fire alarms, such as false alarms, is costing SMEs in the UK £696 million every single year. The figure comes from research conducted by Red Fox, a pioneering and independent expert in technology and B2B research, commissioned by Hochiki Europe to understand the impact of false fire alarms on UK businesses. Over 300 SME businesses were asked how much they estimate an evacuation caused by an alarm not caused by an actual fire, cost their org...

Teledyne Gas And Flame Detection Introduces SIL2-Certified GD1 Laser-Based Gas Detector

Teledyne Gas and Flame Detection are unveiling its GD1 laser-based gas detector with full SIL2 3rd party approval.  This ground-breaking development means that the GD1 SIL2 is the market's first open-path gas detector for hydrogen sulfide (H2S) safety-related applications. SIL certification The global importance of SIL (Safety Integrity Level) has grown substantially in the oil, gas, petrochemical, and other process industries over the past 10 years. It makes sense, therefore, that devi...

Briggs & Stratton Energy Solutions Completes Integration Of SimpliPhi Power

Briggs & Stratton Energy Solutions has completed its integration of industry-renowned SimpliPhi Power. Briggs & Stratton acquired the California-based energy storage systems manufacturer in late 2021 and has fully incorporated the company into its business, market strategy and brand. As a result of the acquisition, Briggs & Stratton Energy Solutions now markets a full line of standby generators along with scalable, intelligent energy storage products under the Briggs & Stratton&...

Holly Jolly July: Fire-Dex’s Christmas-Themed Gear Giveaway Returns

What comes once a year with presents for firefighters everywhere? “Christmas in July” from Fire-Dex, the fastest-growing manufacturer of PPE for first responders in the country, returns this month to award industry-pioneering products to lucky fire departments. Back for a second season, Christmas in July is a time for Fire-Dex to recognize first responders and thank them for their service by gifting the gear that keeps them protected on the front lines. This year...

Cambridgeshire And Peterborough Vision Zero Partnership Highlights Commercial Vehicle Use To Drive For Better Business

With around 300 road traffic collisions each year involving vehicles used for commercial purposes, the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Vision Zero Partnership is looking to educate businesses during National Commercial Vehicle Month. Throughout July, the partnership will be running a local campaign to highlight the importance of commercial vehicle road safety. Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Vision Zero Partnership The aim is to help educate local businesses on why road safety is important, b...

FEMA Authorizes Federal Funds Under The Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) To Fight McEwan Fire In The US State Of Washington

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the McEwan Fire burning in Mason County, in the US state of Washington. The state of Washington’s request for a federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) was approved by FEMA Region 10 Administrator - Willie G. Nunn on Tuesday, July 4, 2023, at 11:28 p.m. PT. He determined that the McEwan Prairie Fire threatened to cause such destruction as would constitute a major...

FEMA Authorizes The Use Of Federal Funds Via The Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) For The Diamond Fire In The US State Of Arizona

The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Regional Administrator has authorized the use of federal funds on June 27, 2023, to assist the US state of Arizona to combat the Diamond Fire burning in Maricopa County, in Arizona, USA. On June 27, the US state of Arizona submitted a request for a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG). At the time of the request, the fire threatened 100 homes in and around Scottsdale and required the mandatory evacuation of more than 1,100 people. T...

Scottish Fire & Rescue Service Introduces New 'Call Challenge' Policy To Combat False Alarms

From 1 July 2023, the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service is adopting a new ‘Call Challenge’ policy, whereby it will stop attending automatic fire alarm (AFA) call-outs to commercial premises, such as factories, offices, shops, and leisure facilities unless a fire has been confirmed. This policy step-change is to reduce unwanted false fire alarms. False fire alarm systems  Fire alarm systems provide an early warning of fire and are one of the most effective ways to keep peopl...

Rosenbauer Presents The RDS Connected Command App In A New Design

Rosenbauer has redesigned its app for operations management (RDS Connected Command) and equipped it with additional features. The newly developed skills management provides a quick overview of the qualifications of the available emergency crews. An improved chat function or schedule and event management help simplify communication and coordination. RDS Connected Command app redesigned Operational events are becoming increasingly digital, and with the RDS Connected Command app Operational eve...

350 Global Security And Fire Safety Suppliers Sign Up For Secutech Vietnam 2023 In Hanoi

Hanoi is poised to become the focal point of the security and fire safety business as Secutech Vietnam returns to the city for the first time in seven years, from 19 July to 21 July 2023. The sold-out fair will welcome 350 exhibitors from across the globe, including Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, China, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, India, Italy, Luxembourg, Malaysia, New Zealand, Poland, Sweden, Taiwan, the UAE, the UK, and the US, while Japan, Korea, Singapore, and Vietnam will be...

WAGNER Group GmbH Strengthens Business In The USA

WAGNER Group GmbH, one of the globally renowned solution and system providers for fire protection, is focusing on targeted internationalization. This is a central pillar of the current corporate strategy WAGNER.2026. In addition to the Asian region, the company is also focusing on the growth market of North America and is establishing new organizational structures here. New appointment The company has been able to recruit Dr. Kai Beckhaus as Managing Director for the US subsidiary - WAGNER Fi...

G4S And Briggs And Forrester Working In Partnership On Community Regeneration Projects

The G4S Fire and Security team is working in partnership with award-winning building services contractor, Briggs & Forrester, on three large, high-profile real estate projects across the United Kingdom (UK). The Cocoa Works in York, 135 Park Street in London, and Phoenix in Leeds will provide a mix of residential, office, and retail space, and are being undertaken with sustainability and urban regeneration at the core. G4S - the primary system provider Operating in full support of these o...

CFRS Announces Conclusion Of Fire Investigation With The Most Probable Cause Of Fire Identified

The investigation into the cause of Friday’s fatal flat fire in Kings Hedges, Cambridge, has now concluded. It is believed that the fire started accidentally and the most probable cause was an e-bike. Area Commander Stuart Smith, from Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: "Fire service and specialist fire investigators, together with police forensic teams and a fire dog, have spent the weekend carrying out a thorough investigation of the maisonette. A fire investigation looks for...

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Authorizes Federal Funds To Fight Tunnel Five Fire In The US State Of Washington

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Tunnel Five Fire burning in the state of Washington, USA. The state of Washington’s request for a federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) was approved by FEMA Region 10 Administrator Willie G. Nunn on Sunday, July 2, 2023, at 10:01 p.m. PT.  He determined that the Tunnel Five Fire threatened to cause such destruction as would constitute a major disaster....

Hochiki Europe Announces The Promotion Of Shinsuke Kubo To The Role Of Managing Director (MD) At The Company

Mr. Shinsuke Kubo, Hochiki Europe’s Commercial Director steps into the role of Managing Director (MD) from 3rd July, 2023, with Graham Lowe, the outgoing Managing Director, remaining in the business part time to support Mr. Kubo during his first year in the role. Shinsuke Kubo has been part of the Hochiki global operation for close to three decades, moving from Japan to the US and Middle East, before joining the UK team a year ago. Extensive industry experience Shinsuke Kubo will call u...

CSB Releases Final Report On 2020 Fatal Propylene Release And Explosion At Watson Grinding

The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) released its final investigation report on the 2020 propylene release and explosion at the Watson Grinding facility in Houston, Texas, that fatally injured two workers and a nearby resident and damaged hundreds of neighboring homes. The CSB’s final report highlights two key safety issues: the lack of a comprehensive process safety management program at the Watson Grinding facility to manage the risks of its thermal spray c...

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