Available in choice of two formats:   MP3 Download $15  or  Compact Disc $23

Mythbusters: Residential Sprinkler Messages for the Fire Service and Public Educators
Track(s): Public Education

Marie Figueroa, NFPA Fire Prevention Field Office;
Peg Paul, Peg Paul & Associates;
Sherri Wilcox, Las Vegas Fire and Rescue

Audio Sample:




Since NFPA published the first 13D in 1975, residential fire sprinklers have saved thousands of lives and millions of dollars in property damage, and have been adopted as a requirement in every major code. However, our residential fire problem remains unacceptable. Why? A major roadblock to residential sprinkler acceptance is a belief among the general public and even some first responders in myths about fire sprinklers, which are perpetuated by the media and sprinkler opponents. This session will give public educators and other fire service leaders the tools to explain and promote this life-saving technology, tips for using tools, and links to other valuable resources.

Maria Figueroa is manager of NFPA's Fire Prevention Field Office. She coordinates the field activities of the Fire Sprinkler Initiative® - Bringing Safety Home, NFPA's advocacy campaign to encourage the use of home fire sprinklers.Before working for NFPA, she retired from Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Department, where she served as a fire rescue captain, officer in charge of the Code Compliance Bureau from 1996-1998, and co-chair of the Miami-Dade Fire Prevention and Safety Appeals Board.

Peg Paul has more than 20 years experience in the marketing/communications industry, primarily with consumer information and safety awareness programs. She's been the communications manager for the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition since 1997, worked with HFSC'S Steering Committee to develop "Protect What You Value Most" to educate consumers, "Built for Life" for members of the home building industry, "Living With Sprinklers" for people who live in homes protected with fire sprinklers, and "Sprinkler Smarts" for children.

Sherri Wilcox is a certified Fire Inspector II who also performs various other public education and outreach activities as an employee of Las Vegas Fire and Rescue. She is a Level III Fire and Life Safety Educator in the State of Nevada, and has completed three years of the Executive Fire Officer Program at the National Fire Academy. She is a member of the Fire Prevention Association of Nevada.