If you’re in the line of fire, there’s a helpful tool to refresh your knowledge about sprinklers. The nonprofit Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition (HFSC) has just launched a new online course that provides factual information about residential sprinkler design, operation, installation, and water supply. The course is available at no cost.

HFSC received a 2010 federal Fire Prevention & Safety Act Grant Award to develop and host the course as part of its ongoing commitment to educating the homebuilding, public works and fire service communities about the life safety benefits of installing sprinklers in new homes. HFSC produced the new module with Hanley Wood University, the construction industry’s premier continuing education and training developer.

“As the fire service works one-on-one with local homebuilders to dispel common myths and increase interest in residential sprinkler technology, HFSC works nationally to create educational tools, materials and activities to support their efforts,” says Gary Keith, HFSC Board Chair. “Now, more than ever, the fire service needs turn-key materials like these so they can incorporate home fire sprinkler information into their local public education outreach.”

Among the topics presented in the new course are fire sprinkler system components, installation and maintenance requirements, variations in water supply methods, life safety benefits and environmental impact.

Hanley Wood is providing continuing education credits to members of the construction industry. For BUILT FOR LIFE Fire Department Program members who complete the course, HFSC will provide a signed Certificate of Completion.

The free course is available at: http://hanleywooduniversity.com/learncenter.asp?id=178409&page=550

There is no cost to enroll in the BUILT FOR LIFE Fire Department Program. Learn more about the Program and sign up at: http://homefiresprinkler.org/residential-fire-sprinkler-programs

Greer Home Builders announced this week that 2012 models of their homes, including “Love Shacks” and “Urban Cottages”, will include their “Be Prepared” bundle, which includes emergency food and water storage, audible smoke detectors, and fire sprinklers.

“Our goal is to raise awareness of the importance of these features and the various ways homeowners can prepare themselves for different types of emergencies,” said company co-owner Jean Greer McCarthy. “We have partnered with some local suppliers to develop emergency
food and water storage. Lethbridge has a large population of residents who actively maintain preparedness supplies. Custom-designing such storage into a new home is ideal rather than trying to squeeze supplies into nooks and crannies.”

Wade Pierson, President of In Case Of, notes the importance of preparedness as an innovation in new home design and was eager to assist the Greer team in creating the “Be Prepared” bundle . “We are honored to partner with Greer Home Builders because of their quality
standards, vision and passion toward specializing in the best innovative home construction systems, and now preparedness products at affordable options for their home owners.”

Greer McCarthy expects the food and water storage to be a popular addition, but it is the inclusion of fire sprinkler systems that represent the most significant impact on the market and industry. Contractors have long resisted any type of legislated mandate for fire sprinklers in new homes.

“The building industry is content to wait for market demand for sprinklers to rise and then they will offer them. Greer Home Builders has always been an innovator and we feel it is important at this time to step up and show home buyers how much safer new homes can be. Airbags are not mandatory in Canada, yet you and I would never consider buying a new car without them. We just wouldn’t feel safe. We want to offer home owners to that same peace of mind. Incorporating this bundle which includes fire sprinklers into Greer-built homes means taking a firm stand on safety, environmental responsibility, and good design.”

Sprinkler heads are inconspicuous and concealed by discrete covers on the ceiling or wall. In the case of a fire, only the sprinkler head closest to the fire is activated and sprays water directly onto the fire. According to the Canadian Automatic Sprinkler Association (CASA), “ninety percent of fires are contained by the operation of just one sprinkler.” CASA’s website notes sprinkler systems “can contain and may even extinguish a fire in less time that it would take for the fire department to arrive on the scene.”

Building codes are becoming so restrictive that good design is being compromised in un-sprinklered homes. New codes intended to minimize the spread of fire between homes is aimed at reducing side windows and requiring very large side yards. The result is long, narrow homes with large windows only allowed in front and back. According to Greer McCarthy, “Including fire sprinkler systems in our homes allows us to include more windows and simply build a more beautiful home; one that has the value of additional safety for its occupants.”

Fire sprinklers in homes have the added benefit of environmental responsibility in the event of a fire, as the fire is contained faster and using much less water than fire hoses, up to 91% less according to the Home Fire Sprinklers Coalition. Sprinklers reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the event of a fire by 97.8%, and the green benefits appeal to Greer’s longstanding commitment to environmental responsibility.

