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NEW: Exclusive Fire Marshal 30-minute Quarterly Executive Briefing
with Chief Alan Perdue     

Get the latest updates of interest to Fire Marshals on matters pertaining to
In-Building Codes, Standards, and Policies directly from the Chief:

TO REGISTER YOUR INTEREST IN THE QUARTERLY BRIEFINGS
EXLUSIVELY FOR FIRE MARSHALS CLICK HERE  

This Year's Topics: 

1. National Seminar Series & Events

Talking Points:

  • "Since last August, SBC has hosted a record number of In-Building Public Safety Communications Seminars in cities across the U.S., including Richmond, Birmingham, Dallas, Phoenix, and more." CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL SEMINAR SCHEDULE
    • "In 2025, we are conducting 27 seminars nationwide, reaching thousands of stakeholders in public safety, fire service, code enforcement, and wireless infrastructure."
    • "These seminars provide critical education on Emergency Responder Communication Enhancement Systems (ERCES), system testing protocols, and updates to fire codes."
    • "CEUs are offered for ICC, NICET, BICSI, and APCO to support professional credentialing."
    • Public Safety always attends FREE OF CHARGE:  
  • Special Event: In-Building Wireless and School Safety Tech Conference: Ft Lauderdale September 16-17
    • In collaboration with Florida Fire Marshals and Inspectors Association (FFMIA), Florida Department of Education, Partner Alliance for Safe Schools (PASS), and Make Our Schools Safe (MOSS)
    • "CEUs are offered for ICC, NICET, BICSI, and APCO to support professional credentialing."
    • Public Safety always attends FREE OF CHARGE: 

Why It Matters to Fire Marshals:

  • "Our seminars directly support fire officials and AHJs in understanding and applying ERCES requirements in real-world scenarios."
  • Intensive session in Florida offers outstanding education and cross-agency discussion 

NASFM Attention: SBC returning to Mississippi October 21, 2025! 

UPCOMING SBC SEMINAR IN GULFPORT, MS - Tuesday, October 21 - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

 

SBC POLICY SPOTLIGHT: ERCES (BDAs)

SBC filed a Petition for Rulemaking with the FCC to address the fundamental process challenges associated with these essential life-safety systems. 

WHEN THIS GOES TO PUBLIC COMMENT, WE ARE ASKING FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND INPUT TO THE FCC (We will update you when that public comment period opens) 

READ THE FAQ about the petition here and download the actual petition HERE    

2. Policy & Code Advocacy 

Talking Points:

  • ERRCES (BDAs) present many challenges to Fire Marshals  and Code Enforcement Teams - SBC Is taking Action and can help you!
  • "SBC’s Government Affairs and Code & Standards Work Groups meet regularly to advocate for meaningful code development and legislative reform." 
  • For information on each:  Government Affairs and Code & Standards Work Groups
  • "We’ve actively participated in the development of the 2027 editions of NFPA 1225 and IFC 510, focusing on critical topics such as manual disable requirements, near-far effect mitigation, and enforcement clarity."
  • "SBC has produced and distributed quick-reference bulletins to assist AHJs in code enforcement and interpretation."
  • "We also support jurisdictions developing or updating their local fire code amendments to reflect best practices in ERCES implementation."

Why It Matters to Fire Marshals:

  • If the FCC adopts the recommendations of this petition, will help to avoid or correct harmful noise and interference currently impact public safety communications
  • "SBC provides tools and policy support that reinforce your ability to enforce in-building communication requirements confidently and effectively."
  • The FCC Petition calls for changes in FCC signal booster (BDA) rules of significant importance to Fire Marshals and Code Enforcement professionals 

3. Workforce Credentialing & Education 

Talking Points:

  • "The Complete ERCES Handbook and NICET IB-PSC Study Guide have become essential resources, with over 4,000 distributed to public safety professionals and contractors nationwide." SEE BOOK PAGE HERE
    • "These materials are specifically designed to help individuals and teams prepare for NICET certification, ensuring they meet the standards expected in life-safety systems."
  • "SBC continues to advocate for the use of accredited, standards-based certifications rather than mere training certificates—protecting both building occupants and first responders."

