NFPA Fire & Life Safety Policy Institute

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Policymakers play a critical role in reducing the risk of fire, electrical, and other life safety hazards for citizens. Actions like enacting and enforcing building codes and carrying out fire inspections are examples of government efforts that have contributed to the reduction in fires and associated losses, particularly in the U.S. 

Moving forward, changing infrastructure, new technology, evolving risks and competing priorities will all put pressure on maintaining strong fire and life safety protection measures. The Fire & Life Safety Policy Institute will help policymakers understand and navigate these issues through analysis and recommended policy approaches to protect citizens. 

Resources

Falling Behind on Electrical Safety

Not adhering to the latest edition of the National Electrical Code® can lead to serious shortfalls in electrical safety for citizens and a failure to protect first responders and workers from preventable dangers. This report underscores these concerns.

Energy Storage Systems

As policymakers set more ambitious goals for sustainable energy, BESS is becoming an increasingly significant part of our power infrastructure. Policymakers must make sure first responders and other officials have the tools necessary to deploy BESS safely.

Prioritizing fire and life safety codes

A recent survey shows Americans trust and expect government to ensure current codes are implemented and enforced.

Using Codes and Standards to Reduce Risk in Wildfire-Prone Areas

With wildfires an increasing concern, communities must take steps now to protect residents and property. Codes and standards developed by nationally recognized standards development organizations are an important aid to guiding comprehensive risk reduction.

Minimizing fire risk on building sites

Policymakers need to take advantage of existing laws and known practices to keep their communities safe from fires in buildings under construction.

NFPA Fire & Life Safety Ecosystem Assessment Tool

NFPA Fire & Life Safety Ecosystem ToolThis tool helps users identify gaps in their community’s support for safety. It asks a series of yes or no questions on the policies, practices, and resources that support each of the eight components of the Fire & Life Safety Ecosystem, delivering a score of green (excellent), yellow (good), fair (orange), or red (poor) along with a downloadable report.

Take the assessment

2021 Year in Review

Tragic incidents worldwide continue to underscore the need to prioritize fire and life safety in policymaking and invest in a complete fire prevention and protection infrastructure. By examining the events outlined in the 2021 Year in Review report, communities can see the fault lines that enabled each calamity and use the examples to help address fractures in their own fire and life safety ecosystems.

Download the report

Outthink WildfireOutthink Wildfireâ„¢

To stem the trend in wildfire-caused human and property losses, the U.S. must make significant policy changes at all levels of government. NFPA has released a comprehensive strategy that will push for the transformation that, over time, will significantly reduce risk to communities.