The NFPA Podcast

Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell, who was appointed as the US fire administrator in October, joins The NFPA Podcast to discuss her priorities for the US Fire Administration in 2022 and beyond—from the need to focus on first responder health and safety to the need to better train our nation's firefighters on a wide range of emerging hazards. LINKS: Watch Moore-Merrell, NFPA President Jim Pauley, and others discuss last month's tragic fires in the Bronx and Philadelphia: https://nfpa.org/er-track Learn more about the US Fire Administration: https://www.usfa.fema.gov/ If you have questions, feedback, suggestions, or just want to say hello, you can reach The NFPA Podcast at [email protected]

In early January, two of the deadliest residential fires of the past 40 years in the US happened just days apart in Philadelphia and the Bronx. A total of 29 people died, including more than a dozen children. On today's podcast, we look at the factors that led to such a tragic loss of life (0:52) and ask what we might learn from these incidents. NFPA experts on codes, firefighting, fire investigations, and public safety education, share their observations and takeaways from the Bronx and Philadelphia blazes, and consider what changes could come as a result. Interviews: Kristen Bigda and Bob Duval (6:41) Andrea Vastis: (34:47) LINKS: Nfpa.org/education Sparky.org If you have questions, feedback, suggestions, or just want to say hello, you can reach The NFPA Podcast at [email protected]

January is National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. In today's episode of The NFPA Podcast, we revisit an interview NFPA Journal Executive Editor Scott Sutherland conducted with Jeremy Inglis in October. Inglis, a Canadian fire chief, discusses how firefighters, building inspectors, and others can learn to better identify and help prevent human trafficking. LINKS: Read the NFPA Journal feature article and explore resources on human trafficking prevention: https://www.nfpa.org/plainsight If you have questions, feedback, suggestions, or just want to say hello, you can reach The NFPA Podcast at [email protected]

Two important figures in the US Fire Service, Russ Sanders and Gregory Cade, have announced they will be retiring at the end of 2021 after a combined 105 years of service to the fire profession. In today's Part 2, we talk to Greg Cade, who rose from a volunteer firefighter to big city fire chief, and eventually to US Fire Administrator, the top-ranking fire officer in the nation. Cade has also served in leadership roles at the International Association of Firefighters and at NFPA. He shares his thoughts on the plight of the US volunteer fire service, why leaders can never stop learning, and what it's like to have Secret Service agents knocking on your door. Links: Part 1: Russ Sanders If you have questions, feedback, suggestions, or just want to say hello, you can reach The NFPA Podcast at [email protected]

Two important figures in the US Fire Service, Russ Sanders and Gregory Cade, have announced they will be retiring at the end of 2021 after a combined 105 years of service to the fire profession. In today's Part 1, we talk to Russ Sanders, who has helped guide the influential Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association for the last 26 years. Before that, Sanders was a firefighter at the Louisville (Kentucky) Division of Fire for 27 years, including nearly a decade as its chief. He shares his thoughts on leadership, how the fire service has evolved since he started his career in 1967, and the challenges and opportunities he sees for the profession's next generation of leaders. Links: Nfpa.org/metro_uff If you have questions, feedback, suggestions, or just want to say hello, you can reach The NFPA Podcast at [email protected]

A significant effort is underway to combine and consolidate dozens of NFPA emergency response standards; the aim is to streamline the number of documents that departments need to consult on a given topic. In this episode, we talk to the leaders of the consolidation project (1:08) to learn how and why it's happening, and how it will improve the lives of those who use the codes. Then, (10:02) we talk to the chair of the newly consolidated document, NFPA 470, Hazardous Materials/Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) Standard for Responders, to learn how three standards were merged into one, how NFPA standards are created in the first place, and why it's critical for the fire service to engage in the process. Links: nfpa.org/errs nfpa.org/process Read an NFPA Journal article on the Emergency Response and Responder Safety Consolidation Project

When the Richard Spring Fire tore through southwestern Montana in August, Clint McRae, a 4th generation Montana cattle rancher, feared he'd lose not only his home, but possibly hundreds of animals and the vital grasslands they depend on for survival. On the podcast, McRae talks about that fire, his role as first responder on his property, and the desperate strategies he and other ranchers use to try and keep their cattle alive as fire approaches (1:17). Then, we speak to Michele Steinberg (20:15), the director of the Wildfire Division at NFPA, about the 2021 wildfire season, and the significant efforts underway to reverse the destructive trends we've seen from wildfire over the last five years—a situation Steinberg calls a "rolling disaster." Links: Nfpa.org/outthinkwildfire Nfpa.org/firewise

