December, 2012 Volume 5, Issue 3
	Allan B. Fraser, Coordinator NFPA e-ACCESS afraser@nfpa.org The content of articles contained in e-ACCESS solely reflect the personal opinions of the authors or contributors and do not necessarily represent the official position of NFPA         Circulation: Over 56,100   Do you have a story to tell or information to share? We’d love to hear it! Contribute to a future issue of e-ACCESS by sending it to afraser@nfpa.org
	Inside this Issue
	2	“Sticks and Stones May Break My Bones but Words Will Never Hurt Me"
	6	Accessible Mass Notification Systems (MNS)
	9	Tribute to an Advocate For Inclusive Emergency Management and People with Disabilities
	12	RESNA’s New Ground-breaking Standard
	14	Task Force Strategizes on Fire Safety for People with Disabilities
	15	28th CSUN Conference on Technology & People with Disabilities
	20	“The Collection”
		Fire and Disability – A Cause for Alarm

"Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me"

By Allan B. Fraser, CBI, CPCA, Sr. Building Code Specialist, NFPA

 

                   This children's taunt was first listed in Folk Phrases of Four Counties by G.F. Northall, published in 1894, and is first seen in the United States in Miss Lindsey by S.G. Gibbons, published in 1936,  according to Random House Dictionary of Popular Proverbs and Sayings by Gregory Y. Titelman published in 1996 by (Random House, New York.

 

 

          I think most people have heard this quote and even used it to try to help their young children learn not to retaliate and to get past unkind remarks from their peers. I know I have. But I have since come to see that I was really not helping. I was actually sending the wrong message. I was teaching them that “bad” words don’t matter, that they should be ignored when in fact I should have responded differently.

          Rudyard Kipling said “Words are, of course, the most powerful drug used by mankind.”  Words are the vehicle by which we communicate ideas, feelings, needs and all manner of information. We use them to tell stories and paint pictures in the listener or readers mind. Authors are credited with having certain styles, light, dark, tough, positive, negative, based upon the words they use and how they put them together.

          Writers choose their words very carefully to get their message across, but that may or may not be the case in our daily speech.  Some words, such as “stupid”, “lazy” or “ugly” are directly hurtful in most contexts. 

          One such word is “disabled.” What do you think of when it’s used to describe a car?   What do you think of when it’s used to describe a bomb?   What do you think of when it’s used to describe your internet connection?   What do you imagine when this term is used to describe a person?

          I’ll be the first to admit that it had very negative connotations for me as a kid. It gave me the impression that the “poor” disabled person was somehow broken.  It wasn’t until I entered junior high school that I found out that I needed to change my thinking.

          That was when I became friends with Mike, a classmate who used a wheelchair for mobility as he had had polio as a very young boy.  Mike wasn’t “disabled,” he had a disability. There is a world of difference.

          The two of us played basketball in the gym during some study periods. He had a good set shot and a “killer” hook shot. He almost always beat me playing horse. Mike clearly wasn’t “broken.”  He just needed help to get from one place to another.  I needed serious help with my shot.  

          What’s this got to do with fire and life safety, you ask? A lot, I think.  Our personal frames of reference influence how we see the world.

          When we design buildings, we usually think about how it works for us.

          I don’t believe for one second that designers intentionally design inaccessible buildings and systems. Architects, engineers, code officials and all of us need to think about everyone when it comes to fire and life safety and how we design buildings. How do we change this? A big step would be educating everyone to use “People First Language”. Start with ourselves, then our families and then our friends, co-workers and anyone else with whom we interact.

Reprinted with permission of Michael F. Giangreco

          “People First Language” first appeared in 1988 when it was recommended by advocacy groups in the United Sates. Kathie Snow is one of the leading proponents of its use and I’ve found that her writing has even further positively affected my mindset. The concept is so simple and so brilliantly expressed that anyone will not only be able to understand it and change their own thinking, but will be able to explain it to others.

