Home Fire Sprinkler Day Set for May 19
Advocates say legislative barriers and a "general unawareness of this technology" have prevented fire sprinklers' use in new homes, something Home Fire Sprinkler Day is intended to change.
Calling it a day of action to address North America's home fire problem, the National Fire Protection Association's Fire Sprinkler Initiative and the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition are designating May 19 as Home Fire Sprinkler Day and asking safety advocates to host events that promote home fire sprinklers. According to NFPA, research has proven that home fire sprinklers can cut the risk of dying in a home fire by 80 percent -- a huge improvement, with home fires in the United States killing an average of seven people per day and injuring 13,000 annually.
They say legislative barriers and a "general unawareness of this technology" have prevented fire sprinklers' use in new homes, something Home Fire Sprinkler Day is intended to change.
"The alarming number of home fire deaths and injuries each year should serve as a call to action," said Lorraine Carli, NFPA's vice president of Outreach and Advocacy and the coalition's president. "On Home Fire Sprinkler Day, we hope to illuminate the fire problem and its solution. Taking collective action will send a powerful message that fire sprinklers are widely accepted and must be required in all new homes."
Visit NFPA.org/FireSprinklerDay for more information and a map showing where local events are taking place.