An estimated 1 billion people worldwide currently live in informal settlements, including slums and shantytowns. Experts believe that number could double or even triple over the next 30 years. In today's episode, Professor Richard Walls of South Africa's Stellenbosch University discusses his research on the fire problem in informal settlements and some of the proposed solutions to address the problem. The cover story for the Winter 2021 issue of NFPA Journal will examine how global urbanization trends are expected to impact urban fire safety challenges—including informal settlement fires; building construction, inspections, and code compliance; and more—in the coming decades. Links: Watch the full version of the short film heard at 3:23: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-z5SkDZtA3U

The theme to this year's Fire Prevention Week is "Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety," but what if you can't hear, or have a mobility issue that makes it difficult evacuate? For the estimated 1 billion people with disabilities worldwide, being notified of a fire and getting out of a building in an emergency often requires much more preplanning. Mark Larson, a former Idaho state fire marshal who has become an advocate and consultant for the National Disability Rights Network, explains common misconceptions about the disability community, why it is important for safety agencies to plan with rather than for people with disabilities, and how the fire service and disability community can better work together (1:05). To learn more and find contacts, visit the National Disability Rights Network Fire Protection Research Foundation report, "Review of Alarm Technologies for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Populations." Fire Prevention Week tip sheet, Safety for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

In 2019, a massive explosion rocked an energy storage facility in Surprise, Arizona, sending four firefighters to the hospital. With ever more powerful energy storage systems, or ESS, being installed across the world, researchers, firefighters, and manufacturers immediately understood that Surprise could be a seminal moment for the safety of this emerging technology. Today on the podcast, we go over the details of the incident with the fire chief of the responding Peoria (Arizona) Fire-Medical Department (2:05). Then, we speak to the authors of an extensive UL report on the Surprise ESS explosion about lessons learned, and what advancements in research, training, and technology need to occur to ensure that firefighters are safe during future ESS incidents (16:11). Links: On October 5, NFPA is hosting a workshop titled "Keeping Hazardous Environments Safe,"which will include a detailed discussion about the Surprise battery explosion with those who were directly involved. To learn more and to register, visit:nfpa.org/conferenceseries. Read a detailed NFPA Journal feature story on the Surprise incident Read the UL after-incident report, "Four Firefighters Injured in Lithium-ion Battery Energy Storage System Explosion – Arizona."

It's hard to believe that the September 11 terrorist attacks happened 20 years ago this month. Of the nearly 3,000 people killed at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and in rural Pennsylvania, more that 400 were emergency responders, including 343 firefighters. On today's podcast, we consider how that day forever changed the US fire service. First, we'll look at the dedicated responder network FirstNet and how incident communications have been revolutionized since 9/11(1:02). Then, we'll talk to two national leaders in the US fire service, who reflect on their own experiences in the aftermath of the attacks and tell us what they think are 9/11's lasting legacies (23:44).

As the flying taxi industry readies for takeoff, critical fire, electrical, and life safety questions remain about the ground infrastructure needed to make commercial use of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft a reality. On today's episode, we discuss how NFPA is working to answer those questions with Rex Alexander, a veteran helicopter pilot and technical committee member for NFPA 418, Standard for Heliports. LINKS Read more from NFPA Journal: https://www.nfpa.org/takeoff

When home fire sprinklers are present, residents are 80 percent more likely to survive a fire, and yet they are installed in only a fraction of new homes. For the past 25 years, a group called the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition has worked to increase sprinkler use in North America, despite fierce opposition from various home builders. On today's podcast, we talk to the president of HFSC about its successes, the ongoing challenges, and new strategies for getting fire sprinklers installed in more new homes (1:38). In the second segment, we talk to the director of the NFPA Fire & Life Safety Policy Institute about a free new online tool that aims to help communities assess their safety ecosystem, and correct safety gaps before they lead to bigger problems (30:37). Links: homefiresprinkler.org nfpa.org/sprinklers nfpa.org/ecosystemtool

