From the Chief’s Corner: Remember the End Game…

By Chief Alan Perdue (ret.), SBC Executive Director

Posted on July 27, 2023

When we look at the requirements within the International Fire Code Section 510.1 or NFPA 1 Section 11.10 we must ask ourselves: What is the end game? For all intents and purposes, the ultimate objective is to have communications capabilities for EMS, Fire & Law Enforcement personnel inside buildings. However, when it comes to which code requirements can be achieved, common sense and cost must be factored into the equation. For that reason, we must also consider what is truly needed versus what would be the perfect solution if money were no object. 

Florida Enacts Bill Revising the State’s ERCES Rules

Posted on July 27, 2023 

SBC Leadership re-shaped parts of the bill, averting a drastic downgrade in enforcement 

On June 26th, Florida Governor DeSantis signed Florida HB 1575 (2023), once again updating Florida rules governing ERCES in the state.

This marks three consecutive years where the Florida legislature considered revisions to ERCES enforcement rules. The bill drafts have been initiated by various proponents from the property development and builders sector. Each year, the proponents have sought to curb enforcement of ERCES rules, and the Safer Buildings Coalition, in collaboration with other industry groups and key SBC members, have pushed back to limit these efforts, and in some cases to even improve the rules on the books.

Complete ERCES Handbook Launched at Summit

Posted on June 16, 2023

Wireless Tech and Policy Summit Illustrates SBC’s True Scope

By John Foley, SBC Managing Director

Posted on June 16, 2023

Ask anyone “What is the Safer Buildings Coalition?” or, “What is the mission of the Safer Buildings Coalition?," and you are likely to hear one or more of the following:

• “They are about fire codes and in-building LMR.”
• “They focus on public safety.”
• “They advocate and educate about ERCES (ERRCS, in-building public safety, etc.)”
• “We do cell DAS and Private LTE, we don’t do public safety, so they aren’t really relevant to us.”
• “Chief Perdue!”

We get it. SBC has been very involved in the creation and adoption of the fire and building codes and standards that are the principal drivers of the in-building public safety business. But that is not how SBC got its start, and that does not describe the full scope of the SBC mission. 

From the Chief’s Corner: The Summit - Time for Reflection

By Chief Alan Perdue (ret.), SBC Executive Director

Posted on June 16, 2023

Wednesday, May 24th was a great day. A large group of in-building stakeholders met in our Nation’s Capital for the Safer Buildings Coalition’s first-ever Wireless Tech & Policy Summit. As with many events I attend it’s always great to network with people you may not see in our day-to-day activities and catch up on what’s going on in their world.

“A Truly Remarkable Gathering of Experts and Professionals” - 2023 Wireless Tech & Policy Summit Recap

Posted on June 16, 2023

The 2023 Wireless Tech & Summit was an eventful, educational, somewhat exhausting -- and ultimately successful whole-day affair.

In the words of Prince Niyyar, CEO, Commdex & Safer Buildings Coalition Board President:

“The summit was truly a remarkable gathering of experts and professionals from the wireless industry and Government, and I found it to be a highly enriching experience. It was a valuable platform for knowledge-sharing and networking, allowing me to connect with professionals who share a passion for the same issues. The event was well-organized, and the coordination and support provided by the organizing team was exceptional.”

It was a busy day indeed. Sponsors, exhibitors and SBC staff were up late the night before and up early on the big day, adding the final touches before the 200-plus attendees started arriving.

Thank You to Our Sponsors & Exhibitors

Posted on June 16, 2023

The Safer Buildings Coalition once again would like to call out our esteemed Wireless Tech & Policy Summit sponsors and exhibitors. Your support was invaluable. 

SBC Leadership Goes to Washington for 2023 NATE Congressional Fly-In

Posted on June 7, 2023

Safer Buildings Coalition leadership, as well as some of our esteemed members, went to Washington on May 17th for NATE’s 2023 Congressional Fly-In.

This event allowed participants to meet up with US Senators, Representatives and their Staff to discuss key priorities for our industry. 

From the Chief’s Corner: Delivering a United Message...

By Chief Alan Perdue (ret.), SBC Executive Director

Posted on June 7, 2023

This past week I had the opportunity to attend the Congressional Fire Services Institute’s (CFSI) 33rd Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner in Washington, DC. During the event, which included more than 1500 of our Nation’s fire and emergency services leaders, I looked around at the immense and diverse group and thought this can’t happen without individuals committing to work together for a common cause. In fact, it was right there in this year’s event theme: “Delivering a United Message.” 

SBC Interview with FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr

One of the most heavily anticipated entries on the 2023 Wireless Tech & Policy Summit agenda was the keynote interview with FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr. The Commissioner sat down with SBC Managing Director John Foley for a chat about workforce development, infrastructure investment, spectrum management and industry apprenticeship programs.