From the Chief’s Corner: The Connector and the Backbone Cable

Posted on May 22, 2020

I know, The Connector and the Backbone Cable sounds like the title of a children’s book.  But in reality, as it relates to a public safety in-building communications enhancement system solution, these are two critical components to the point where you cannot have one without the other. It is extremely important that both be installed “by the book.”  

So, what does “by the book” really mean?  The phrase, an old English idiom, ascertains doing something properly or in an appropriate manner, to complete the task according to the rules. Research indicates that this saying originally referred to the Christian Bible, however, its current meaning often refers to any written or implied set of rules governing the activity a person is performing. In our context, the book is the adopted codes and standards (IFC, NFPA) governing public safety in-building communications enhancement system solutions.

Ex-Google Chief Eric Schmidt Predicts Pandemic Will Create Demand for More Office Space, Not Less

Posted on May 22, 2020
Top Five Predictions from Schmidt on the Post-COVID World
By Mikkel Schultz, Senior Editor

With COVID-19 crippling the world economy, there is widespread belief that demand for office space will decrease significantly. But in an interview with Face the Nation, former Google CEO and founder of Schmidt Futures, predicted that the demand will in fact increase because people will want social distancing when they return to work. In the interview, Schmidt also suggested that the trend toward people moving to and working in supercities will change and talked about the importance of making the internet accessible to everyone, especially those who live in rural areas.

Safer Buildings Coalition – Has the Mission Changed?

Posted on May 22, 2020
You May Think it Has – But It Hasn’t! (We’re Just More Focused)

If you ask long-time industry leaders how they would describe the Safer Buildings Coalition (SBC), chances are they will say something like: “The Safer Building Coalition focuses on in-building public safety LMR (Land Mobile Radio) used by firefighters and the model fire codes that... .”  

Here is the funny thing. While this has been the prevailing public impression of the Coalition, the scope has always been larger.

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: SOLiD PRESIDENT KEN SANDFELD
SOLiD remains firmly in public safety space, but with a clear focus on product development

Posted on May 22, 2020
Hard-hit industry will emerge strong from COVID-19 crisis, Sandfeld predicts
By Mikkel Schultz, Senior Editor

With the departure of some of SOLiD's in-building public safety-focused team late last year, some in the industry wondered if the company was leaving the sector. But SOLiD is, and plans to remain, very much in that space. SOLiD is focused on a strategy of building the best public-safety products possible, SOLiD President Ken Sandfeld explains in an interview with Safer Buildings Coalition. Mr. Sandfeld also talked about market trends, public safety broadband, how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the industry, and how SOLiD is weathering the storm.

Nation Honors Fallen Heroes on Peace Officers Memorial Day

Annual Candlelight Vigil Goes Virtual
Posted on May 15, 2020 By Mikkel Schultz, Senior Editor, Safer Buildings Coalition

On May 15th, flags are flown at half-staff across our country in observance of Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week. On this day, we honor the brave federal, state and local law officers who have died or been disabled in the line of duty. The sacrifices made by these heroes will never be forgotten. 

Most of this year’s Police Week events have been canceled due to the pandemic lockdowns, but that has not stopped the Nation from saluting the fallen heroes. 

IAFC Section Chief O’Brian: We Need PPE

Posted on April 22, 2020

In his presentation today at the NEMA Fire, Life Safety, Security, and Emergency Communications Section Industry Day Event, Chief Michael O’Brian conveyed some stark realities facing the Fire Services in the current environment.

Safer Buildings Coalition Code Topic: Defining Backbone and Distribution

Posted on April 22, 2020

There is much confusion over the terms Backbone (Riser, Vertical) and Distribution (Feeder, Horizontal). This SBC Code Topic provides an explanation, complete with Code references, to help illustrate these important distinctions in in-building cabling systems.

From the Chief’s Corner: Innovation and Determination in a Time of Crisis

Posted on April 22, 2020

2020 has brought about a significant amount of change into our lives. Many organizations have had to rethink their traditional workplace operations, identify and utilize more tech advances, and adapt to changes in how their employees function around themselves and outside stakeholders. Some businesses have gotten larger and some smaller. Our inter-connected world is truly reliant on resources and processes that up until just a few months ago were unknown or limited in use.  

We all know that nothing ever unfolds exactly as planned but this year has brought plenty of unplanned and postponed activities. In spite of all the technical advances and resources we have at our disposal, qualified and equipped people will ultimately determine an organization’s ability to respond to the challenges that lie ahead.

A message from the Safer Buildings Coalition President: Stay positive. Manage the present, but plan for the future.

Posted on April 22, 2020

Dear Safer Buildings Coalition Members - 

First of all, I hope you and your family are safe and healthy.

The corona crisis has turned our world upside down, but this WILL end, and I would like to take this opportunity to share some thoughts on how we can work our way through this crisis and plan for the future. We are all in this together, and through resilience, adaptability and a positive attitude, we will continue to Unite to Thrive.

US Construction Starts Will Start to Rebound Late This Year, Business Analyst Predicts

Posted on April 22, 2020
Warehousing, data center construction among sectors that remain strong during COVID-19 crisis

The headwinds currently facing the US economy will start to abate later this year, with several industry sectors set to rebound strongly as the post-corona world offers new opportunities for growth. And even now, at what may be the height of the crisis, lots of construction projects are in the pipeline across the country. Indeed, there is light at the end of the tunnel. 2021 will be better than 2020, and 2022 will be better than 2021. Those are the main conclusions of Dodge Data & Analytics’ outlook on how the corona crisis will impact US construction starts now, and in the immediate and longer-term future.