What we're reading, following & covering

New app calculated maximum allowable heights for building occupancy types, classes of construction

Oct. 9, 2017 | Building Design Construction

The American Wood Council (AWC) and WoodWorks released a public beta version of an updated app that calculates maximum allowable heights and areas for buildings of various occupancy classifications and types of construction. read more>>>

The exit you most likely would use in an emergency might be the wrong one, experts say

Oct. 12, 2017 | Las Vegas Sun

In an emergency evacuation situation, a person’s natural instinct is to exit where they entered. For the thousands of country music fans who were at the Route 91 Harvest Festival on Oct. 1 when a gunman opened fire from far above their heads, this instinct might have resulted in smaller but closer exits being overlooked and a flooding of the outdoor venue space's main entrance. read more>>>

Military-style staffing in the fire service: How to be combat ready

Oct. 11, 2017 | Fire Rescue

Fire companies and infantry squads have more in common than chains of command, uniforms and rank structure. Both types of units must be combat-ready in order to be effective. Combat-readiness requires proper training and adequate staffing. Like engine and ladder companies, infantry squads operate as teams. Each squad member has specific tasks that enable the team to be effective. read more>>>

Leading fire prevention and code orgs partner to improve fire safety

Oct. 9, 2017 | PR Newswire

In advance of the National Fire Protection Association's (NFPA) National Fire Prevention Week October 8-14, leading fire prevention and code organizations announce the formation of a Construction Fire Safety Coalition dedicated to reducing the occurrence of fires in buildings under construction, alteration, or demolition. read more>>>

Plan would cut emissions

Oct. 9, 2017 | Northwest Arkansas Democrat

The city will set a course to run entirely on renewable energy by 2050 if it adopts a proposed plan. The Energy Action Plan would tackle greenhouse gas emissions through four measures: increasing energy efficiency in new and existing buildings, expanding the city's clean energy supply, cutting vehicle emissions and keeping more trash out of the landfill. read more>>>

New fire standards approved AFMA board updates to 2015 code

Oct. 9, 2017 | 4-traders

The Arizona Fire & Medical Authority Board of Directors approved the replacement of the 2012 version of the International Fire Code with the 2015 International Fire Code during its Sept. 28 meeting in Sun Lakes. read more>>>

The importance of testing emergency lighting

Oct. 9, 2017 | Eaton

Timing is everything in an emergency. Being able to get out of harm’s way as quickly as possible could mean life or death, which is why emergency lighting plays such a critical role. Exit signs and emergency lights help guide people to proper exits and illuminate pathways during an evacuation. In the event of an emergency, these lighting fixtures should operate on battery-backup power in case of a power outage. read more>>>

Build a better buildings: The importance of using the right composite material

Oct. 6, 2017 | Building Design Construction

Recent global fire events have shed light on the significance of local code compliance in high-rise construction. Although the current focus on metal composite materials (MCM) doesn't adequately address the entire building envelope, which includes many additional components, it does provide an opportunity for architects and general contractors to brush up on their role in helping ensure safety. read more>>>

Longview fire chief appointed to Texas commission on fire protection

Oct. 10, 2017 | KLTV

Governor Greg Abbott has reappointed Mike Jones and appointed Bob D. Morgan, Mala Sharma, and J.P. Steelman to the Texas Commission on Fire Protection for terms set to expire on February 1, 2023. The Commission develops and enforces statewide fire service standards and provides education and assistance to the industry. read more>>>

Members discuss how other cities handle derelict properties

Oct. 10 | Havre Daily News

Members of Havre City Council's Vacant Properties Ad Hoc Committee met Monday evening to discuss research they had collected about 10 other U.S. cities that have implemented ordinances meant to tackle blight caused by derelict vacant properties. read more>>>

Street lights to be installed near EMHS

Oct. 6, 2017 | EMHS Independent

Bridgewater Township supervisors agreed Monday night, Oct. 1, to provide street lights for the Endless Mountains Health Systems, responding to a request. The intersection of Hospital Drive and SR 706 is dark for motorists heading into the parking lot or pulling out onto the highway, and could be a safety issue. read more>>>

Big roadblock for owners of tiny homes

Oct. 10, 2017 | Daily Real Estate News

Homeowners who have embraced the “tiny home” lifestyle are discovering that it’s not so easy to find a place to put their property. Many tiny houses—usually considered to be between 100 and 400 square feet—are built on trailers with wheels so they can be towed, but zoning regulations in many cities don’t allow for temporary structures such as RVs or other movable homes. read more>>>

Why office buildings should run like spaceships

Oct. 8, 2017 | The Wall Street Journal

If you have ever yearned to work aboard the Starship Enterprise, take comfort: The newest office buildings have more in common with spaceships than you realize. read more>>>