          Once you’ve read her one page chart, you will be convinced to help change the national mindset.  The Chinese philosopher, Lao Tze said that “the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” I’ve taken my first step toward changing the national mindset which will ultimately improve fire and life safety for everyone. Now it’s your turn.  Click here to see the chart. 

 

 

 

 

 

2012 NFPA® Webinars

 

Get more top-notch instruction for less with NFPA®’s Webinars.

 

Accessible Mass Notification Systems (MNS)

By Wayne D. Moore, P. E.

 

 

          How does one define the term “Mass Notification”? The answer from the U. S. Department of Defense (DoD) states: “Mass Notification provides real-time information and instructions to people in a building, area, site, or installation using intelligible voice communications along with visible signals, text, and graphics, …”  And, NFPA 72-2013, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code®, has a similarly worded definition with the words “tactile or other communication methods” added at the end of the definition. In the case of either definition, it seems obvious that both documents intend to notify all individuals, including those with hearing loss.

          So when should someone install a Mass Notification System (MNS)? Typically, an owner will perform a risk analysis to determine what risks their emergency response plan need to address. Such, emergency planning requires a detailed risk analysis, vulnerability analysis, and, if applicable, a failure analysis. A risk analysis will review such items as:

·        Risk to the Asset

·        Probability and Frequency of Loss

·        Loss Effect on the occupants and the building

·        Risk Mitigation

·        Dissemination of Information (MNS Comes In Here)

·        Personnel

·        Back Up Systems

·        Back Up (Fallback) Procedures

·        Actions taken before, during, and after an incident

Some of the obvious threats include:

·        CBRNE / Industrial Accidents (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosive)

·        Industrial Release, Lab Explosion, Train Derailment;

·        Severe Weather such as hurricane, tornado, lightning, hail, or flash floods;

·        Homeland Security threats such as CBRNE (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosive) or Anthrax or Sarin gas release

 

          NFPA 72-2013 includes application and installation requirements for both MNS and in-building Fire Emergency Voice/Alarm Communications Systems (EVACS). Generally, such systems most commonly use two layers of communication from the four described in NFPA 72-2013. The first layer of MNS operates independently of the communications devices carried by an individual or activities an individual may perform. This layer serves as the primary means to inform the population. The second most used layer is described in the Code as Layer 3 and this layer notifies personnel through individual measures (distributed recipient MNS) such as smart phones.

 

          Other layers of MNS require that an individual perform a specific action, such as sitting in front of a computer monitor. Typically these solutions provide an extra layer of notification that acts as a safety net.

 

          In an effort to ensure accommodation for the hearing impaired, the NFPA 72 Technical Committees have addressed the use of clearly visible public notification appliances, such as strobes, that have the word “ALERT” stamped or imprinted on the appliance. When a system uses the same strobe for both mass notification and fire notification the visible notification appliances must comply with the following:

(1) Be clear or nominal white, meeting the listing requirements of ANSI/UL 1971, Standard for Signaling Devices for the Hearing Impaired

(2) Have no marking or be marked with the word “ALERT” stamped or imprinted on the appliance

(3) Be visible to the public

 

          However, in this author’s opinion, the only reasonably effective way to provide content rich information and instructions to the hearing impaired takes place when a system employs visual textual messages on scrolling signboards, on television monitors and computer monitors, and on personal devices like cell phones and pagers. But, installing scrolling signboards at every location where the system installer has located an audible notification appliance (speaker) will likely not prove practical.

 

          One option involves notifying the hearing impaired to move to a location where the installer has placed a signboard or other textual display. In some installations, such as those occurring in any Navy facility, system specifications require the installation of textual signs over the door to each egress stairwell and over (or adjacent to) the substantial means of egress from the level of exit discharge.

 

          In airports, a system can use the flight information displays (FIDS), gate information displays (GIDS), and boarding information displays (BIDS) to provide a message coordinated with the message emanating from the speaker system during the emergency.

