National Fire Protection Association Blog

NFPA Journal unveils its subjective list of top education sessions taking place at NFPA's Conference and Expo

Fred Durso, Jr. — Wed, 22 May 2013 07:45:08 PDT

The team at NFPA Journal recently combed through the list of more than 150 education sessions occurring at NFPA's Conference & Expo in Chicago. Wittling down a selection this sizable is never an easy task, especially since the topics seem to be as intriguing as in years past. Always up to the challenge, we've compiled our favorites into a Journal feature. Curious about an NFPA guide getting play in courtrooms across the U.S.? Want the latest information on the intended adoption of NFPA 101®, Life Safety Code®, by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services? Interested in discovering how NFPA...

Work in Progress: America Burning at 40 - Fire prevention and protection

Marty Ahrens — Tue, 21 May 2013 08:58:55 PDT

This is the fourth in a series of posts about the 40th anniversary of America Burning and the related article, “Work in Progress” in this month’s NFPA Journal. The report stresses prevention, with a call for more fire department emphasis on fire prevention, fire safety education, and inspections. They also called for built-in fire safety measures which can detect and suppress a fire before it grows large enough to cause a major disaster.” In 1977, only 22% of US homes had at least one smoke alarm. That’s up to 96% today. NFPA coordinates the Fire Sprinkler Initiative to increase the...

NFPA Journal explains the new standards-development process

Kathie Robinson — Tue, 21 May 2013 07:26:52 PDT

Rest in peace, ROPs and ROCs. Your day is over.In fact, NFPA’s entire standards-development process has been re-engineered to not only take advantage of online technology, but also to make it easier for the public to participate in the process. It will make life a little easier for those who use the codes and standards in their daily activities, too. And to safeguard the integrity of the documents while allowing the easiest possible access, NFPA is addressing important intellectual property and copyright issues related to its codes and standards, as well. For more information on these changes, read my article...

NFPA members: Join our live NFPA Insider discussion on Thursday, May 23

Lauren Backstrom — Tue, 21 May 2013 07:00:00 PDT

NFPA members only! Register today for the next NFPA Insider presentation being held on May 23 at 2pm (EST). NFPA President Jim Shannon will give his first word as always. In this episode's 'Up to Code' segment, Carolyn Cronin from NFPA Codes and Standards Administration discusses the latest codes and standards information and activities. In the NFPA Journal Live piece, NFPA Principal Fire Protection Engineer Matt Klaus discusses key changes to the 2014 edition of NFPA 25. And, lots more! Here's a preview: NFPA INSIDER is a live, bi-monthly online session that features expanded news and content from the latest...

It's Trivia Tuesday on Sparky the Fire Dog's Facebook Page

Lauren Backstrom — Tue, 21 May 2013 06:20:00 PDT

Each week, we have fun with fire safety trivia on Sparky the Fire Dog's Facebook page. We ask a trivia question early in the morning, take guesses all day long, and then post the correct answer by the end of the day - every Tuesday. Here's how you can participate! Head over to Sparky's Facebook page and leave your guess to the following trivia question. Then be sure to check back later today to find out if you were right! (Hint: all of the correct answers can be found on our website as well!) Have fun and good luck!

NFPA, IAFC and NVFC offer sweepstakes quiz for firefighters in honor of Safety and Health Week

Lauren Backstrom — Mon, 20 May 2013 10:52:11 PDT

We are happy to announce that we are sponsoring the “Fire Service Safety & Health Quiz” Sweepstakes in conjunction with International Fire/EMS Safety and Health Week (which will be June 16-22, 2013). The theme of the week, and of the contest, will be “Saving Our Own… An Inside Job.” The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) and the National Volunteer Fire Council (NFVC) are co-sponsoring this sweepstakes with NFPA. Career firefighters, volunteer firefighters and other fire department employees and fire service members are invited to take the online, interactive quiz, featuring 15 questions related to firefighter health and safety. “Raising...

NFPA Journal: The 2014 edition of NFPA 25 features an assortment of major changes

Fred Durso, Jr. — Mon, 20 May 2013 10:17:49 PDT

Water-based fire protection systems may have an excellent performance record, but regular wear and tear can decrease the reliability of these systems. Provisions addressing this concern are found within NFPA 25, Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance (ITM) of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems. The 2014 edition of the standard effectively expands on these ITM measures, says Matt Klaus, NFPA's senior fire protection engineer, in the latest issue of NFPA Journal. For instance, the new edition includes ITM provisions for pump-related inspections; fuel supply testing for diesel-driven fire pumps; and an expansion of the standard's scope to include water-mist systems. For Klaus' overview...

Work in Progress: America Burning at 40 - Federal assistance to local fire departments

Marty Ahrens — Fri, 17 May 2013 08:21:46 PDT

This is the third in a series of posts about the 40thanniversary of America Burning and the related article, "Work in Progress" in this month's NFPA Journal." While the National Commission on Fire Prevention Control was quite clear that fire prevention and suppression were primarily local responsibilities, they wanted the federal government to play a supportive role with technical and educational assistance, research and data systems, and “providing financial assistance when adequate fire protection lies beyond a community’s means. In recent years, Assistance to Firefighter Grants (AFGs) provided local fire departments with funds for training, apparatus, equipment, firefighter health and...

Journey with Flat Sparky

Jennifer Smith — Fri, 17 May 2013 06:46:47 PDT

Everyone once in a while, most of us roam beyond the confines of our homes and offices and out into the world. NFPA's mascot, Sparky the Fire Dog is asking you to bring him along with Flat Sparky. These paper cutouts can be colored in, photographed and posted at Sparky's Facebook or Twitter (@Sparky_Fire_Dog), or by tagging NFPA on Pinterest. Bring Sparky with you to show off your favorite restaurants, parks, bookstores, modern art installations or just a great view. Download, cut out, color in, and wander freely with Sparky by clicking here. Happy travels!

NFPA looks to hire a Compensation/HR Analyst in Quincy, MA

Lauren Backstrom — Fri, 17 May 2013 07:49:31 PDT

Do you want to make a difference? We have an ideal opportunity for a Compensation/HR Analyst to work out of our Quincy, MA headquarters. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in data analysis, reporting, development of plans and programs that link to business objectives and be able to drive performance and results. He or she must be accurate, organized, and detail oriented, with the ability to function in a fast paced environment. Principal responsibilities and requirements for this position can be found on our Careers webpage. If you think you are a fit, please apply today! For a...