The Safe Inside Podcast

EP 5 | Safety Under Assault: NFPA's Jim Pauley on the Fight to Protect America's Building Code

Read more: https://sbcfastlink.org/43gg1se [https://sbcfastlink.org/43gg1se]   Join John Foley of the Safer Buildings Coalition in conversation with Jim Pauley, President and CEO of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), as they discuss the alarming erosion of safety standards across America. From fire marshals being stripped of authority to communities refusing code updates, this eye-opening discussion reveals how a century of fire safety progress is under threat. Pauley explains NFPA's groundbreaking "Don't Chance Safety" campaign, the critical Pro Codes Act legislation, and why the consensus-based standards development system—one of history's most successful public-private partnerships—needs protection now more than ever. Learn what's at stake and how you can help prevent the next preventable tragedy. Chapter List: Introduction & Reverse Renovations Campaign (00:00 - 04:15) * Welcome and "Reverse Renovations" parody video * NFPA's creative approach to safety awareness The Knowledge Gap Crisis (04:15 - 09:15) * Research revealing public misconceptions about safety codes * How consensus-based standards actually work * The power of education in building support Safety Under Assault (09:15 - 16:05) * State fire marshals losing authority * Communities blocking code updates * Legal threats against stricter safety standards Lessons from Preventable Tragedies (16:05 - 21:32) * Triangle Shirtwaist to Ghost Ship: repeated failures * Why we keep making the same deadly mistakes * The case for proactive vs. reactive safety The Pro Codes Act Fight (21:32 - 29:49) * Bipartisan legislation to protect standards development * Copyright protection and economic sustainability * What happens if the system collapses Call to Action (29:49 - 34:05) * Immediate steps for citizens and professionals * Why timing matters for congressional action * Local elections and their critical importance Looking Forward with Hope (34:05 - 36:26) * NFPA Conference 2026 preview * Growing volunteer participation * The power of people who care about safety

EP 4 | Radio for Newbies: Putting the Puzzle Together!

Are you new to the trade of in-building public safety communications?  Have you been pulling cable for a while but looking to understand what the user equipment is doing when it communicates through an ERCES?  Tune in as Matt takes Creighton to school on some foundational subjects such as: the differences between Cellular and LMR, how the band affects what equipment is used, and solutions AHJs use as alternatives or in addition to ERCES.  Once you've listened, if you've got lingering questions, or suggestions for future topics, please let us know!  Reach out at: content@saferbuildings.org [content@saferbuildings.org].

EP 3 | Fire Code Alchemy: ERCES Program Management in South Carolina

We've spent the last two episodes talking about ERCES challenges, this time, let's be inspired by a powerful example of success!  Please join us as we discuss the state-wide ERCES program of South Carolina with Deputy Fire Marshal Nathan Ellis.  Although he and his office worked closely with the state's frequency licensees, this is a chance to hear the perspective and experiences of a fire code AHJ rolling out what has become best-in-class ERCES management.  Once you've listened, if you've got lingering questions, or suggestions for future topics, please let us know!  Reach out at: content@saferbuildings.org [content@saferbuildings.org].

EP 2 | ERCES Integrators: Learning to Walk on Shaky Ground

If someone tells you it's easy to make money as an ERCES integrator, you should seek a second opinion.  In this podcast, we're enlightened by Merisa Gamler, a veteran ERCES integrator.  Listen in as we run, walk and sometime tip toe through the highs and lows of deploying in-building public safety communications.  You will undoubtedly recognize all the usual suspects, but we proudly cross the plate with forecasts on the promising future of our industry and why we've made it our home.

EP 1 | ERCES Requirements: Like a Box of Chocolates, You Never Know What You'll Get!

When it comes to deploying ERCES do you ever feel like you only get half the story before you start the job?  Knowing and fulfilling the requirements for ERCES are crucial for both good business and reliable emergency communications.  So why are they so hard to nail down?  Listen in as our panel of frustrated ERCES crusaders discusses requirement shortfalls and solutions from the local to the national.