 

          The NFPA Technical Committee provides guidance on the placement of these textual appliances stating that “Care in location and placement is critical to the survivability of the textual visible appliance and maximizing its effectiveness. Locate the textual visible appliance away from direct sunlight or direct local area lighting. Avoid locating the textual visible appliance near heating and air-conditioning ducts.”

 

          NFPA 72-2013 also permits MNS to use both tactile notification appliances and video alerting to ensure that the hearing impaired will receive the necessary emergency notification information so they may take appropriate action in the emergency. The Code permits video alerting to supplement the required MNS visual appliances. The system may transmit this information over a video distribution network, MATV, or CATV system. The system may use standardized messages or it may provide messages customized for specific applications or situations.

 

          Mass Notification Systems continue to serve as an important component of emergency response plans. NFPA 72-2013, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code® continues to lead the effort to meet the goal of providing vital emergency information to everyone.

 

Wayne D. Moore is a licensed professional fire protection engineer, author and contributor to numerous magazines. He is a Principal with the fire protection engineering and code-consulting firm, Hughes Associates, Inc. and is located in the firm’s Warwick, Rhode Island office. He currently serves as Chairman of the NFPA 72Emergency Communications Systems (ECS) Technical Committee of the National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code.

Tribute to an Advocate for Inclusive Emergency Management and People with Disabilities

By Christopher Littlewood, Project Coordinator II, Center for Public Safety Innovation, St. Petersburg College
 and Reid Jaffe, Division of Emergency Preparedness and Community Response, State of Florida

Remer “Chip” Wilson

         

          Who do you call when you need information for personnel who are not meeting the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in times of emergency? In Florida, an outstanding ally—whether you are an emergency manager, an advocate for people with disabilities or a service provider—has always been Remer “Chip” Wilson. The challenges of meeting the needs of the individual, organization budgets, federal laws, state and local laws and budgets, and limited resources in every area make this a daunting task. No one wants to be left behind if an emergency or a disaster happens. Chip understood this and worked to make sure everyone had a voice.

          Chip Wilson was Florida’s first Statewide Disability Coordinator for Emergency Management. In this position, he advocated for the rights of people with disabilities, educated public officials about their legal and ethical responsibilities to make provisions for people with disabilities, and explained how to make these provisions without breaking the bank. He trained shelter personnel on issues related to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

          Chip understood the needs of people with disabilities in a unique way as an emergency manager because he was an emergency manager and a person with a disability. However, there are so many disabilities just like there are so many obstacles in life. He looked out for them all. Chip quite often worked with cross-disability groups so that people learned from others’ perspectives. Getting from where a group is to where it needs to be in terms of including everyone in the planning process is never easy. Chip said it was as easy as making a chocolate cake.

          Chip liked chocolate cake. He used a slide in his educational and advocacy presentations to the public, emergency managers, and disability groups that showed a delicious chocolate cake. He said that including people with disabilities in emergency management should be “baked in instead of layered on.” It should be part of the process and not separate from the general public. “People with disabilities should not be an afterthought,” he’d say. He encouraged inclusion of people with disabilities, service providers, and advocacy groups in emergency planning, and resultant plans and exercises. Each of these groups are experts that emergency managers need as resources. He also encouraged people with disabilities to prepare themselves. Preparedness efforts for people with disabilities are just like preparedness efforts for anyone else.

          While Chip’s work may be unfinished, his legacy his legacy is for others to continue the great effort he started and to encourage others to make strides in the right direction. He did so many things to be sure that all groups were included in emergency and disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. Chip put people first. People with disabilities were just the group of people for whom he was advocating. Chip Wilson used to say that it will never be perfect for people with disabilities, just like it is never perfect for anyone else. His focus was on people not on perfect.

          Chip spoke from the heart, and without a grudge or feeling sorry for himself. He wanted to do good.