The group studied life safety and property protection in homes with and without fire sprinkler systems and reviewed fire experience in nearly 7,000 sprinklered homes in Buckingham, New Britain, Warrington, Warwick and Wrightstown Townships as well as Ivyland Borough.

In Bucks County, there were 90 home fire fatalities in non-sprinklered one- and two-family homes during 1988-2010.  Those deaths made up 88% of all County fire deaths during that time.  There were zero fire fatalities in homes protected by fire sprinkler systems. The report details five reported fires in sprinklered homes documented as saving at least five lives.

The average property loss in sprinklered-home fire incidents in Bucks County was $14,000, compared to $179,896 in damages to homes that experienced fires without fire sprinklers. The report found that fires in sprinklered homes required an average of 340 gallons of water to extinguish the fires.  Homes without sprinklers required an average of 5,974 gallons (or nearly 25 tons) of water.

“HFSC initiates partnerships to capture and share useful data about widespread local experience with home fire sprinkler systems,” explains HFSC Chair Gary Keith.  “This new data from southeastern Pennsylvania adds to our collection of educational materials that help improve and increase the public’s knowledge about the extreme danger of home fires and the lifesaving value of installing fire sprinkler systems.”

Previously, HFSC analyzed information on 10 and 15 years of home fire sprinkler experience in Scottsdale, AZ in partnership with the Scottsdale Fire Department. The reports have been among the most widely used HFSC educational tools.

There were zero fire fatalities in homes protected by fire sprinkler systems. The report details five reported fires in sprinklered homes documented as saving at least five lives.

HFSC also published 1992-2007 data on home fire sprinkler systems in Prince George’s County, MD, reviewed and analyzed with the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office, the Prince George’s County Fire Department, and the University of Maryland University College.

“The new report provides detailed Bucks County case study comparisons, which will especially help consumers understand the many reasons why installing fire sprinklers in homes protects residents, property, and firefighters, like no other technology can,” Keith adds.

All of the municipal reports share findings in common, including dramatically reduced fire deaths and property damage and far less water usage in sprinklered-home fires compared to fires in non-sprinklered homes.

Fire sprinklers are uniquely suited to protecting residents of homes – where more than 85% of all civilian structure fire deaths occur, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).  Most fatal home fires occur at night, when people are typically sleeping.

Working smoke alarms provide an early warning to alert or awaken occupants so they can deploy their escape plan.  However, alarms can only detect a fire and signal it; they cannot control it.  When only smoke alarms are present, survival is dependent upon the occupants’ willingness and ability to quickly and appropriately respond (normally, to escape from the home).

Fire sprinklers do more.  They detect a fire and also automatically flow water on it within seconds.  That fast action controls the fire while it is still small, and in most cases extinguishes it.  Controlling a fire in this initial stage limits the spread of deadly heat and smoke, and prevents flashover from occurring (the point at which everything in the room ignites).

Unchecked, a home fire becomes deadly in three minutes or less, according to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).  Sprinklers are designed to control flames and give residents a safe opportunity to escape.  This added time is especially valuable for the most vulnerable populations – young children, older adults, and people with disabilities that limit their mobility.

Because sprinklers keep a fire small, the structure remains safer for responding fire departments.  That reduces injuries to firefighters.

Read the Bucks County report and all HFSC’s municipal reports online at http:homefiresprinkler.org/fire-department-bucks-county-report.

The public saw how a fire sprinkler activates and controls a fire at the Brentwood (TN) demo.

The public saw fire spread and flashover at the Brentwood (TN) demo.

The public could compare the room without fire sprinklers with the room protected with fire sprinklers after the demo.

More than 750 people attended Brentwood (TN) “Public Safety Day” this Sunday, a show and tell event featuring the communities emergency services. Brentwood’s fire department, local law enforcement and EMS had equipment on display. Two live demonstrations were conducted including a vehicle extrication and a live fire and sprinkler side-by-side burn demonstration. According to the Brentwood Fire Department, the side-by-side demo was definitely the highlight of the event, providing a “wow” factor for both the citizens and the emergency response personnel.

The “Bringing Safety Home” award will recognize a fire chief who uses HFSC’s educational materials and NFPA’s FireSprinklerInitiative.org resources as a key part of a program to educate and ensure that decision-makers have information to upgrade or pass new residential fire sprinkler legislation at the local level.

