NFPA Journal - May/June 2013 - (Page 56)

AMERICA BURNING 1973–2013 org) initiated in 2006 by the Institution of Fire Engineers–U.S. Branch and funded by several AFG grants, brought together fire service and fire safety experts to identify fire prevention issues that had not yet been addressed. Among other things, the project has focused on creating advocacy tools to help local fire prevention programs obtain support for their efforts; creating a coalition of organizations to support a national public education/social marketing campaign for fire safety; and demonstrating effective community risk reduction programs. Adoption and enforcement of codes and standards While many recommendations were geared to the fire service, the commissioners also recognized the need for regulatory action and safer building design, with special attention paid to enforcing safety requirements for vulnerable populations. They encouraged the NBS to work with NFPA on a systems approach to building fire safety, and they urged the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to prioritize work with products that frequently cause burns and on combustion hazards associated with materials. Today, the CPSC has mandatory requirements on clothing and mattress flammability and voluntary requirements on upholstered furniture, which remains the leading item first ignited in home fires and a frequent secondary fuel. Efforts are currently underway to find the safest ways to reduce the risk from fire while also minimizing any health or environmental risks from exposure to the various fire retardants. Since 1994, the CPSC has required most lighters to be inoperable by young children. Legislation in all 50 states now requires cigarettes to have a lower likelihood of starting a fire. All local jurisdictions were encouraged to have and enforce an adequate building or fire prevention code that included requirements for residential smoke alarms. The USFA commissioned its first survey of home 56 NFPA JOURNAL MAY/JUNE 2013 fire alarm prevalence and found that in 1977 only 22 percent of U.S. homes had one or more fire or smoke alarm. As of 2010, 96 percent of households surveyed for NFPA reported at least one smoke alarm. Even so, many households do not yet have all the smoke alarms they need for full effectiveness and current code compliance, such as interconnected smoke alarms on every level and in every sleeping area. In an effort to get more enforcers on technical committees, NFPA is now reimbursing eligible enforcers for 80 percent of their customary travel expenses. The IAFF has been developing training materials to help firefighters participate in the codes and standards process. A number of National Fire Academy courses and trainings address materials covered in NFPA codes and standards. While much progress has been made, some federal agencies that reference consensus codes and standards have not kept current with the latest standards. Some states also skip code cycles, sometimes several cycles at a time. With the rapid changes taking place in fire and life safety, failing to keep regulations in line with current safety requirements can put the public at unnecessary risk. Educating the public Commissioners recommended an assortment of public education activities, including fire safety education in schools, home fire inspections, and exit drills in the home. The USFA would develop materials, assist with fire safety education, and conduct public service advertising. (Some of the outcomes can be seen at usfa.fema.gov/citizens/.) NFPA and USFA have partnered on a number of fire safety campaigns. NFPA 1452, Guide for Training Fire Service Personnel to Conduct Dwelling Fire Safety Surveys, was created for home fire inspections, and NFPA’s Public Education division has created a home fire inspection survey to support the guide. Operation EDITH (Exit Drills in the Home) is a part of every NFPA Fire Prevention Week campaign and is stressed throughout the year. NFPA has developed fire safety programs for children, families, older adults, immigrant communities, and many others. The commission also urged the USFA to support “improved automatic extinguishing systems that would find ready acceptance by Americans in all kinds of dwelling units.” The technology is here, and NFPA’s Home Fire Sprinkler Initiative is http://usfa.fema.gov/citizens/

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of NFPA Journal - May/June 2013

NFPA Journal - May/June 2013
Contents
First Word
In a Flash
Perspectives
Firewatch
Research
Heads Up
Structural Ops
In Compliance
Buzzwords
Outreach
Electrical Safety
Wildfire Watch
Treasurer's Report
Work in Progress
Amping It Up
Drill Team
Working Together
Code Process 2.0
Routine Maintenance
Here, There, Everywhere
Section Spotlight
Expo Preview: Exhibitors' Showcase
Looking Back

NFPA Journal - May/June 2013