For much of the past year, NFPA researchers have been working on a gigantic project to collect and analyze the last four decades of residential fire statistics in the United States. While they found that fires and fire deaths have been cut in half since 1980, there are some aspects of the fire problem are actually worse now than 40 years ago. On this podcast, we talk to researcher Birgitte Messerschmidt about the successes, what these numbers tell us about fire in the US, and why some major challenges linger despite our best efforts. Links: Read the full report: nfpa.org/fireprogress

Safety departments are awash with valuable community data, but figuring out how to use this mountain of information can be daunting. We talk to former Philadelphia Fire Commissioner Derrick Sawyer, one of the leading experts on Community Risk Reduction, about how fire departments can better use their data to create impactful programs to reduce risk. He also discusses a new digital tool out this month to help departments make sense of CRR. ALSO: A full day virtual workshop called, "Community Risk Reduction: Insights to Action," takes place July 20, as part of NFPA's 125th Anniversary Conference Series. To see a list of presentations and to register, visit nfpa.org/CRR-track.

Last week was the four-year anniversary of London's deadly Grenfell Tower fire. In today's episode we interview Kate Lamble, host and producer of a BBC podcast that for the past three years has followed the United Kingdom's government investigation into the fire, which killed 72 people. Plus, a conversation with NFPA researcher Birgitte Messerschmidt on the risk of facade fires globally and what resources NFPA has to offer. Links: Listen to the BBC's Grenfell Tower Inquiry Podcast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p066rd9t/episodes/downloads Explore NFPA resources related to facade fires: http://www.nfpa.org/exteriorwalls

In the United States, there's a fire in a building under construction or renovation every hour and a half, according to NFPA data. Today on the podcast, Angelo speaks with Kevin Carr (4:15), NFPA staff liaison to NFPA 241, Standard for Safeguarding Construction, Alteration, and Demolition Operations, to learn more about construction site fires and how to prevent them. Plus, a safety executive with a large Maryland-based construction company and the chair of the NFPA 241 technical committee weigh in on why they think NFPA 241 is underutilized and how that could change (22:24). Links: Read more about the 2022 edition of NFPA 241 and NFPA trainings related to construction site fire safety: https://www.nfpa.org/safetyfirst

There are nearly 2,000 fires in recreational vehicles per year, according to a recent report from the Fire Protection Research Foundation; meanwhile, RV use in North America hit an all-time high in 2020 due in part to the COVID-19 pandemic. On this episode, we talk to Doug Mulvaney, a director at Kampgrounds of America, and the chair of NFPA 1192, Standard for Recreational Vehicles, about what these trends mean, what the new Foundation report reveals, and how RV users can help prevent fire incidents (1:37). Then, we offer a primer on how to inspect your grill for gas leaks to ensure it's safe and ready to go for the summer season (26:57). Links: View the NFPA Journal article and the Foundation report: nfpa.org/rvs nfpa.org/1192

May is National Electrical Safety Month. Today on the podcast, Derek talks to Electrical Safety Foundation International President Brett Brenner (3:01) about what the data says on who most often experiences electrical injuries and how, as well as electrical safety considerations in the age of electric vehicles and smart home technology. Plus, a conversation with NEC Correlating Committee Chair Larry Ayer (31:45) about how terminology remains consistent and coherent in the NEC. On May 18, NFPA hosts a daylong conference on electrical safety. Learn more at nfpa.org/conferenceseries.

Today on the podcast, we look at how fire and life safety messaging is developed and spread. Who creates these important messages about cooking, candles, and changing the batteries in your fire alarms? How is the guidance updated as new information arrives and new threats emerge? First, Robby talks to Kelly Ransdell (2:05), the NFPA staff liaison of the group responsible for crafting and updating safety messaging. Then he and Kelly speak to a representative from the NFPA Public Education Network about how these messages are spread to states and local communities (25:20). Links: nfpa.org/publiceducation

More than a year after the COVID-19 virus closed buildings around the world, many large facilities are preparing to reopen in the coming months, including universities, gyms, theaters, and office buildings. It's a unique situation, perhaps unprecedented, to have so many facilities all coming back to life at the same time after such a long hiatus. On today's podcast, we speak to fire protection engineer and code expert Bill Koffel about what the reopening looks like from a fire and life safety perspective, as well as the many ways that the pandemic may permanently alter safety standards and our built environment. Links: Nfpa.org/coronavirus csemag.com/articles/nfpa-101-and-covid-19/