He succeeded.

          Chip Wilson passed away earlier this fall after losing a battle with cancer. He will be sorely missed by all of his family, friends, and colleagues.

Remer “Chip” Wilson

RESNA’s Ground-breaking New Standard

          RESNA has developed what will soon be the first ANSI accredited standard for Emergency Stair Travel Devices used by Individuals with Disabilities.

 

          The standard, designated  BSR/RESNA AT-1-201x, RESNA Standard for Assistive Technology - Volume 1: Emergency Stair Travel Devices used by Individuals with Disabilities, covers the design, performance, description, inspection, and maintenance of devices whose primary purpose is the movement of individuals using stairs during evacuation of buildings.

          This Standard does not cover devices whose primary purpose is the travel of individuals with disabilities during routine travel using stairs, including but not limited to inclined platform lifts, stairway chairlifts, wheelchair carriers, stair-climbing or stair-descending wheelchairs, wheelchair attachments to assist in climbing or descending stairs, hospital transport equipment, or equipment for the transport of individuals with acute injuries.

          The committee, chaired by Glenn Hedman, MS, director of the Assistive Technology Unit at the University of Illinois at Chicago’s College of Applied Health Sciences has worked on the standard for a little over two years. Assuming there are no substantive public comments by the December 10, 2012 comment deadline, the standard is expected to be published and available by the first of the year.

          Committee members include, but are not limited to, representatives of building owners and managers, code developers, code enforcers, consultants, researchers, consumers, insurers, manufacturers and testing organizations.

          Once the standard has been completed, proposals to include the standard as a mandatory reference along with scoping proposals for the number of devices in certain buildings along with the locations where the devices should be stored will be submitted to various model code committees.  This is a very exciting project that will significantly increase the ability of those with mobility functional needs to evacuate multistory buildings quickly and safely. 

 

          Below is a copy of the notice from the ANSI Standards Actions Publication of November 9, 2012. If you wish to obtain a copy or to submit a comment you may obtain the pertinent information from below.

 

RESNA (Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America) New Standard

BSR/RESNA AT-1-201x, RESNA Standard for Assistive Technology - Volume 1: Emergency Stair Travel Devices used by Individuals with Disabilities (new standard)

          The standard will cover devices used for travel along stairs during emergency evacuations. This standard will not cover stair-climbing devices, incline platform lifts, or stairway chairlifts. It will specify vocabulary, methods of measurement, test methods and requirements for: dimensions and weight; seating and positioning; performance measures; strength and durability testing; operating limitations; and disclosure requirements.

·        Single copy price: $75.00

·        Obtain an electronic copy from: peter@beneficialdesigns.com

·        Order from: Peter Axelson, (775) 783-8822 ext. 121, peter@beneficialdesigns.com

·        Send comments (with copy to psa@ansi.org) to: Same

 

Task Force Strategizes on Fire Safety for People with Disabilities

By: Lisa Braxton, NFPA Public Education Division

 

          The Fire Safety for People with Disabilities Task Force gathered for a two-day meeting in the Washington, D.C. area in September. The Task Force advises NFPA’s Public Education Division on developing new fire safety educational materials and programs for people with disabilities.

          New members, including representatives of a number of Washington-based national organizations that advocate for people with disabilities, were welcomed. 

 

Click here for the minutes of the meeting.

 

28th Annual CSUN Conference on Technology and People with Disabilities – February 25 to March 2, 2013– San Diego, CA

By: Allan B. Fraser, CBI, CPCA – Senior Building Code Specialist

 

          The simple fact is that, for people with disabilities, being prepared for fire and life safety events is even more important for them than the rest of the population because it is much harder for them to access safety information and to navigate the built environment during emergencies. The 28^th Annual CSUN (California State University at Northridge) Conference on Technology and People with Disabilities will be another wonderful opportunity for NFPA to reach out to this community. 

