The National Burglar and Fire Alarm Association’s (NBFAA) Government Relations team and Rep. Michael Arcuri (D-N.Y.) succeeded in their efforts to insert fire/life-safety alarm language into H.R. 3021, the 21st Century Green High-Performing Public School Facilities Act.
The measure directs the United States Secretary of Education to use $6.4 billion in authorized grants to state educational agencies for the modernization, renovation or repair of public school facilities. When the bill first passed through the House Education and Labor Committee, it only mentioned fire and safety standards as one of the areas for grant recipients.
Arcuri and his staff worked along with NBFAA committee members to include a “manager’s amendment” – a last minute change to the final bill before it was approved by the full House.
“These alarms are necessary to alert students, staff and teachers to evacuate a public school facility when an emergency is detected,” says NBFAA President George Gunning. “Professional installers, such as NBFAA member companies, are essential to the proper functioning of fire or security alarm systems since they are proficient in electronic systems and the codes and standards for this type of equipment installation.”
NBFAA will continue to work on the legislation in the Senate to see that the language is preserved, and encourages all those interested in life safety issues to support its efforts.