In recent years, new insights into how structural fires behave have led to some of the most significant tactical changes the fire service has seen in decades. All of these lessons have been collected in a new document, NFPA 1700, Guide to Structural Fire Fighting, which was published last fall. Today on the podcast, we talk to the two researchers who are perhaps most responsible for our current understanding of structural fire dynamics: Dan Madrzykowski and Stephen Kerber, both of the UL Firefighter Safety Research Institute. They discuss what their extensive research has revealed and how this knowledge has been collected and distilled into the new NFPA 1700. Note: Later in March, look for free training on NFPA 1700 at nfpa.org/1700news. In April, look for a new NFPA Journal article on this topic at nfpa.org/journal. To read past coverage on this work, visit nfpa.org/firetactics. Links: nfpa.org/1700 nfpa.org/firetactics nfpa.org/conference ulfirefightersafety.org

As cannabis legalization expands, hundreds of grow and processing facilities have emerged across North America in recent years, introducing a variety of new equipment and unfamiliar processes that regulators have had little time to prepare for. Today on the podcast, we talk to Chris Witherell, a Colorado-based engineer and a leading expert on marijuana extraction equipment. His company has conducted thousands of inspections of cannabis processing facilities, giving Witherell unique insights about the state of safety in the industry and why regulating it can be such a challenge. ALSO: Should NFPA pursue a new standard on cannabis grow and processing facilities? Public comment on a new standard proposal is being accepted here through March 31. Links: nfpa.org/cannabis nfpa.org/cannabisfiresafety

On February 23, NFPA unveiled a new initiative called Outthink Wildfire, a comprehensive strategy that challenges policymakers on all levels to take action to reduce loss from wildfire. Its ambitious goal is the complete elimination of community wildfire loss in the United States by the year 2050. What prompted NFPA to take this big step? How will it go about achieving it? What will it take to make this goal attainable? NFPA CEO and President Jim Pauley stops by the podcast to answer those pressing questions and many others. Learn more about Outthink Wildfire at nfpa.org/Outthinkwildfire.

Across the world, dozens of people each day suffer injuries from electrical hazards such as shocks and arc flashes. Survivors of these incidents list a range of devastating symptoms, from burns and chronic pain, to insomnia, muscle spasms, depression, and various other mental health issues. Many of the full effects of these injuries are still not fully understood. Today on the podcast, our electrical expert Derek speaks with three renowned doctors from the Chicago Electrical Trauma Rehabilitation Institute about what a powerful shock can do to the human body, the treatments available, and how our understanding of these injuries is evolving. Links: Nfpa.org/facesoffire Nfpa.org/electricalsolutions/70e Cetri.org

As building systems become smarter and more interconnected, cybercriminals are increasingly using them as an entry point to launch cyberattacks against businesses, hospitals, and other organizations. Potentially vulnerable targets include fire alarm systems, security systems, HVAC systems, fire sprinklers, elevators, and dozens of others. On today's podcast, Jesse talks to Tyler Robinson, an ethical hacker who has infiltrated all of these systems, to learn why these devices are becoming such a popular target for criminals, and what you should be doing right now to protect yourself. Look for the NFPA Journal cover story on cybersecurity and building systems, out this February at nfpa.org/cybersecurity

There are more than 90,000 female firefighters in the United States, and nearly all of them wear personal protective equipment that was designed for a man. Not surprisingly, many women report that their gear doesn't fit, which can lead to injuries and discourage women from entering the fire service. On today's podcast, Angelo talks to a researcher who is studying how ill-fitting PPE impacts female firefighters, as well as the prospect for developing a female-specific turnout suit (1:15). Then, Robby speaks with a fire captain in Michigan about her first-hand experience with the problems caused by ill-fitting gear (15:02). Links: nfpa.org/journal nfpa.org/foundation