 

This will be the sixth year that I’ll attend the CSUN Conference as NFPA’s representative and each year I’ve seen it grow in scope, in the number of attendees, in content and in influence as the largest event of its type in the world.

 

 

Last year there were more than 300 general sessions and workshops, more than 130 exhibitors and over 5,000 participants from all 50 states, numerous territories and more than 35 foreign countries.

          NFPA’s mission, work and activities in the disability community will be displayed at our booth again this year. In addition, I will present a session entitled “Evacuating Safely-One Size Doesn’t Fit All” which is based on NFPA’s extensively downloaded and widely used Emergency Evacuation Planning Guide for People with Disabilities^©.

 

 

The

Collection

 

 

          By definition, a collection is a group of objects or works to be seen, studied, or kept together. The purpose of this column is to provide you with links to news items, stories and general information that you may not be aware of, but may help you to reduce the burden of fire and other hazards on the quality of your own life or that of family and friends.

 

·         Trial focused on patient who fell from wheel chair during Ike evacuation

 

Fire and Disability – A Cause for Alarm

By: Dr. John Stolworthy D.Sc, London, UK.

Editor’s Note: Dr. John Stolworthy is a former Fire Safety Officer with many years experience in both the local authority and industry in England. Some of the highlights of his career include receiving a medal from His Holiness the late, Pope John Paul II and a commendation for the removal of an incendiary explosive device. He contracted Multiple Sclerosis and eventually took early retirement. He continues to serve as the voluntary director of Education and Training for The Institute of Fire Prevention Officers Incorporating the Institute of Fire Safety Officers.

 

          There is nothing more frightening than being suddenly confronted by a fire of which you were totally unaware. There have been so many cases in the past and even today, where the notification of people with disabilities has not been taken into consideration in the design of fire alarm systems.

 

          Many fatalities have been recorded in occupancies in which no fire detectors/alarms had been installed or in which those installed were inoperable due to missing batteries. When these are required in Social Housing Situations they should be wired direct to a suitable permanent electrical supply.

          The placement of disabled persons in suitable accommodations depends on the disability. For example, it might be entirely inappropriate to place a person using a wheelchair above the ground floor if one wanted to ensure the most viable means of escape.

          I have had reason to take up the matter of means of escape with a Social Housing Association that had placed a person who used a wheelchair as his only means of mobility on the third floor of a block of flats. His only way out was via the lift (elevator) to the ground floor which is totally unsatisfactory in case of a fire.

          After my intervention, the person was moved to a more suitable flat on the ground floor. Ironically a fire occurred on the third floor at his old location a week later. If he were still there, he might have died.    

          Most able-bodied people’s senses, sight, smell, hearing, and feeling, allow them to sense danger quickly and escape from the danger.

          In people with disabilities however, these natural defence mechanisms may be partially or totally unavailable, leaving them in a dangerous position of which they are totally unaware.

          How do we face this communication problem? We need to evaluate the problem and take the appropriate action to provide alarm systems that suit the circumstances.

·        Hearing-Challenged Persons

 

          The inclusion of a flashing strobe light in the existing alarm sounders allows persons with hearing difficulties to process the alarm visually. There are also systems that can send an activation signal to a pocket vibration alarm for individual notification.

 

 

·        Sight-Challenged Persons

 

          While vibrating alarms also work for individuals who are sight challenged audible alarms are the best option.

 

·        Mobility-Challenged Persons     

          It will depend on the individual’s mobility challenge and cases may differ, but the best option in virtually all cases where an individual uses a wheelchair is a ground floor accommodation from which he or she  can self evacuate. 

          The first line of defence is detection and notification. The speed with which a person with a mobility challenge can react will depend on the rapidity of activation of smoke alarms. Once the smoke alarms have alerted the person to the emergency, he or she must immediately carry out his or her prepared escape plan without delay. This is particularly important when the fire occurs at night and the person with a disability has to rise out of their sleep. This is where pre-fire planning and practice result in a successful evacuation.

