From the Chief’s Corner: The Gift...

Posted on December 20, 2019

During this time of year there’s a lot of hustle and bustle around year-end activities, such as strategic planning, financial reports, sales quotas, social events, traditions and, most importantly, time off for the Christmas Holidays.  As a part of the Christmas season, many will have a keen focus on a unique gift for that someone special in their life.  So, what is a gift? Well, according to Webster’s, it is “something voluntarily transferred by one person to another without compensation.”

Stroke Victim Called 911, But Couldn’t Get Help Without Address

Posted on December 20, 2019
Vital time lost as first responders could not locate emergency caller

Mobile 911 Calls Must Get Out with Location Accuracy. Thus reads the first of the Safer Buildings Coalition’s Three Pillars Of In-Building Public Safety Communications. And a recent incident in Chicago proved, with tragic consequences, the importance of this, and what can happen when first responders cannot pinpoint the location of an emergency caller. As a result, vital time was lost before the victim, who was having a major stroke, received help. 

Join us for the SBC Annual Meeting & Dinner at IWCE 2020

Posted on December 20, 2019
SBC will be back in Vegas with an even stronger program than in 2019!

If you haven't done so already, now is the time to clear your calendars for the 2020 Safer Buildings Coalition Annual Member Meeting & Dinner, which goes down on Monday, March 30th, at the IWCE Conference in Las Vegas. This is the SBC event you simply don't want to miss! Stay tuned for more information. 

Safer Buildings Coalition Profile Updates

Posted on December 20, 2019
SBC members: Please review and update your current profiles

In an effort to ensure that all of our records are up to date, we would like for all of our members to take a look at their current member profiles and make any updates you see fit. 

By updating or verifying your profile, you'll ensure that your name, title, organization, contact info, social media handles, point of contact type and organization type are up to date.

MGM Settles With Victims of Las Vegas Mass Shooting, Agrees to Pay up to $800 Million

Posted on December 20, 2019
Wireless dead zones, which hampered first responders, may persist two years after tragedy

Two years after the worst mass shooting in US history, MGM Resorts International, which owns the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, has agreed to pay up to $800 to settle thousands of lawsuits filed by victims of the tragedy.

On the night of October 1, 2017, a crazed gunman opened fire at a crowd of concertgoers from the 32^nd floor of the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. Using an arsenal of high-powered weapons, the shooter was able to continue his rapid-fire assault for more than 10 minutes before police reached his room. 58 people were killed and more than 850 injured.

FCC Issues Notice on Part 90 Signal Boosters

Posted on December 20, 2019
Read this important reminder right here.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC), on December 11th, issued a Reminder Of The Obligations Of Non-Licensees That Operate Part 90 Private Land Mobile Radio Signal Boosters.

You can read the complete notice here

SBC Referral Program Continues in 2020

Posted on December 20, 2019
Don't forget to take advantage of this exciting program

The Safer Buildings Coalition had a great 2019: Our reach continues to expand: We ran more than 20 seminars, participated in IWCE, Connect X, IWC and many more conferences and symposiums, while we've had representatives at key industry meetings in DC, Florida, etc. But the most important growth segment is in our membership numbers. Our membership keeps growing; both in terms of numbers and diversity. And that is what makes us stronger as an organization. 

We want to continue our growth, and we are delighted to announce that our Referral Program will continue into the new year. 

A Message From the President: Let's Talk About Our Mission

Posted on November 22, 2019

Greetings, Safer Buildings Coalition members. In this, my first President's Message, I would like to talk about the Safer Buildings Coalition's mission.

You see, our mission has evolved. Some of you may still think of SBC primarily as a first responders' advocate. We very much remain a first responders' advocate, but today, the Safer Buildings Coalition's mission, messaging and activities are much broader than that. As our new tag line "Feel Safe Inside" evokes: This is about public safety – We are dedicated to making everyone feel safe inside.

From the Chief’s Corner: Close, But No Cigar...

Posted on November 22, 2019

I’m sure many of you have heard the expression “Close, But No Cigar.” Some of you may even use it from time to time. But have you ever thought about its origin? Research shows that this popular idiom dates back to the late 19th century and most likely originated at popular fairgrounds.  

Fairgoers would test their accuracy, strength and other skills at booth games set up at the fairgrounds – hoping to win a prize.  Every now and then a participant would indeed win, which would keep others interested in taking their turn. During that time period, the winning prize would be a, yes, a cigar!  And so, game operators would often say to those who didn’t win: “Close, But No Cigar...” Since then, the phrase has been used in connection with narrow losses related to sporting events, political races, etc.

So, here’s the question you often ask when reading one of my articles: What do these anecdotes – in this case the origin of “Close, But No Cigar” – have to do with in-building communication?

2019 Campus Fire Forum Interview: CCFS President Justin Daniels

Posted on November 22, 2019

The Center for Campus Fire Safety (CCFS), a valued member of the Safer Buildings Coalition, last week hosted its annual Campus Fire Forum in Atlanta. The Forum kicked off with a special 3-hour presentation by SBC Executive Director Chief Alan Perdue and followed up with an extensive list of engaging and educational presentations that addressed issues important to fire safety on the nation’s college campuses. In addition to Chief Perdue’s presentation, the Safer Buildings Coalition participated in the Campus Fire Forum as both a sponsor and exhibitor. 

We had a chance to catch up with CCFS President and University of Oklahoma Fire Marshall Justin Daniels for a chat about the Campus Fire Forum and how the CCFS works to make campuses safer.