The NFPA Is a Good Resource for Fire Prevention
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA, www.NFPA.org) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fire safety awareness. The association was formed in 1896 with the mission to “reduce the worldwide burden of fire and other hazards on the quality of life.” This organization regularly holds demonstrations regarding fire safety and its website provides a wealth of information.
Setting Codes and Standards
There are over 300 codes and standards established by the NFPA. These codes and standards are meant to minimize the danger and tragic effects of fires. The codes and standards board is comprised of over 6,000 volunteers. These volunteers establish and vote on all new standards and revisions to existing standards.
Public Safety Education
The NFPA is extremely active in local communities regarding public safety education as it pertains to fire. For instance, the organization has sponsored Fire Prevention Week since 1922. Programs such as Remembering When, Learn Not To Burn, and Risk Watch are also sponsored by the organization. It also tries to make education fun and relevant to children and has used Sparky the Fire Dog as its official mascot as a way to promote education.
Public Advocacy
There are numerous advocacy programs in place that look to the NFPA for guidance. For example, the Coalition for Fire-Safe Cigarettes, which has backed fire-safe cigarette legislation, and the Alliance to Stop Consume Fireworks, which urges citizens to avoid purchasing and using fireworks, are both affiliated with the NFPA.
Educational Resource
One quick glance on the website and you have easy access to virtually every type of educational resource needed in regard to fire safety. The organization has various self-published journals and guides that can be used as a resource as well as links to external sources to provide even more fire safety education. The site is constantly updated with the latest codes and standards for fire prevention and safety.