          Locations such as shops, working environments, and leisure venues are covered by fire and safety legislation as well as building regulations and codes to ensure your health, safety and welfare. Health and safety standards apply a degree of fire resistance, and a means of escape in case of fire at your accommodation. However, you must practice your escape plan to ensure your own safety.

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT!

 

 

          Everyone needs to practice runs of your means of escape, in the daytime and at night, and learn where the pitfalls are and how to avoid them. Wheelchair users may have problems with doors and furniture, and your final exit door may have locks or stiff handles. Practice using all the devices on your route so that it becomes second nature. With patience and practice it will all fall into place.

 

          Remember to get your caregivers involved as well! To be prepared for an emergency have a small bag containing any essential items you may require. This should contain any medication you may need as well as a mobile phone, spare keys to your home and car, a torch (flashlight) and anything else you may need.

          As soon as the detector/alarm operates leave the premises quickly and without panic. Call the emergency services, and do not try to re-enter the premises for any reason.

Fire Prevention Week Wrap-Up

          Fire Prevention Week was established to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire, the tragic 1871 conflagration that killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures and burned more than 2,000 (809 hectares) acres of land. The fire began on October 8, but continued into the next day doing most of its damage on October 9.

                   While the Great Chicago Fire was the best-known blaze to start during this fiery two-day stretch, it wasn't the biggest. That distinction goes to the Peshtigo Fire, the most devastating wildland fire in United Sates history. The fire, which also occurred on October 8, 1871, roared through northeast Wisconsin, destroying 16 towns, killing 1,152 people, and scorching 1.2 million acres (485,622 hectares) before it ended.       

          Historical accounts of the fire say that the blaze began when several railroad workers clearing land for tracks unintentionally started a brush fire. Before long, the fast-moving flames were whipping through the area “like a tornado,” some survivors said. The small town of Peshtigo suffered the worst damage; within an hour, the entire town was destroyed.

         

          Those who survived the Chicago and Peshtigo fires never forgot what they'd been through; both blazes produced countless tales of bravery and heroism. But the fires also changed the way that firefighters and public officials thought about fire safety. On the 40^th anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire, the Fire Marshals Association of North America, today known as the International Fire Marshals Association, decided that the anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire should henceforth be observed in a way that would keep the public informed about the importance of fire prevention.

                   In 1920, President Woodrow Wilson issued the first National Fire Prevention Day proclamation, and since 1922, Fire Prevention Week has been observed the week in which October 9 falls. According to the National Archives and Records Administration's Library Information Center, Fire Prevention Week is the longest running public health and safety observance on record. Each U.S president has signed a proclamation proclaiming a national observance during that week since 1925.

                    This year Fire Prevention Week was officially recognized nationally from October 7 through October 13. However NFPA held events for staff and the public from late September through most of October. Here’s a list of the events:

·        September 27 

o    Emergency stair descent device training with volunteer wheelchair users

·        September 28

o   Speaker Series: Fire Sprinkler Initiative Update with Princella Lee Bridges, one of our “Faces of Fire,” who toldl her personal story.

·        October 11-14

o   Posters from past Fire Prevention Week campaigns were on display in our main lobby.

o   Fire Extinguisher Training for NFPA staff

o   Sparky Story Time and photo opportunity for children of NFPA staff

o   Special Fire Prevention Speaker Series in both Quincy and Avon. Topics included the Coconut Grove Fire, historic fires, what we know about human behavior in fires and evacuation for people with disabilities.

o   CPR training

o   “Two Way Out Relay”

o   Evacuation drill

o   Luncheon for area senior citizens followed by presentations on fall prevention and fire prevention in the home.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NFPA Coming Events