The award will be presented by IAFC’s Fire and Life Safety Section at the 2011 Fire Rescue International in Atlanta. Last year, Chief Timothy Solobay of Cannonsburg (PA) Volunteer Fire Department was the first recipient of the “Bringing Safety Home” award. He was recognized for the role he played to educate decision-makers in his area and state. As a state representative, Solbay’s efforts contributed to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to adopt the 2009 International Residential Code requiring fire sprinkler systems in all townhomes and new one- and two-family homes.

For 15 years, HFSC has developed and provided the fire service with non-commercial, turnkey educational materials designed to provide consumers, homebuilders, the media and others with the facts about the life-saving value of installing fire sprinkler systems in new homes. HFSC’s mission is solely educational and its materials are available to all, at no cost.

The Fire Sprinkler Initiative is a grassroots effort of the nonprofit National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). The Initiative strives to ensure that decision-makers have the technical and practical information they need to understand and communicate the importance of home fire sprinkler legislation. The Initiative also supports individuals, agencies and organizations working for the adoption of local sprinkler ordinances and model codes.

Applications are due July 29, 2011. IAFC Members may submit their nomination online at http://www.firesprinklerinitiative.org/Take-Action/Safety-Award.aspx

HFSC’s course is also approved by the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) and the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA); nine other organizations also offer credit.

“We are pleased to see continuing support for the homebuilding industry’s growing interest in the important topic of home fire sprinkler protection,” says HFSC Board Chair Gary Keith.

HFSC developed and sponsors the free course as part of its diverse efforts to assist the broader homebuilding community with neutral information about installing sprinklers in new houses. HFSC also engages the industry with an annual exhibit at the International Builders Show and 50+ Housing Council, and devotes a third of the HFSC Web presence to free homebuilder materials.

“The need for factual, non-commercial information about fire sprinkler water supply, installation and maintenance is greater now than ever. This course helps architects, developers and homebuilders understand the basics while learning about the environmental benefits of installing home fire sprinklers,” Keith adds.

The free, one-hour course qualifies for a wide range of continuing education credits. To access the free course, link from HFSC’s website at www.HomeFireSprinkler.org or directly through the AEC Daily website at http://www.aecdaily.com/en/1625773.

With a focus on new construction of one- and two-family dwellings, the comprehensive course includes an overview of home fire sprinkler operation and life-safety benefits, as well as installation in accordance with national standards. Discussion sections include cost-assessment research and “green” factors associated with installed fire sprinkler systems.

The nonprofit Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition (HFSC) is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization and the leading resource for independent, noncommercial information about residential fire sprinklers.

Peg Paul, communications manager for HFSC and Gary Keith, president of the HFSC Board of Directors NFPA vice president of field operations presented the award to Chief Solobay at Fire-Rescue International, in Chicago. The presentation took place during the Fire and Life Safety Section meeting.

A lifelong resident of Canonsburg, Chief Solobay is no stranger to public service. He has been a volunteer with the Fire Department since 1978 and was a state constable from 1982-1998. He was elected State Representative of Washington County’s 48th Legislative District in 1998, where he continues to serve. He is Chairman of the Firefighter’s Caucus, among numerous legislative activities, and remains active on several local boards.

The Bringing Safety Home Award will be given annually to fire chiefs nominated by IAFC members for their outstanding local efforts to increase the installation of residential fire sprinkler systems.

“We are very pleased that the inaugural Bringing Safety Home Award goes to a fire chief who has demonstrated such a longstanding personal commitment to increased home fire sprinkler protection,” says Keith, speaking on behalf of both HFSC and NFPA. “I wish every community had the benefit of a sprinkler advocate as knowledgeable, resourceful and committed as Chief Solobay.”

Chief Joe Pierce, president of the IAFC Fire and Life Safety Section, Gary Keith, Chief Timothy Solobay and Peg Paul following the award presentation.

Carried out at FM Global’s state-of-the-art testing center at its Research Campus in West Glocester, R.I., the study compared the consequences of the two fires and documented virtually every aspect of their environmental impact. In addition to the dramatic reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, the findings showed that sprinklers reduce the amount of water pollution released into the environment, reduce fire damage by up to 97 percent, and reduce water usage to fight a home fire by as much as 91 percent.

