NFPA's Fire Sprinkler Initiative

Home fire sprinkler advocates gather in Chicago for NFPA summit

Fire service representatives and other safety advocates from across the United States have gathered in Chicago for a one-day home fire sprinkler summit. The event, sponsored by NFPA’s Fire Sprinkler Initiative, has brought together more than 100 attendees to network, share best practices, and learn more about efforts and strategies to require the installation of fire sprinklers in all new one- and two-family homes.

Before dinner, attendees got a chance to meet each other at a reception. 

Mario Orangio of Massachusetts, NFPA President Jim Shannon, and Massachusetts State Representative Ruth Balser.

Dawn Bellis and Rusty Todd from Kentucky. 

NFPA Northwest Regional Manager Gary Honold, Jeff LaFlam and Greg Rogers of Washington.

John Hoffman of New Jersey, Tim Behlings of South Dakota, and Rich Broderick of South Dakota

Jim Yates of New Jersey, James Large of Florida, and Jack Glenn of Florida.

Ed Paulk of Alabama, AJ Martin of Alabama, NFPA Southern Regional Manager Randy Safer, and VJ Bella of Louisiana.

NFPA Western Regional Manager Ray Bizal and Casey Vorwaller of Utah.

Gregg Cleveland of Wisconsin and Bob Tinucci of Illinois.

NFPA’s Maria Figueroa and Bill Kirkpatrick of California.

Tom Lia and Bob Tinucci of Illinois, NFPA President Jim Shannon, and George Michehl of Illinois.

Marc Veilleux and Rich McCarthy of Maine, and Luke Stemmer of Minnesota.

Ten tips for communicating with legislators

The current legislative session has started or will soon start in your state. One of the goals of NFPA's Fire Sprinkler Initiative is give you the tools you need to advocate for requirements of fire sprinkler systems in all new one- and two-family homes. Here are some tips* on how to effectively interact with lawmakers.

1. Technology has made it easy to send blast e-mails, prewritten faxes, and form letters. But nothing compares to the value of a personalized and thoughtful contact with a lawmaker.
2. Policy-makers are busy people. Every day, they receive dozens (if not hundreds) of requests. Keep your letter short and to-the-point.
3. Make sure your letter (or e-mail) mentions the problem, the remedy (often supporting or opposing a bill), and your personal interest in the issue.
4. Make sure to specify how the legislation would help - or hurt – constituents in that lawmaker's district. If the legislation has a bill number, mention it in your correspondence.
5. One-time contacts with legislators can have value, but developing a relationship with the lawmaker and his or her staff is preferable. Stay in touch and maintain regular contact with key policy makers.
6. Use the proper title for each public official. If you're unsure, call the policy maker's office and ask the receptionist for guidance.
7. When calling a legislative office, ask for the legislator. If the lawmaker is not available, ask for the aide handling your issue.
8. Don't be disappointed if you get a staff member instead of the legislator. They often know as much (or more) about your issue, and are often the people the lawmaker leans on prior to a vote. Treat staff members the same way you would the legislator.
9. Maintain an e-mail list of supporters so you can quickly contact dozens (or hundreds) of people to ask them to send an e-mail or make a phone call to lawmakers prior to a critical vote.  Although you should offer guidance on “what to say”, your supporters should use their own words and stories to have a greater impact.
10. Regardless of the situation, maintain respect for local lawmakers and keep your communications firmly fixed on the high ground.

* Source: Brad Phillips, president of Phillips Media Relations and author of the Mr. Media Training blog, specializes in media and presentation training or nonprofit organizations. Materials developed for The Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors, the largest national non-profit serving the burn survivor community.

 

Legislation threatens home fire sprinkler requirement

The legislative sessions have started and anti-sprinkler bills have been filed in two states. These bills prohibit the adoption of codes requiring fire sprinkler requirements in single family homes and would threaten communities’ ability to mitigate home fire related death risk. The good news is that one of the bills is already dead in committee, and the other is currently lingering in committee.

South Dakotas’ SB93 was introduced on January 17, and assigned to the Local Government Committee. The bill was heard in committee and tabled on January 31; thus the bill is dead.

Minnesota’s’ HF499 was introduced on February 11 and assigned to the Commerce and Consumer Protection Finance and Policy Committee, where it is pending. We will continue to watch this closely.

In a noticeable trend, these bills - in contrast to previous years - prohibit fire sprinkler requirements in single family homes and do not include the two-family home prohibition.

The Fire Sprinkler Initiative legislation/adoption page is updated weekly. Visit often to stay informed and to find bill history from previous years.

 

 

Letter to the editor urges passage of bill in NJ requiring home fire sprinklers in new homes

A letter to the editor posted on BarneganManahawkinPattch.com urges the passage of a bill in NJ that would require fire sprinklers in all newly constructed one- and two-family homes.

