National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)'s Blog, page 303

Download a free copy of the 2015 NFPA Standards Directory

The 2015 NFPA Standards Directory is now available for download. The Directory contains standards development information such as: An introduction to the NFPA standards development process the Regulations Governing the Development of NFPA Standards,Technical Meeting Convention Rules, and other procedures NFPA's members of the Board of Directors, Standards Council, and advisory committees Committee projects and scopes, revision cycle schedules for processing committee reports Download a free copy of the NFPA Standards Directory (PDF, 2.4 MB), your guide to NFPA’s standards development process.

Fire claiming seven children underscores necessity of sprinkler requirements in a state that hasn't updated its building code in nearly a decade

The headlines were horrific: "Brooklyn Fire Kills Seven Children, City's Worst Toll Since 2007" --The New York Times "Father Grieves for Seven Kids Killed in Brooklyn Fire" --New York Daily News "Seven Children Die in Fire as Mother Pleads For Help" --Associated Press The March tragedy is an alarming wake-up call about the gravity of home fires. Equally frustrating to members of the New York fire service is the fact that the state's building code hasn't been updated in more than nine years. Advocates have joined forces to urge the New York State Fire Prevention and Building Code Council to...

Remembering When's impact on older adults highlighted in Minneapolis Star Tribune

NFPA has been promoting fall and fire prevention for older adults through its Remembering When program since 1998. Over the past 17 years, we've trained approximately 300 local coalitions nationwide on how to implement the program locally. In turn, those coalitions have worked diligently to educate older adults in their communities about falls and fire prevention. An recent article in the Minneapolis Star Tribune, “Program dedicated to educating seniors reduces rate of falls and fires”, highlighted the efforts and impact of one such coalition in Blaine, Minnesota. Becky Booker of the Spring Lake Park-Blaine-Mounds Fire Department, and Brian McDonald, an...

In the April issue of NFPA News: proposed TIAs on NFPA 2 and NFPA 33 seeking comment, Standards Council April agenda available and more...

The April issue of NFPA News, our codes and standards newsletter, is now available. In this issue: Proposed TIAs seeking public comments on NFPA 2 and NFPA 33 Errata issued on NFPA 70E and 5000 Standards Council April 2015 Agenda News in brief Research and Analysis Reports Committees soliciting public input Committees seeking members Committee meetings calendar Subscribe today! NFPA News is a free newsletter, and includes special announcements, notification of public input and comment closing dates, requests for comments, notices on the availability of Standards Council minutes, and other important news about NFPA’s standards development process.

Please show your support of important sprinkler legislation in New Jersey

We are asking sprinkler advocates across North America to take action in support of a crucial piece of legislation. Both the New Jersey Assembly and Senate have passed the New Home Fire Safety Act, which would require the installation of fire sprinklers in newly constructed one- and two-family homes. The legislation awaits a signature from Governor Chris Christie. Safety advocates from the Garden State are asking sprinkler advocates from across the country to sign a petition showcasing national support for the bill. Please show your support by signing this petition. It's quick and easy! Why is this bill's passage so...

Comments sought on proposed Tentative Interim Amendment on NFPA 33, Standard for Spray Application Using Flammable or Combustible Materials

The following proposed Tentative Interim Amendment (TIA) for NFPA 33, Standard for Spray Application Using Flammable or Combustible Materials, is being published for public review and comment: NFPA 33, Proposed TIA No. 1179, Referencing C.2.1 of the proposed 2016 edition. Anyone may submit a comment on this proposed TIA by the May 15, 2015 closing date. Along with your comment, please identify the number of the TIA and forward to the Secretary, Standards Council by the closing date.

Vote for your favorite finalist in our National Anthem singing contest; winner will perform at NFPA Conference & Expo

Cast your vote! Choose your favorite rendition of the "The Star-Spangled Banner" to help us select this year’s National Anthem Singer at the 2015 NFPA Conference & Expo. Our contest began a few weeks back; since then we received many strong submissions and a panel of judges have narrowed it down to 4 amazing finalists. You may vote for your favorite finalist between now and April 20th through our contest webpage, or through NFPA’s Facebook page. The winner(s) will enjoy the privilege of leading us in the time-honored tradition during the Opening General Session of NFPA C&E in Chicago on...

Meet Paul Machado, a firefighter with a compelling story on the devastating effects of home fires

On a blistery cold morning in Fall River, Massachusetts, Firefighter Paul Machado and his crew were tasked with searching for a missing woman inside a two-and-a-half story home on fire. While inside the dwelling, their efforts were exacerbated by the fast-moving blaze, which knocked Machado to the ground. He attempted to seek safety by heading down to the first floor, but the fire was too intense. Since his radio had melted, calling in a "Mayday" was impossible. His only opportunity for escape was to fling himself from a window. He sustained numerous injuries and burns from the incident. He was...

Protecting the health of first responders is focus of new NFPA Journal column

Everyone knows that fighting a fire is an inherently dangerous job in the moment, but few think of the longterm health consequences for those in the fire profession. In her research column in the March/April issue of NFPA Journal, Kathleen Almand, the vice president of research at NFPA, writes about this silent killer and about the projects underway to better understand the risks. The Fire Protection Research Foundation has launched several projects in recent years, Almand writes. In 2007, the Foundation published “Respiratory Exposure Study for Fire Fighters,” focusing on developing best-practice guidance for determining when to use (and discontinue...

Casey C. Grant Appointed Executive Director, Fire Protection Research Foundation

Effective April 1st, 2015, Casey Grant will assume the leadership of the Fire Protection Research Foundation, NFPA’s research affiliate, as its executive director. The Foundation supports NFPA’s mission through research planning, management and technology transfer, with a strong focus on the needs of NFPA’s codes and standards. Casey holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Maryland and a Master of Science degree from Worcester Polytechnic Institute, both in Fire Protection Engineering. He is a Registered Professional Engineer in Fire Protection Engineering in the States of California and Tennessee. Casey is a Fellow of the Society of Fire...