October 18, 2013 — A lot can happen in a year in the world of lightning protection; especially when LPI members get together to support safety and their communities. A campaign that began last fall to support Sparky the Fire Dog’s “Wish List” has now successfully provided complimentary lightning protection systems for over half a dozen fire stations in high risk lightning regions across the U.S.
The “Building Lightning Safe Communities” campaign was created through an industry initiative to provide lightning protection resources to the public and the fire safety community. In support of the campaign, several LPI-member firms have donated lightning protection systems for fire stations in Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota and Texas. The combined value of these system donations is approximately $100,000. LPI organized the campaign donations when outreach with the fire safety community revealed that many stations across the country were lacking lightning protection systems to protect their personnel, structures and equipment.
Participating LPI member firms who have donated lightning protection systems for fire stations in their states include: Bonded Lightning Protection Systems, Ltd. of Argyle, Texas; ECLE, of Winsted, Conn.; Guardian Equipment Co., of Novi, Mich.; HLP Systems of Libertyville, Ill; Lightning Specialists, of Palm Harbor, Fla.; Mr. Lightning, of Colorado Springs, Colo. and Thompson Lightning Protection, of St. Paul, Minn.
Through the Building Lightning Safe Communities campaign, LPI members have strengthened partnerships with fire safety officials across the country. Fire Prevention Month is a perfect opportunity to remind firefighters of the important ways they can help promote lightning safety awareness:
- Education! As first responders, firefighters play a critical role in the education process. A single bolt of lightning can pack 100 million volts of electricity which can be devastating to an unprotected structure. Firefighters can help educate the public and the media about code-compliant lightning protection systems, which provide a practical, tested solution against a common, yet underrated weather threat.
- Promote NFPA 780! The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is a worldwide leader in fire, electrical, building and life safety. The NFPA 780 Standard for the Installation of Lightning Protection Systems is a document that covers requirements for structures, watercraft, wind turbines and solar arrays to protect lives and property from fire and related dangers associated with lightning events. Firefighters can support fire and lightning safety by promoting this important document.
- Report Lightning Fires! Fire safety month is a perfect time to remind fire professionals to include lightning in their NFIRS reports where relevant to prevent under-reporting and increase awareness about a preventable risk.
- Stay Safe! LPI reminds firefighters to stay safe when responding to lightning incidents and assisting lightning victims. Visit www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov for important lightning safety information.
- Learn More! LPI invites firefighters to visit www.lightning-risk.org and www.lightning.org to learn more about the dangers of lightning and how to help protect people and property against this deadly weather threat.
For more information about the Building Lightning Safe Communities campaign visit www.lightningsafe.org.