Written by David Kurasz, Executive Director of the New Jersey Fire Sprinkler Advisory Board, and citing a recent tragedy in Berkeley, NJ on the early morning of Sept. 9, 2012, when a “quick-moving
fire claimed the life of an elderly man” and injured one firefighter, the letter highlights the ability of home fire sprinkler systems to save lives and reduce risk to firefighters.

“Despite heroic efforts by the fire department and first responders, the fire grew too intense too quickly, making it difficult to enter the residence,” Kurasz said. He explains that NJ has seen an increase in the number of house and apartment fires recently with “catastrophic property loss and in this case a tragic loss of life.”

To prevent these tragedies Kurasz points out that these tragedies can be prevented with the presence of fire sprinklers to mitigate risk to individuals affected by the blaze; both occupants and responding firefighters.

Kurasz informs that there is pending legislation in New Jersey - bill A1570 – “which would mandate fire sprinklers for all newly constructed one-and two-family homes and that, “if passed, this legislation would help to reduce the devastating effects of fires and help protect New Jersey residents in the places where they should feel safest -- their homes.”

NJ home fire sprinkler advocates are united under the umbrella of the NJ Fire Sprinkler Coalition. If you would like more information about the coalition visit its website or contact NFPA’s Fire Sprinkler Specialist Tim Travers.

Read David Kurasz" letter

 

 

 

 

 

Legislative session opens with anti-fire sprinkler bill in SD

The 2013 legislative session has started and Senate Bill 93 has been filed in South Dakota to prohibit fire sprinkler requirements in single family homes.

In the past four years sprinkler opponents have pushed state legislation that would restrict a community’s ability to make its own decision about model safety codes for new construction. The legislation would prevent communities from implementing any new sprinkler mandates in one- and two-family homes. If it becomes law, such legislation will put lives at risk.

While in the past the opposition has gone on record to offer its arguments during hearings, the trend now is to handle it through “back door” maneuvers out of the sunshine. It has been found that long before hearings are held, legislator’s minds are made up. Just because the opposition may have become less visible does not mean that its efforts have declined.

It's time for home fire sprinkler advocates to start "walking the halls" to educate legislators. Arm yourself with statistics, including victim patterns and the latest  research/reports to debunk the opponents’ arguments and provide policy-makers with the facts. Look around our website and obtain the resources needed to engage your legislators.

Home fire sprinkler legislation update – 2012 session

This year, as in previous years, a few bills were introduced, intended to prohibit the home fire sprinkler provision from being adopted. Some of the bills passed and others failed. At the other end of the spectrum, we saw an amazing victory in Maryland. The following is a rundown of the 2012 legislative session.

Anti-sprinkler bills:

Colorado – SB 12-081 would have prohibited local jurisdictions from requiring installation of automatic fire sprinklers in single family dwellings. The bill was defeated in committee

Hawaii - SB2397 was successful and prohibits local jurisdictions from requiring installation or retrofitting of automatic fire sprinklers in new or existing one- or two‑family dwelling units used only for residential purposes. It was amended to allow for requirement when there was insufficient water supply or fire department access.

Illinois – HB 5847 would have prohibited local jurisdictions from requiring installation of automatic fire sprinklers in single family dwellings and is replaced by “mandatory option.”The bill lingered in committee without action.

Minnesota - After much wrangling in the House and Senate SF1717 was passed, prohibiting local jurisdictions from requiring installation of automatic fire sprinklers in single family dwellings. The governor vetoed the bill.

Oklahoma – HB2659 would have prohibited local jurisdictions from requiring installation or retrofitting of automatic fire sprinklers in one- or two-family dwellings. The bill was surrounded by great controversy because it was introduced as a floor amendment in the House and never vetted in committee. The Senate amended the bill removing the prohibition and sent it back to the House as amended. The house rejected the Senate amendment removing the prohibition and the bill was assigned to a Conference Committee. The committee endorsed the Senate amendment. The bill passed without the home fire sprinkler prohibition.

New York - S7052 would have prohibited the New York Fire Prevention and Building Code Council from requiring home fire sprinklers in one- and two-family homes. The bill lingered in committee without action.

Tennessee – HB2369 and its companion SB2492 would have prohibited local jurisdictions from requiring fire sprinklersin one- and two-family homes. The bill passed as amended to allow local governments may only adopt mandatory sprinkler requirements for one-family and two-family dwellings by ordinance or resolution upon a two-thirds vote after at least two readings at two meetings that are at least two weeks apart.

Pro-sprinkler bills:

Maryland – The legislature took positive action for life safety when it passed HB366,
and its companion, SB602, prohibiting local jurisdictions, with specified exceptions, from adopting local amendments to the Maryland Building Performance Standards if the local amendments weaken automatic fire sprinkler systems provisions contained in the standards.

New Jersey – A1570 would have required fire suppression (automatic sprinkler) systems in new one- and two-family homes. The bill lingered in committee without action.

