NFSA Guide (Print) Historic Preservation (1st Ed.)

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NFSA

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Published: 4/1/2019
Pages: 20

It is unfortunate, but true; we are exceedingly reactive to fire safety in the United States and, for that matter, the world. We change our regulations only when shocked into doing so; we always seem to ask, “How could this have happened” after major fires. It has been observed that “...fires involving major loss of life have resulted in important changes in building and fire codes and in standard protection and prevention practices.” 

But, if we learn our lessons by studying the past; can we not be proactive in order to assure that history does not repeat itself? The fact of the matter remains “Automatic fire sprinkler use has the ability to solve much of America’s fire problem in every class of occupancy.” Can we not assure that future generations will not be denied the awe of our history because that history was destroyed by fire? Can we not take steps now to assure that historical structures, and their invaluable contents, are provided the protection needed to secure their continued existence for generations to come? Do we not owe this to our descendants so they will not have to ask, “How could this have happened?”

John R. Waters, EFO, MA, MS Field Service Coordinator National Fire Sprinkler Association April 2019