National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)'s Blog, page 246

Join us on an upcoming Twitter chat: Debunking the Myths of Preparedness

Have you ever heard a preparedness myth like, “In an emergency, only first responders need to know what to do” or during an earthquake, “Stand in the doorway to protect yourself”? America’s PrepareAthon! will host a Twitter chat, using its Twitter handle – @PrepareAthon, on Wednesday, March 30 at 2:00 p.m. EDT. Emergency professionals across the country, including NFPA and Firewise, will discuss common preparedness myths and provide facts on preparing for and staying safe during emergencies. To follow the Twitter chat use #SafetyFacts.

Fire sprinkler victory in Maryland, and other news highlighted in latest edition of NFPA's Fire Sprinkler Initiative newsletter

In the latest edition of the Fire Sprinkler Initiative newsletter, read how safety advocates in Maryland defeated a bill that would have weakened the state sprinkler requirement. You’ll also read about: an Arizona town that has sprinklered more than half of its homes why we need to be asking the presidential candidates their stance on fire safety a new report that cites a lack of sprinklers in a high-profile fire that killed two firefighters Don't miss an issue--subscribe to this free newsletter today! Since its a monthly publication, we promise it won't clutter your inbox.

Sparky checks off bucket list item #3: spends the night at the historic Mount Washington Hotel

Sparky was lucky enough to spend his birthday, March 18, in New Hampshire’s famous Mount Washington Hotel. This beautiful hotel first opened in 1902 and was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1986. Behind the hotel you can see Mount Washington, New England’s tallest mountain! Sparky turned 65 on March 18, 2016, and we have been pulling out all the stops to help him celebrate! He’s created a bucket list of 65 activities and events he’d like to accomplish from now through October. As he checks them off his list, we’ll make sure to share them with you. Some of...

NFPA partners with the IAFC, VCOS and Kidde Fire Safety on March 29 volunteer recruitment and community engagement webinar in support of Step Up and Stand Out program

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), Volunteer & Combined Officers Section (VCOS) and Kidde Fire Safety will host a volunteer recruitment and community engagement webinar on Tuesday, March 29 at 2:00pm (EST). The online seminar was organized so that fire departments can learn the best strategies to engage their community by conducting fire safety events and promote the Step Up and Stand Out program, a national campaign to recognize volunteer firefighters and promote community involvement in fire safety. The one hour webinar will help local fire departments: build awareness of the Step Up...

Dreams and nightmares: Station Nightclub survivor recalls days following historic fire

If you haven't read the first installment of Rob Feeney's experience during The Station Nightclub fire in 2003, please do. It's a well-written, albeit horrific, account of the night that turned Feeney into an advocate for fire sprinklers. In this latest installment, Feeney recalls what he experienced--or thought he experienced--immediately afterwards as the truth about his fiancé, also at The Station the night of the fire, unfolds: I don’t remember if I lost consciousness on the way to the hospital or if I was given something to knock me out. I do know I was intubated and placed in a...

Iowa dorm fire reminds us about the importance of fire safety education and awareness

photo courtesy of WhoTV A massive fire that consumed a dorm building at Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa last week reminds us of the importance of practicing fire safety in dorms and other college housing. All 41 of the building occupants managed to escape uninjured, but the early-morning fire, which officials say was likely caused by a lightning strike, forced the university to hastily relocate the students to temporary housing. Fire safety can be the last thing on a college student’s mind. But according to National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) statistics, fires in dormitories, fraternities, sororities and student barracks increased...

In the March issue of Safety Source: Sparky's 65th birthday, hoarding fire safety tip sheet, sky lantern dangers & more

The March issue of Safety Source, NFPA's public education enewsletter, is now available for viewing. In this issue, you will find; Sparky’s 65th Birthday! Hoarding and Fire: Reducing the Risk safety tip sheet A Compelling Case for Home Fire Sprinklers mini lesson The dangers of sky lanterns And more! Don't miss an issue! Sign up now and be the first to get the latest information on happenings in the public education division, activities, fire statistics, trends, educational tips, Sparky the Fire Dog and more.

Today in fire history: a fire of incendiary origin kills 20 in hotel fire

One of the stairways in the Ozark Hotel. Seattle Times A fire of incendiary origin occurred at the Ozark Hotel in Seattle, Washington, on March 20, 1970 and claimed the lives of 20 occupants. Fire investigators determined that a flammable liquid had been poured and ignited on the first-floor level of two open stairways. The fire quickly spread throughout the building rendering the stairways and corridors useless. As a result, 20 occupants perished, either from smoke inhalation or from injuries suffered when jumped from the upper stories. NFPA members can download the Fire Journal article January 1971 Fire Journal article...

Historic Fire: Tragic gas explosion in a school kills 294 students and teachers

On March 18, 1937, the London, Texas Consolidated High School suffered a tragedy due to an explosion that killed 294 students and teachers. H. Oram Smith of the Texas Inspection Bureau was involved in the investigation and his account of the disaster was published in the NFPA Quarterly. He described that the "blast occurred with the suddenness characteristic of such explosions although with some unusual features. Every witness agreed that there was but one explosion and that it was a low rumbling noise, with none of the blast or roar that might be expected." He went on to explain that...

In the March issue of Fire Break: look back at the success of Firewise in 2015, new wildfire track at NFPA Conference & Expo, and more

The March issue of Fire Break, NFPA’s Wildland Fire Operations Division newsletter, is now available for viewing. Here’s what you’ll find in this month’s issue: A link to the latest Wildfire Watch column that highlights climate change and its effect on wildfire and homes in the WUI A look back at the successes of the Firewise program in 2015 Information about the newest wildfire track at this year’s Conference & Expo A recap of our visit to South Africa … ...and much more. We want to continue to share all of this great information with you, so don’t miss an...