The National Burglar & Fire Alarm Association (NBFAA) Government Relations team met with success as they recently worked with Rep. Michael Arcuri (D-NY) to insert fire life safety alarms language into H.R. 3021, the 21st Century Green High-Performing Public School Facilities Act.

The measure directs the 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 the House Education and Labor Committee staff and were able to insert a ‘manager’s amendment;’ a last minute change to the final bill before it was approved by the full House. The amendment added the phrase, “including professional installation of fire/life safety alarms,’ to the following section:

“(3) bringing public schools in compliance with fire, health, and safety codes, including professional installation of fire/life safety alarms, including modernizations, renovations, and repairs that ensure schools are prepared for emergencies, such as improving building infrastructure to accommodate security measures;”

“These alarms are necessary to alert students, staff and teachers to evacuate a public school facility when an emergency is detected. 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,” explained NBFAA President George P. Gunning

NBFAA will continue to work on this important legislation in the Senate to see that the language is preserved, and encourages all those interested in life safety issues to support our efforts. To find out more about this and other important life safety legislation supported by NBFAA visit www.alarm.org or contact John Chwat, NBFAA Government Relations director at gov.info@alarm.org.