In response to growing concerns about PTSD and suicide among firefighters, the University of Illinois Fire Service Institute created the First Responder Resiliency Program in 2016. The goal is to prepare firefighters for the mental health challenges they face on the job, and to educate them on healthy ways to recover and grow, including asking for help when needed. At least 10,000 first responders have gone through the training, which has expanded over the years to include a four-hour course offered for free across the state. In this episode, Robby talks to the program leaders to learn how it works, the impact it's had, and tips for firefighters and agencies looking to break the stigma attached to mental health issues in the fire service. LINKS IFSI Resiliency Program: https://www.fsi.illinois.edu/content/courses/programs/resiliency/ NFPA Journal articles on first responder behavioral health: https://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Publications-and-media/NFPA-Journal/2019/January-February-2019/Columns/First-Responder https://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Publications-and-media/NFPA-Journal/2019/January-February-2019/Features/The-Toll-of-Violence https://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Publications-and-media/NFPA-Journal/2018/May-June-2018/POV/Perspectives https://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Publications-and-media/NFPA-Journal/2014/May-June-2014/Features/Special-report-Firefighter-behavioral-health

In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has forced organizations across the world to rethink how they operate, and NFPA is no exception. Sometimes these unplanned experiments have led to new insights and new efficiencies. In this episode, we look at the ways that the pandemic has impacted the NFPA standards development and revision process, and what's been learned along the way (1:01). Then, we take a look at the ongoing evolution of NFPA's fast-growing training programs, and how the pandemic has sped up advancements in online learning (30:29). Links: www.nfpa.org/process www.nfpa.org/regs www.nfpa.org/training

Shockingly, cooking fires now kill more people on average per year in the US than they did in the 1980s. As Thanksgiving approaches—the day with by far the most incidents—we take a look at the growing problem of cooking fires. First, Jesse talks to NFPA communications manager Susan McKelvey about the causes of cooking fires (0:55), why the problem seems to be getting worse, and resources available for educators to turn the trend around. After that, we explore the science behind the viral videos of turkey-fryer fireballs, and why this popular cooking method can be so dangerous (24:07). Links: Dangers of Turkey Fryers Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjUynq0HXdQ NFPA cooking fire resources: www.nfpa.org/cooking www.nfpa.org/fpw NFPA Journal article on new UL smoke detector standards: https://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Publications-and-media/NFPA-Journal/2018/March-April-2018/Features/UL-Smoke-alarm

Community Risk Reduction (CRR) is a term that has popped up everywhere in recent years, from fire departments to federal grants, at conferences, and even in the new standard NFPA 1300. On today's podcast, Jesse talks to NFPA CRR Strategist Karen Berard-Reed (2:20) about a new dashboard that NFPA has created to help fire departments develop CRR programs. Then, (16:16), Robby talks with leaders at two fire departments about their experiences using the CRR dashboard and how departments can sign up to participate in Phase 2 of the pilot program.

Various studies have shown that firefighters are more likely to contract and die from certain types of cancer than the general public. On today's podcast we look at several initiatives underway to better understand the problem and educate first responders. First, (2:52) Robby talks to officials from Florida about statewide efforts to reduce cancer rates among firefighters. Then, (50:07) Jesse checks in with an update on the largest research project now underway to understand the link between firefighting and cancer, the National Firefighter Registry.

Deadly gas explosions have occurred in Maine, Maryland, and Massachusetts in recent years. A new standard being developed by NFPA aims to address the problem. Angelo kicks off the episode with a story about one recent incident in a small town in Maine, before interviewing the technical committee chair for the new standard, NFPA 715 (6:30), as well as one researcher whose work will heavily inform the document (26:00). Lastly, Derek Vigstol hosts a segment on reconditioned equipment and the NEC (37:45). Public input on NFPA 715 ends October 15. Go to nfpa.org/715 to submit input and learn more about the standard.

With historic and destructive wildfires spanning the globe from Oregon to the Amazon in 2020, experts in a range of fields are coming together to figure out what can be done to save people and property. In the first segment (2:35), Jesse takes us to a one-of-a-kind wildfire symposium where academics, insurers, tech entrepreneurs, firefighters and others brainstorm how to reverse the surge of wildfire destruction. Then, Angelo talks to the wildfire coordinator for the city of Missoula, Montana about his efforts and why jobs like his are becoming essential for communities (32:52). Lastly, we debut a periodic segment looking at some of the key revisions in the 2020 National Electrical Code·. In this installment, host Derek Vigstol chats with an expert from NEC Code Making Panel 2 about recent changes to requirements for Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters, or GFCIs (55:11). For more resources on how to plan and prepare for wildfire, visit nfpa.org/wildfire. For more on the complex issue of wildfire and development, read the NFPA Journal cover story "Build. Burn. Repeat?" at nfpa.org/buildburnrepeat.

