National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)'s Blog, page 30

Choose the Gift of Electrical Safety This Holiday Season

“It's the most wonderful time, of the yearrrr…” Although I know I can’t carry a tune like Andy Williams, singing along to Christmas carols around the home, or in my car, brings me a lot of joy and helps to bring the Christmas spirit to life for me. Giving is in abundance this time of year, not only through physical presents, but also through helping others in need. My favorite gift to give this...



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The biggest problem with fire sprinklers? Not enough places have them.

The recently published 2021 edition of NFPA US Experience with Sprinklers report shows, that properties with sprinklers have lower rates of fire deaths and injuries. In most occupancies, property loss is also reduced.
From 2015 to 2019, local fire departments responded to an estimated average of 51,000 structure fires per year (10 percent) in which sprinklers were present. Sprinklers are in all...



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Standpipe System Design and Calculations

Standpipe systems consist of piping and hose connections installed throughout a building to provide reliable water for the manual suppression of a fire by either the fire department or trained personnel. NFPA 14, Standard for the Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems, Chapter 6, outlines design and installation requirements for standpipe and hose systems. Standpipe systems can be broken down...



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Fire on the Ranch

Back in August I was spending some time on the Fires in Animal Housing Facilities project and wanted to interview some farmers and ranchers to make them aware of the survey that was being conducted and ask them some follow up questions. While interviewing Clint McRae, a 4th generation cattle rancher in Montana, he shared his experience and knowledge in fighting wildfires to protect his ranch. And...



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Fire Protection Research Foundation receives grants to study PPE cleaning, responder training, WUI evacuation, and household alarms challenges

The Fire Protection Research Foundation (FPRF), the research affiliate of NFPA, released details on their newest direct grant efforts and advisory projects – thanks to funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency Assistance to Firefighters Grants (FEMA AFG), National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and National Science Foundation (NSF). The new projects on the Foundation’s...



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Unique Fire Protection Challenges Found in Warehouse/Distribution Centers

NFPA research shows that warehouse fires happen at a frequent rate with an average of 1,410 warehouse fires, two deaths, 20 injuries, and an estimated $159.4 million in direct property damage annually. To avoid becoming part of these statistics it is essential that a fire protection system is correctly designed, installed, inspected, maintained, and tested.
Warehouse environments require...



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Christmas Tree Fire Safety Requirements

With the holiday season fast approaching, the presence of combustible decorations festive lights, and Christmas trees has also arrived.  The presence of additional furnishings and contents, especially dry and unmaintained Christmas trees and other vegetation can contribute significantly to the fuel load of a space and how quickly a fire can develop and spread.  
During this time, those...



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8 Electrical Apprenticeship Tips for Success Highlighted During National Apprenticeship Week

Throughout my career, hindsight has always proven to be 20/20. It is easy to look back and see what could have been done differently that likely would have resulted in a better outcome. But I have also learned that failure is important. Getting knocked down allows you to prove to yourself that you can get back up, even when it seems impossible. Failure provides you an opportunity to learn from...



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Home structure fires and even home fire deaths are all too common in the news

Stories of home structure fires and even home fire deaths are all too common in the news. During 2015 to 2019, US fire departments responded to an estimated average of 346,800 home structure fires per year. These fires caused an annual average of 2,620 civilian deaths; 11,070 civilian fire injuries; and $7.3 billion in direct property damage. Roughly three-quarters of civilian fire deaths and...



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Houston Concert Tragedy Casts Crowd Management into the Spotlight

Over the weekend, tragedy unfolded at NRG Park in Houston, Texas when eight young concert goers, between the ages of 14 and 27, were killed when reported crowd surges occurred during the Astroworld festival which attracted an estimated 50,000 attendees.
In addition to the loss of young lives, more than 300 attendees sought assistance at an onsite medical tent. News reports indicate that 25 were...



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