National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)'s Blog, page 50

Recent Incidents at Latin American Hospitals Demonstrate the Need for Risk Reduction and Response Planning

For about a year now, much of the world has been focused on fighting the Coronavirus. The pandemic has certainly challenged healthcare providers and hospitals; our gratitude for all their efforts since COVID-19 began spreading throughout the globe cannot be overstated.
The coronavirus has affected the healthcare industry in a way that modern society has not seen before, but it’s important to note...



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Enforcement Changes to Spare Sprinkler Requirements

One of the most cited deficiencies in sprinkler system inspections relate to the requirement to have an appropriate stock of spare sprinklers available. When a sprinkler operates or is damaged it must be replaced in order to place the sprinkler system back into fully functional service. If a sprinkler is not able to be replaced in a timely manner it can result in prolonged impairments where the...



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Post new year fires show that we still have much work to do in 2021 and beyond to reduce home fire deaths

This article initially appeared in the January issue of the NFPA Network newsletter.
After a nice holiday break, I returned to work on January 4th and was immediately struck by stories from around the globe about home fires and civilian loss of life. The news feed that day and since has led me to wonder if, after years of having nearly 3,000 home fire deaths, if 2021 will be the year that we all...



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Massive fire at apartment complex under construction in southwest Las Vegas reinforces critical importance of NFPA 241

Caption: Smoldering damage left on Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2021, after a fire tore through an apartment complex under construction in southwest Las Vegas. (Photo: Clark County Fire Department)

A massive structure fire occurred at an apartment complex under construction in the southwest Las Vegas valley last week, resulting in an estimated $25 to $30 million in property damage.
According to local news...



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NFPA LiNK digital reference tool gets new addition with NFPA 99, Health Care Facilities Code

The new information delivery platform from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), NFPA LiNK™, has been updated to include the 2021 edition of NFPA 99, Health Care Facilities Code.
The platform, which launched in the fall of 2020, will include all NFPA codes and standards, supplementary content, and visual aids for building, electrical, and life safety professionals and practitioners....



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Low Frequency Fire and Smoke Alarms

The optimal sound and sound level for fire and smoke alarms has long been debated. The hope is that the right sound will be recognizable by building occupants and evoke the immediate desired response of evacuation. Beginning July 1, 1996, NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code required that the building evacuation signal be the temporal-three sound. Typically, the temporal-three sound is...



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How vulnerable are our fire protection systems to cyber-attacks? Let’s talk about it!

We live in a digital and interconnected world. There are endless devices and systems that connect to the internet – from an Instant Pot in your home to sprinkler and fire alarm systems, elevators, automatic lock doors, HVAC systems and countless others. Internet connected systems are vulnerable to a wide range of physical and cyber threats. Cyber actors are constantly looking for vulnerabilities...



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NFPA Faces of Fire electrical video campaign series highlights surgeon dedicated to the healing of patients suffering from burn injuries

In the final official video interview of the six-part Faces of Fire/Electrical campaign series, NFPA and the Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors introduce Dr. Victor Joe, MD, FACS, FCCP, a clinical professor of surgery and medical director at UCI Health Regional Burn Center in California. As medical director, Dr. Joe is dedicated to the complete physical and emotional healing of patients suffering...



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NFPA releases energy storage system fact sheet as Biden Administration set to lead a clean energy revolution

NFPA has released a new energy storage systems (ESS) safety fact sheet as President-elect Joe Biden, a strong clean energy proponent, is set to take office on Monday. The 46th president and his Administration are expected to spearhead a Clean Energy Revolution via a 9-step plan their campaign laid out. That strategy states, in part, that, “On the first day of Biden’s Administration, according to...



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REMINDER: Nominations for 2021 James M. Shannon Advocacy Medal Open until January 29

NFPA will be accepting nominations for the 2021 James M. Shannon Advocacy Medal until January 29, 2021. This prestigious award recognizes fire and life safety advocates who have dedicated themselves to reducing loss from fire, electrical, and other hazards by honoring those who have promoted cost-effective efforts while working to further NFPA’s mission. It is named after former NFPA President...



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