Set for release on September 21, NFPA LiNK™ reinvents the experience of using NFPA codes and standards—and sets the stage for the organization's future as a hub of digital information and knowledge. But what exactly is NFPA LiNK and how did it come to be? In this episode of The NFPA Podcast, Angelo interviews an NFPA staffer who helped develop the new tool (4:10) as well as an electrical contractor who's excited to start using it (22:08). Plus, to close the episode, NFPA's director of public education discusses Fire Prevention Week 2020 (30:00).

With the peak of hurricane and wildfire seasons upon us, government agencies and aid organizations will need to shelter potentially thousands of storm and fire evacuees. How will they do it without spreading the COVID-19 virus? How will they keep key emergency workers healthy? In today's episode, host Jesse Roman talks with Luke Beckman, a director at the Red Cross Pacific Division, to learn how the organization revamped its response plans and operations ahead of the massive wildfires now striking Northern California (3:32). Then, Robby Dawson talks with Anna McRay, an emergency manager in North Carolina, about how her county prepared for and responded to Hurricane Isaias in August (31:08). Both McRay and Beckman share lessons learned from responding to these incidents during the pandemic—including several new strategies that will likely stay even after the pandemic is over.

Many things went wrong to cause the deadly explosion in Beirut, Lebanon. In this episode of The NFPA Podcast, we examine some of the factors that may have led to the blast, from the improper storage of ammonium nitrate to unpermitted hot work. Angelo kicks off the episode with a conversation with Guy Colonna, a hazardous materials expert at NFPA, to discuss ammonium nitrate safety (2:20). Then, he speaks with Anas Alzaid, NFPA's representative to the Middle East, to discuss industrial safety in the region (17:50), before closing the episode with a chat with Laura Moreno, an NFPA engineer, to discuss hot work safety (36:25).

From inaccurate pop culture references to homebuilders warning of astronomical costs, there are a lot of residential fire sprinklers myths out there. In this episode of The NFPA Podcast, we debunk some of those myths as we hear from a former fire chief who chose to retrofit his home with sprinklers. Angelo kicks off the episode with an overview of the importance of home fire sprinklers as well as an update on residential sprinkler incentives (1:17), before Robby takes over with his interview of a former fire chief who retrofitted his home with sprinklers and the installers who worked on that project (2:38). Plus, in sticking with the residential theme but moving away from sprinklers, Derek examines how new NEC requirements will impact residential electrical contractors (35:40).

As it has with every industry, coronavirus has upended the world of safety inspections—but in this case there might actually be some good news! With communities across the world social distancing, remote video inspections (known as RVI) have taken off dramatically, and building departments are seeing unexpected benefits. Jesse starts off the show with an overview of RVI and some reasons why it's suddenly so popular. Next, he talks to Jim Muir, a building official in Washington State who some consider the inventor of RVI, about its benefits and challenges, a proposed NFPA standard on the topic, and how RVI could change the industry for the better (5:18). Then, Derek talks to an electrical inspector in Connecticut to learn how he created and launched a new RVI program at his building department in less than a week, and why he plans to continue it even after things return to normal (42:31). For much more info on remote video inspections, visit nfpa.org/rvi, and read the new feature in NFPA Journal "Are You Seeing This?" at nfpa.org/journal.

The worldwide battery market is expected to grow by over 12 percent in the next five years. From hoverboards to electric cars to energy storage systems (ESS), mankind is increasingly relying on battery power. But what are the risks? In this episode of The NFPA Podcast, we examine the science behind and fire safety risks involved with using lithium-ion batteries on both a small and large scale. Host Angelo Verzoni kicks off the episode with a brief overview of ESS and NFPA 855 (3:06). Then, Derek dives a bit deeper into the technology, while touching on the electrical safety implications (5:05), before Robby interviews a guest who discusses the first responder experience with batteries (24:50).