“HFSC is indebted to FM Global for their important role in funding and implementing this groundbreaking sprinkler research project,” says HFSC Chair Gary S. Keith.  “These new scientific findings round out the facts we’ve known for decades about home fire sprinklers – that they save lives, prevent injuries and protect property and possessions.  Now we know with scientific certainty that sprinkler technology also offers valuable environmental benefits.  This new information will be a boon to fire departments that include sprinkler education in their local fire safety outreach.”

The report, “The Environmental Impact of Automatic Fire Sprinklers,” is authored by Christopher J. Wieczorek and Benjamin Ditch.  A copy of the report is available at  FM Global Reports Click here to view the 3:46 video or read the news release. # # #

Peg Paul talks with Philip H. Chang, MD UC Davis Clinical Fellow, Burn Surgery at the 2010 American Burn Association Meeting

Since 1996 the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition has been spreading the word about the life saving benefits of residential fire sprinklers. As the HFSC Communications Manager I’ve had the chance to meet and work with fire sprinkler advocates across the country that have developed many innovative approaches to educating their communities about fire safety. It has often been difficult for them to share their successes with other departments so HFSC has developed the BUILT FOR LIFE™ Fire Department program. The program recognizes efforts of departments across America to make fire sprinklers part of their fire safety education programs and provides a wide array of free resources.

Now we are introducing The Solution Fire Service Blog. It will help us get information to the fire service community faster and allow members to share their stories. We hope that you will post comments frequently and share what has worked, what has not and what you think.

Thanks
Peg Paul
HFSC Communications Manager

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Here’s your chance to kick things off. What has been the most effective thing you’ve done in your community to educate people about home fire sprinklers?

Amy Acton and HFSC Chair Gary Keith at the 2010 American Burn Association meeting.

When did you retrofit your own home with sprinklers?

Once I started learning about fire sprinklers a few years ago and advocating for them it just felt wrong and dangerous not to have them in my own home. I retrofitted my home in November last year and it is the best feeling to look up to see those sprinkler heads! I did a little jig when the first one was placed. Since they have been installed I walk out of the house on many occasions and think to myself “I am much more comfortable leaving my kids at home with this added protection.” Even though they are very aware of fire prevention since they have grown up with me, I have seen too many times the unexpected happen and it changes lives forever. It has added a real peace of mind because I do see the impact of fire in my daily work at the Phoenix Society.

What led you to join HFSC?

I was honored to be asked to join the HFSC Board. I have used many of the resources and believe the organization is key in helping to make our homes safer from fire. I particularly value HFSC’s philosophy of building partnerships to accomplish this common goal. HFSC is a natural partner for the Phoenix Society.

Beyond the general category of fire safety, do you see an advocacy connection between the Phoenix Society and HFSC?

I believe the burn survivor community is anxious to join with the HFSC and others to help educate the general public about the benefits of fire sprinklers.

What do you hope to accomplish through your board work for HFSC?

The goal of participating on the board of the HFSC is to build strong relationships with organizations that believe that by working together we can prevent families from experiencing a traumatic loss from fire. I believe as a survivor organization we are the reminder of “why” we must all continue to work hard to reach the goal of having all homes built with fire sprinklers. Sometimes it is helpful to have that reminder at the table to keep us focused on these goals and add the personal perspective to prevention.

Do you aspire to any personal goals with regard to public safety?

I hope in my lifetime all new homes will be built with fire sprinklers, so we can drastically decrease the number of families impacted by home fires. Personally I will work hard to always have my family live in a home with fire sprinklers.

If you had the opportunity to tell homebuilders, in particular, why you believe they should offer sprinklers in the homes they build, what would you say?

If I could help them understand the unpredictability of fire and that any inconvenience it would be for them to add sprinklers to their building process would vanish from their minds when a sprinkler saves a whole family from death or injury. If we could gather everyone who had experienced the devastation of a house fire last year in one place the enormity of the fire problem would be realized. This loss is real and our communities would not allow another home to be built without a fire sprinkler if they understood this.

The Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors is the leading national nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering anyone affected by a burn injury through peer support, education, and advocacy.

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If you have worked with burn survivors or community members affected by fires as part of your public education programs, please share your stories with us.