NFPA Definition

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is an international nonprofit organization. Its mission is "to reduce the worldwide burden of fire and other hazards on the quality of life by providing and advocating consensus codes and standards, research, training, and education."

NFPA advocates fire prevention and acts as an authority on public safety. The organization creates, publishes and communicates standards for reducing fires and limiting fire damage, along with other safety issues. It has more than 75,000 members throughout the world.

History

• NFPA was founded in 1896. The organization was born in the U.S., then a fast-evolving industrial nation. Electricity was emerging as a source of power, but it was a safety problem as people were just learning about electricity's dangers. As more businesses employed electricity, fire protection became an important topic. Later, sprinkler systems were introduced, raising further questions about electricity, fire and safety. Installation and safety measures were established by various entities, with no consistent standards of safety. NFPA was born out of a need to establish a national, and later international, set of standards.

Established Codes

• As of July 2010, NFPA had established more than 300 standards and codes. Its goal is to set the criteria for "building, processing, design, service and installation in the United States and other countries." Codes begin as proposals. NFPA volunteer experts vote on them and make changes as necessary. The codes are accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). NFPA standards include codes for fire safety in new and existing buildings, electric and gas installation procedures, and for the protection of building occupants from smoke, toxic fumes and fire.

Public Education

• NFPA is dedicated to educating people to protect lives. Its awareness programs include: Fire Prevention Week; Remembering When (regarding injuries and deaths among older adults); and Risk Watch, which focuses on the causes of injuries and death among children due to fire and smoke. NFPA has many activities associated with its mascot, Sparky the Fire Dog.

Campaigns

• NFPA is involved in fire and safety awareness campaigns such as the "Fire Sprinkler Initiative, Bringing Safety Home," the "Coalition for Fire-Safe Cigarettes" and the "Alliance to Stop Consumer Fireworks."

Teaching

• NFPA presents many seminars and certification classes, including "Fire Protection Specialist," "Fire Inspector" and "Fire Plan Examiner." It also creates many guides and texts for first responders and firefighters.