Now more than ever, it is crucial to take a strong position as a united front in the residential fire sprinkler fight. We must stand up with courage and defend the inclusion of this life safety provision at the local and state level. Allowing opponents of residential fire sprinkler to win this fight will, for 20 more years to come, perpetuate the home fire death problem.
With this in mind, I'd like you to read NFPA's President Jim Shannon's message, "NFPA's Take: The Importance of Speaking Out About Fire Sprinklers" found in Firehouse magazine
The fire service told NFPA that the most pressing issue we should champion was residential fire sprinklers. We have done so, and now we are counting on you to carry the torch. We will continue to support your efforts along the way.
I believe that the NFPA is infringing on our rights as citizens requiring fire sprinklers in residential housing. It's an expensive endeavor for builders and will increase the cost of housing to potential home owners. It appears that NFPA has an agenda and will skew statistics to get their self serving ways. I also deplore the fire safe cigarette. I'm glad to see many states with anti-sprinkler legislation. You NFPA, do not share my opinion. The only ones to gain from this legislation is the companies who will be installing them, follow the money trail!
Posted by: Dan | 05/01/2009 at 12:37 PM
Dan:
Thanks for your comment. NFPA develops standards through a consensus process. These standards are designed to increase life safety (protect lives). NFPA does not require fire sprinklers in residential housing, the policy makers in your community adopt the life safety codes after taking into consideration local needs. NFPA publishes statistics that are validated by studies and research. Our mission is to protect lives and we believe that residential fire sprinkler systems will save thousands of lives per year.
Posted by: Maria Figueroa | 06/03/2009 at 12:01 PM