In the very first episode of The NFPA Podcast, we explore the fast-growing and rapidly evolving legal cannabis industry. In the first segment, Jesse talks to NFPA Field Director Ray Bizal about what he's learned from touring numerous marijuana facilities, and what fire departments and inspectors should know (4:20). Then, Robby talks with top fire officials in Colorado and Utah about the growing pains and lessons learned from regulating this budding industry (20:12). Finally, Derek chats with Bobby Gray, past chair of NEC Code Making Panel 18, about how large cannabis grow facilities have influenced what the NEC says about indoor horticultural lighting (47:26). For videos, articles, tip sheets, and lots more important information about regulating the legal cannabis industry, visit nfpa.org/cannabis.

In light of the recent civil unrest and mass protests in Minneapolis, we thought it was a good time to revisit this episode from 2016. In this re-released episode, we hear from Jeffrey Segal, assistant chief of the Baltimore Fire Department, and Matt LaVanchy of the Pattonville, Missouri Fire District near Ferguson, Missouri, about their recent experiences dealing with extreme cases of civil unrest. RELATED: Read a white paper on civil unrest from the 2015 Urban Fire Forum: https://www.nfpa.org/-/media/Files/Membership/member-sections/Metro-Chiefs/Urban-Fire-Forum/2016/2016UFFCivilUnrestWhitePaper.ashx

As the coronavirus pandemic kills scores, many of them part of vulnerable populations like the elderly, community risk reduction (CRR) efforts are taking center stage. In this episode, we hear from NFPA's CRR experts Karen Berard-Reed and Chelsea Rubadou on the community-wide implications of COVID-19 both now and into the future.

This week, the NFPA Journal Podcast looks at crisis standards of care (CSC). The coronavirus pandemic has forced first response agencies and health care workers across the world to alter their normal standards and protocols for operation in order to handle the huge surge in sick patients. We hear from experts on how CSC are developed, what the legal implications and challenges to employing them are, and some examples of how CSC are being used by EMS professionals, fire departments, and hospitals right now.

This week, NFPA Journal editor Jesse Roman talks to Pieter Maes, a firefighter/EMT in Brussels, Belgium, about the extraordinary steps emergency responders in this European capitol are taking to prepare for the onslaught of the coronavirus pandemic. The crisis has forced Maes' department to find creative solutions to many difficult questions related to the COVID-19 outbreak—the same challenges departments across the world are now facing. To help, Maes has created a website, covidfirstresponse.com, where responders everywhere can submit various strategies for how they are handling aspects of the crisis. This crowd-sourced material includes instructions for how to 3D print face masks, sewing patterns for homemade masks, scientifically-backed strategies for effectively decontaminating equipment, and much more.

As the health care system in the United States braces for a surge in patients sickened by COVID-19, the NFPA Journal® Podcast speaks with experts on how this issue will be addressed, from the creation of mobile field hospitals to putting inspections on hold for codes like NFPA 99, Health Care Facilities Code, and NFPA 101®, Life Safety Code®. Listen to an earlier podcast on responder safety during the coronavirus pandemic here: https://nfpa.libsyn.com/responder-safety-in-a-pandemic

As the COVID-19 coronavirus sweeps the globe, the NFPA Journal Podcast speaks with leading first responder experts on the precautions they can take to stay safe, such as incorporating masks into their PPE. Contact Angelo Verzoni at [email protected] and Jesse Roman at [email protected].

Americans living in rural areas are statistically older, sicker, and poorer than the general population. Compounding those factors is a lack of access to health care. Now, many are at high risk of losing emergency medical services, too. This episode of the NFPA Journal® Podcast takes a deeper look into this crisis.

The United States has eradicated hospital fire deaths. Why can't other countries? We're bringing you the NFPA Journal® podcast a week early this month and diving into the complicated topic of international hospital fires—why they keep occurring with alarming frequency and what's being done to address them.

As we near the 20th anniversary of the Worcester, Massachusetts, cold storage warehouse fire, which killed six firefighters on December 3, 1999, the NFPA Journal Podcast catches up with Matthew Foley, an NFPA research associate who has ties to the deadly blaze and who authored "After Effect"—the cover story of the November/December issue of NFPA Journal on the lasting impact of the fire. Email [email protected] or [email protected] with your thoughts on the NFPA Journal Podcast or to suggest episode ideas!