National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)'s Blog, page 280

New York Times story shoots down popular myth that sprinkler requirements negatively impact housing development

If there's one myth fire sprinkler advocates hear ad nauseum, it's the one about fire sprinkler ordinances driving up housing costs and forcing homeowners to seek cheaper alternatives in neighboring communities or states. A recent article in The New York Times notes this notion couldn't be further from the truth. California has been requiring sprinklers in new homes since 2011, and has not seen a negative impact on housing stock or affordability. In fact, as the story states, "there's a robust demand for housing." For a state that's expected to swell to 50 million people by 2050, protecting its growing...

New issue of NFPA Journal covers school lab safety, sprinklers in college housing, the evolution of fire museums, and more

An up-close look at the problem of school science lab demonstrations gone wrong headlines the September/October issue of NFPA Journal, available online now. The issue also includes summaries of the 2014 Catastrophic Multiple-Death Fires report and the 2014 Fire Loss report, as well as a variety of pieces on the theme of educational and cultural occupancies. Our cover story, “Hey Kids, Watch This,” takes a detailed look at the problem of students and teachers who are burned and injured during school science lab demonstrations—incidents that occur far more frequently than you think. The story’s author, Andrew Minister, is chair of...

Today in fire history: 25 die in food plant fire

On Tuesday, September 3, 1991, at approximately 8:15 a.m., a fire occurred at the Imperial Foods Processing Plant in Hamlet, North Carolina resulting in 25 fatalities and 54 injuries. The intense fire quickly spread products of combustion throughout the plant causing employees to search for available exits. Although many of the estimated 90 occupants escaped without incident, others found exterior doors unavailable and sought alternative means of escape. Not all of those who remained were able to be rescued, and many perished. The National Fire Protection Association is cooperating with the Hamlet Fire Department and the North Carolina Department of...

NFPA PubEd specialist discusses electrical safety in radio interview

NFPA public education Meredith Hawes spoke about electrical safety as part of her monthly guest spot on WTCM NewsTalk 580’s Safety Dance program. Hawes sat down with Christal Frost, host of the Traverse City, Mich. radio program, on July 24. According to Hawes, electrical fires account for 70,000 American fires each year, resulting in 485 deaths and $868 million in property loss on average. Aging homes with aging wiring are particularly at risk. As insulation in electrical outlets erodes around wiring, a definite fire hazard is created. Additionally, arcing with connections that are not tight accounts for about half of...

Today in fire history: high-rise hotel fire on the ninth-floor kills one employee

A fire in a ninth-floor room of this 11-story high-rise hotel on September 8, 1974 destroyed the room and eventually involved the nearby elevator lobby on that floor. A motel employee who attempted to extinguish the fire was killed. Of significance in this fire was the delayed alarm and the failure of certain fire protection devices. The equipment that did not perform properly were doors for the exit stairway, doors to guest rooms, standpipe system, and dampers in bathroom exhaust ducts. For more information on this hotel fire download this January 1975 Fire Journal article To read Fire Analysis and...

Free admission for first responders at LEGOLAND Florida in September

We're excited to announce, along with LEGOLAND Florida Resort, that active and retired first responders will enjoy free admission at LEGOLAND Florida Resort from September 1-28 when they show an id or membership card! In addition, fire, police and EMS families are able to purchase up to four passes at $40 each – more than a 50% discount off the park’s standard ticket pricing of $82 for children and $89 for adults. The special NFPA/LEGOLAND September first responder pricing (promo code 13000) is only available at the LEGOLAND Florida Resort gate. The September first responder incentive program is a precursor...

Firefighter: The fire service plays a crucial role in advocating for home fire sprinklers

Phil Tammaro was only two years old when he was significantly burned in a home fire. His painstaking recovery lasted 39 years, well into his fire service career. However, he refused to let his injuries define him or limit his abilities as a firefighter. Instead, Tammaro, a member of the Billerica Fire Department in Massachusetts, used his story to exact change. He learned that as a firefighter, his voice is a powerful tool in the push for home fire sprinklers across North America. "It's important that we advocate and increase awareness of fire sprinklers and the benefits of them, not...

7 tips to help keep your home from becoming fuel for a wildfire

In response to blazing wildfires in the West, NFPA has released seven tips for reducing the risk of losing your home to wildfire. The goal of the collection is to dispel the notion that there is nothing you can do to increase your home's chance of survival in the event of a wildfire. The tips are centered around defense against stray embers, which account for more than half of homes destroyed during wildfires. These strategies include moving flammable materials away from dangerous areas and sealing any entrance points to the home. For example, mulch and branches should be raked and...

Hurricane preparedness and safety information available as Tropical Storm Erika threatens Florida

The Governor of Florida declared a state of emergency ahead of Tropical Storm Erika's arrival later this weekend, when it is expected to reach hurricane status. While hurricane season has been fairly quiet to this point, Erika could bring some potential trouble to Florida and other states on the east coast. Because of this, we want to remind everyone that NFPA has hurricane preparedness information and safety basics on our website that will be useful before, during and after a hurricane. These tips include things like locating area shelters and the best way to travel to them beforehand, and creating...

Don’t be shy, promote your Fire Prevention Week efforts via news outreach and social media strategy

According to NFPA’s web analytics, Fire Prevention Week is a hot topic. Fire Prevention Week has been rising in popularity on the NFPA website for weeks, and currently sits solidly in the #1 spot in terms of searches. After nearly 93 years as a national public health campaign – Fire Prevention Week’s enduring messages still ring true so be sure to get the word out if your firehouse, school or community organization is gearing up for a fire safety activity, educational campaign or community open house. The success of Fire Prevention Week did not happen by accident. The powerful branding...