December 2012

Dec. 3-5	NFPA-APSEI Fire & Security Conference, Estoril, Portugal
Dec. 3-6	NFPA Training Seminar Week: Morrisville, NC. ·        Electrical
Dec. 3-7	NFPA Training Seminar Week: Quincy, MA. ·        Sprinklers ·         Other
Dec. 3-14	NFPA Training Seminar Week: San Francisco, CA.   ·        Electrical ·         Fire Alarm ·         Life Safety ·         Sprinklers ·         Other
Dec. 4-5	NFPA Training Seminar Week: Las Vegas, NV. ·   Fire Alarm
Dec. 10-14	NFPA Training Seminar Week: Orlando, FL. Electical Fire Alarm Life Safety Sprinklers

 

 

 

January 2013

Jan. 7-11	NFPA Training Seminar Week: Las Vegas, NV. ·         Electrical ·         Fire Alarm ·         Life Safety ·         Sprinklers
Jan. 7-18	NFPA Training Seminar Week: Charlotte, NC. ·         Electrical  ·         Fire Alarm  ·         Life Safety  ·         Sprinklers  ·         Other
Jan. 21-25	NFPA Training Seminar Week: Atlanta, GA. ·         Electrical

February 2013

Feb. 4-8	NFPA Training Seminar Week: Brea, CA. ·         Electrical
Feb. 4-8	NFPA Training Seminar Week: Houston, TX. ·         Electrical ·         Sprinklers  ·         Other
Feb. 11-15	NFPA Training Seminar Week: Hasbrouck Heights, NJ. ·         Electrical
Feb. 14-15	NFPA Training Seminar Week: Houston, TX. ·         Fire Alarm  ·         Life Safety  ·         Other
Feb. 25-28	NFPA Training Seminar Week: Quincy, MA.  ·         Electrical
Feb. 26 - March 1	Suppression, Detection and Signaling Research and Applications Symposium (SUPDET 2013) Orlando, FL

 

 

March 2013

March 1	NFPA Training Seminar Week: Quincy, MA. Other
March 4-15	NFPA Training Seminar Week: Cincinnati, OH. Electrical Life Safety  Sprinklers
March 11-15	NFPA Training Seminar Week: Milwaukee, WI. Electrical  Sprinklers  Other
March 25-29	NFPA Training Seminar Week: Quincy, MA. Life Safety

 

 

 

 

 

Future NFPA Conference & Expo dates

 

June 10-13, 2013, McCormick Place Convention Center, Chicago, IL

June 9-12, 2014, Mandalay Bay Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV

June 22-25, 2015, McCormick Place Convention Center, Chicago, IL

June 6-9, 2016, Mandalay Bay Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV

June 4-7, 2017, Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, Boston, MA

 

 

See NFPA's complete online calendar.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Do you have a story to tell or information to share?

 

Our readers are people with disabilities, and their relatives, caregivers, and friends.

Our goals are to:

 

·        Provide specialized information about fire and life safety for people with disabilities directly to those with disabilities and to those who help them in order to reduce or eliminate death and injury from fire and other emergencies.

·        Provide a forum for the collection and dissemination of information for people with disabilities in support of DARAC’s mission.

·        Provide personal stories about events, ideas, or solutions from our readers that can guide others in similar circumstances.

Content for future editions will include:

 

·        NFPA-related news

o   DARAC news

o   NFPA codes- and standards-related information

o   Fire safety tips

o   Emergency evacuation information

 

·        Articles relating to the safety of people with disabilities from:

o   NFPA staff

o   DARAC members

o   Other national advocates

o   General news

o   Our readers

 

·        News from other standards-developing organizations’ news

o   U.S. Access Board

o   ANSI/ICC A117, Standard for Accessible Buildings and Facilities

o   RESNA

o   U.S. Department of Justice

o   Other

 

We’d love to hear your stories and opinions! If you’d like to contribute an article or information consistent with the outline above, please e-mail them to Allan B. Fraser, senior building code specialist and e-Access coordinator, at afraser@nfpa.org.

 

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