IPEMS News
SPRINKLERS SAVE LIVES
Why is the week of October 9 through 15 designated National Fire Prevention Week? The answer to this burning question goes back to the Great Chicago Fire, an epic tragedy that lit up that city on October 9, 1871. On that day, more than 300 people lost their lives and more than 100,000 people were made homeless. To observe the anniversary of the Great Fire in a meaningful way, an entire week was dedicated to the prevention of fires.
The NFPA (National Fire Prevention Association) takes an active part in the observance of Fire Prevention Week. This year the NFPA has released an updated report with new evidence supporting the value of automatic fire sprinkler systems.
The study found strong evidence that when sprinklers are installed properly and inspected routinely, the chances of a fire causing death were reduced by at least half, compared to locations without sprinkler systems. The report also proved that sprinkler system malfunctions are most often the result of human, rather than mechanical error; the most common cause of sprinkler failure was simply that the system had been turned off.
Most healthcare facilities and high-rise buildings in the U.S. have sprinkler systems installed. The NFPA study shows that the majority of fires still occur in buildings without sprinkler systems. This is especially true in single- and multiple-family homes. Fewer than one percent of reported fires occur in homes equipped with sprinkler systems; fewer than eight percent occur in similarly equipped apartment complexes.
The NFPA has considered recommending that the installation of sprinkler systems be made mandatory in new one- and two-family homes. Currently, sprinkler systems are mandatory in all nursing homes and some other properties.
For additional information on Fire Prevention Week, as well as sprinkler system requirements please visit www.nfpa.org
CMS
Increases Payments and Expands Flexibility For Critical Access Hospitals
In Rural Areas
(1/22/04)
Alaskan
Fire Deaths Continue to Decline in 2003 (1/15/04)
Governor's
Emergency Medical Services Award Announced (11/19/03)
Injury
Surveillance and Prevention announces "EMS has Injury Prevention
in the Bag" program (9/17/03)
Denali
Commission awards $6.85 million to 19 communities for health and social
services projects (9/10/03)
Alaska
Native Medical Center re-verified as Level II Trauma Center
(7/30/03)
CHEMS
distributes 150 Automated External Defibrillators statewide
(7/29/03)
