August 2011 DFS - Briefs - Monthly Updates from the Department of Fire Services

As we approach the beginning of another school year it is an opportune time for fire departments to work with their school administrators and principals to remind them of their obligation to ensure the safety of their students and staff.

To assist you, included in this month's DFS Briefs are the 527 CMR regulations in regard to schools, a memo on the mandatory requirements for reporting school fires along with the form (FP-200) which is to be used by the schools to report fires, the Fire Prevention in Schools pamphlet, and a copy of my advisory dated September 11, 2000 regarding the Requirement for School Evacuation and Multi-Hazard Plans as required by the Massachusetts Legislature under Section 363 of Chapter 159 of the Acts of 2000. I would encourage you to download this information and have discussions with your school administrators prior to the start of the school year.

In addition, August DFS Briefs contains an advisory on Prohibited Use of Antifreeze in Certain Fire Sprinkler Systems.

Save the Date for the 17th annual MA Public Fire and Life Safety Education Conference that will be held on September 21-22, 2011 at the Westford Regency Inn and Conference Center. Please encourage your fire educators to attend; the full registration brochure will be available shortly. The 2011 Fire and Life Safety Educator of the Year Award will be presented on September 22. Attached is a nomination form for this award. Honoring our employees for hard work is a great way to let them know they are appreciated.

Please be sure to avail yourself to all of the important information contained in the August DFS Briefs.