Why It Matters to Fire Marshals:

  • "Competency matters. SBC is committed to making sure the people designing and installing ERCES systems are qualified and verifiable."

4. Technology & Innovation 

Talking Points:

  • "SBC has expanded its focus on supporting indoor location accuracy, digital building mapping, and technologies like CBRS and private LTE that intersect with public safety."
  • "We provide educational content and code guidance to ensure new wireless innovations enhance rather than hinder public safety communications."
  • READ SBC'S COMMENTS TO THE FCC ON THE CURRENT LOCATION ACCURACY FNPRM HERE

Why It Matters to Fire Marshals:

  • "Emerging tech in buildings can present challenges or opportunities—SBC helps bridge the gap between fire code intent and tech deployment."

5. Public & School Safety Initiatives

Talking Points:

  • "Alyssa’s Law, which mandates panic alert systems in schools, has now been enacted in 10 states. SBC continues to track implementation and offers guidance on effective in-building communication integration for emergency notification."
  • "School safety is a major focal point for the Coalition. We are currently developing a best-practice language document to help guide future state legislation on cell phone use policies in schools—ensuring emergency communications aren’t unintentionally blocked or impaired."
  • "Our message is clear: If responders or school staff can't communicate inside the building, the safety plan is incomplete."
  • Find out more about Alyssa's Law HERE
  • Learn about the SBC School Safety Workgroup HERE
  • Attend the Special Event: In-Building Wireless and School Safety Tech Conference: Ft Lauderdale September 16-17

Why It Matters to Fire Marshals:

  • "You're key players in school safety enforcement. We aim to support you with practical tools and policy alignment."

6. Member Engagement & Outreach 

Talking Points:

  • "SBC is planning 27 seminars in 2025, expanding access to trusted educational content across the country."
  • "Our active working groups—Government Affairs, Codes & Standards, and Member Advocacy—are shaping national dialogue and providing meaningful member input."
  • "We continue to build relationships with state fire marshal offices and other AHJs to ensure their voices are included in coalition initiatives."
  • See the many resources already listed above....

Why It Matters to Fire Marshals:

  • "SBC thrives on collaboration. Your participation ensures public safety remains at the forefront of all decisions we influence."

7. National Awareness Campaigns & Calls to Action 

Talking Points:

  • "SBC launched the ‘9-1-1 Inside’ Campaign to raise national awareness that emergency calls and texts must reliably connect from within buildings."
    • 9-1-1 inside: We believe fundamentally that your ability to dial 9-1-1 from a mobile device should not depend on where you’re standing at that moment, especially when inside buildings.
    • "Our campaign emphasizes that in-building communications are essential infrastructure—not optional—and must be treated accordingly by designers, code officials, and building owners."
    • "We continue to engage with the FCC on issues like booster noise floors, interference mitigation, and expanded spectrum access for public safety applications."
  • SBC will be filing comments in August 2025 on the FCC Notice of Inquiry (NOI) "Evaluating the Deployment of Advanced Telecommunications" calling for expanded data on in-building coverage. To participate in the discussion, participate in the SBC Government Affairs  Work Group

Why It Matters to Fire Marshals:

  • "SBC advocates for policies and technologies that support your life-safety mission—from the fire ground to the classroom and everywhere in between."

Closing Remarks 

  • "Thank you for the opportunity to share this update. The Safer Buildings Coalition deeply values our ongoing partnership with NASFM and the broader fire service community."
  • "We are committed to working with state fire marshals to advance in-building emergency communications through education, advocacy, and standards development."
  • "Please visit us during the conference or reach out afterward. We are here to support your critical work in keeping buildings safer for everyone—especially first responders."