Cover Story

NFPA Journal®,  March/April 2009

By Gary Keith

Cover: The Case for Home Fire Sprinklers    Sidebars: Education First | The History of Fire Sprinklers

With NFPA’s introduction of the “Fire Sprinkler Initiative: Bringing Safety Home,” it’s important that the fire service and fire safety advocates understand the role that the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition (HFSC) plays in protecting a growing number of homes with home fire sprinkler systems. 

VIDEO  Jim Shannon at the Residential Fire Sprinkler Summit  More NFPA videos on Youtube.com NFPA INITIATIVE LINKS  Fire Sprinkler Initiative  Fire Sprinkler Initiative Blog  Fire Sprinkler Facts  Fire Sprinkler Myths vs. Facts  Fire Sprinkler Model Language  Fire Sprinkler Form Letters  Advocating for Home Fire Sprinklers  Fire Sprinkler Research & Reports  Subscribe to the Fire Sprinkler Initiative news feed NFPA CODES/STANDARDS  NFPA 1, Fire Code TM  NFPA 101, Life Safety Code®  NFPA 5000, Building Construction & Safety Code EXTERNAL LINKS  International Residential Code

HFSC, founded in 1996, is the only national, nonprofit organization that works exclusively to educate the public about the life-saving value of fire sprinkler systems in one- and two-family homes. While

HFSC has established itself as an important resource for information and educational material, HFSC is not involved in lobbying or efforts to promote fire sprinkler ordinances. It provides the tools and field resources to help sprinkler advocates talk to local elected officials and other decision makers.
HFSC has developed targeted teaching tools that address the informational needs of virtually everyone in the community, including consumers, members of the homebuilding industry, insurance and real estate professionals, school children, building officials, and water purveyors. Our ideas have earned FEMA Fire Prevention & Safety Grant funding, which allows us to share our diverse library of resources.

Shortly after HFSC was established, we were fortunate to acquire Ron Hazelton as our spokesperson. Recognized for his role as Home Improvement Editor for ABC’s “Good Morning America,” Ron appears in all of our educational videos, including our new “Fire and Sprinkler Burn Demonstration” video, part of a kit that shows fire departments how to build and prepare a dramatic side-by-side fire and sprinkler demonstration.

Recently, more than 1,000 fire departments signed up for our new “Built for Life Fire Department Program,” which provides free information and materials to make home fire sprinkler education a focus of their educational outreach.

I have been honored to serve with HFSC from its beginning, and I am very proud of the entire HFSC team. Over the years, our important messages have reached millions through education, public relations, advertising, trade shows and conventions, and our website, www.HomeFireSprinkler.org. If your fire department or organization has not yet tapped into HFSC’s resources, you’re missing out on an opportunity to improve your community’s understanding of the life-saving value of home fire sprinklers.

Gary Keith is vice-president of Field Operations and Education at NFPA and chair of the HFSC Board of Directors.

In this Section:
			The Case for Home Fire Sprinklers NFPA has launched an advocacy campaign to increase the number of U.S. homes protected by sprinklers. The case for home fire sprinklers is compelling and timely, and here’s how you can make that case to your community.
			Education First The Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition continues its educational mission.
			A Brief History of Sprinklers NFPA's push for residential sprinklers is just the latest chapter in a long history of safety innovations.