Visit our site often to stay informed on the latest legislative/adoption updates

Maria Figueroa

Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton vetoes legislation that would have prohibited jurisdictions from requiring fire sprinklers in homes

Citing safety concerns and new methods of construction Minnesota (MN) Governor Mark Dayton vetoed anti-sprinkler legislation. SF1717 would have prohibited local jurisdictions from requiring installation of automatic fire sprinklers in single family dwellings. The governor vetoed similar legislation last year.

In his veto message the governor reiterates his position and says, “As I stated in my veto message last year, I take very seriously the concerns which fire safety professionals have expressed about the safety of home residents, their properties, and the lives of the men and women who courageously risk their lives to fight those fires. They are concerned that newly built homes burn more quickly, and that more firefighters are injured when floors collapse during fires. They contend that, with sprinkler systems in place, fires could be more readily contained, resulting in fewer injuries and deaths to homeowners and firefighters.”

The inclusion of the requirement in the model code will soon be considered for adoption in the state. With this action the governor recognizes the code adoption process, not legislative action, as the venue where objections to the requirement are best handled.

Governor Dayton has, once again demonstrated his commitment to life safety for the people of Minnesota. Common sense and the facts have prevailed over special interests.

Read Governor Dayton’s veto letter

Maria Figueroa

Residential sprinkler bill signed by Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley

Maryland State Firemen’s Association (MSFA) announced that on Wednesday, May 2, 2012, firefighters celebrated a major milestone in fire safety. A large contingent was in attendance at the Maryland State House as Governor Martin O’Malley signed into law a bill that will mandate the fire sprinkler provision required by the International Residential Code, 2012 edition. NFPA was present at the bill signing event, represented by Gregory Cade, Division  Director, Government Affairs, based in Washington, DC.

HB366, and its companion, SB602 prohibit local jurisdictions, with specified exceptions, from adopting local amendments to the Maryland Building Performance Standards if the local amendments weaken automatic fire sprinkler systems provisions contained in the Standards. Local jurisdictions will not be able to “opt out” of the requirement.

According to MSFA the first sprinkler requirements were enacted in Prince Georges County for multi-family dwellings in 1988. Several other counties and municipalities began requiring them throughout the early 2000’s. In 2005, President Lee Sachs of the Maryland state Firemen’s Association, along with the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s office, the Maryland Fire Chiefs Association, the Fire and Burn Safety Coalition of Maryland, and several other groups concerned with fire safety; endeavored to support efforts to get residential sprinkler requirements throughout Maryland.  Prince Georges County has become a model for the nation for its successes with home fire sprinklers, demonstrating the life safety and property conservation benefits in a comprehensive report based on 15 years of data.

MSFA adds: “With the signing of this Bill, Maryland will have taken a major step to provide for the protection of its citizens.”

Maria Figueroa

Jeff LaFlam outlines effective strategy for fire sprinkler ordinance adoption

Jeff LaFlam, Fire Marshal for the Northshore (WA) Fire Department, spoke about the process of adopting a residential fire sprinkler ordinance, as was accomplished in Kenmore, WA. Speaking at NFPA's Home Fire Sprinkler Summit in Chicago earlier this week, Jeff outlined the 5 steps he says are essential for success, including education of key stakeholders and the public as well as buy-in from fire service leaders. Read Jeff's case study on the adoption process in Kenmore.

- Mike Hazell

State of Maryland says “NO” to substandard construction – passes law prohibiting weakening of the code and removal of the home fire sprinkler requirement

With the passage of HB366, sponsored by Delegate James Malone, MD legislators have taken the lead prohibiting a local jurisdiction, with a specified exception, from adopting local amendments to the Maryland Building Performance Standards if the local amendments weaken specified automatic fire and sprinkler systems provisions contained in the Standards. The bill previously cleared the House and moved to the Senate. By a vote of 34-10 in the Senate, the bill carried the day in this chamber and now moves to the governor for his signature. All indications are that he will sign the bill and it will become law.

The fire service and other home fire sprinkler advocates are celebrating this victory; one that they worked very hard for according to Chief Jeffrey Thompson, President of the MD Fire Chiefs Association.  In an e-mail announcing the passage of the bill, he added; “It is truly rewarding to finally see this come together. Many of us had said it was just a matter of when this was going to be accomplished and that day has come.”

This action by the State of MD is in stark contrast to what has occurred in other states, where home fire sprinkler opponents have pushed legislation to prohibit statewide adoption of the requirement. Sprinkler opponents’ arguments have not gone far in MD, a state with a long history of fire sprinkler requirements at the community level. Before the state adopted the 2009 IRC, including the requirement, 31 communities had previously adopted it by ordinance. In fact, a study comparing the housing cost and supply impacts of sprinkler ordinances, between counties in MD and VA, revealed there is absolutely no impact; and in one of the counties studied with a fire sprinkler requirement in place, there was an increase in building permits, compared to the neighboring county without the requirement. 

Tim Travers, NFPA Fire Sprinkler Specialist for the Mid-Atlantic region congratulated the MD advocates adding: “I wish we could replicate your good work across the country!”

Learn more about home fire sprinkler adoption/legislation.

Maria Figueroa