In the life safety and property protection industry, communication is constant — proposals, service tickets, inspection reports, and customer updates fly back and forth by email every day. Many companies automatically include a long legal paragraph at the bottom of every message — the email disclaimer.

But are these disclaimers really necessary? Recent commentary from industry attorney Ken Kirschenbaum (Aug 26 and Sept 16, 2025) revisits that question, reminding us that while disclaimers are common, their legal power is limited. Still, there are times when they make good business sense.

The Myth of the Mandatory Disclaimer

As Kirschenbaum explains, there’s no federal or state law that requires an email disclaimer for most businesses — including those in the alarm and security trades. The typical “this message is confidential” notice may look official, but it rarely carries legal force.

In most cases, recipients never agreed to be bound by that disclaimer, and courts are unlikely to treat it as a contract. So, while it may sound protective, it doesn’t necessarily protect anything on its own.

Still, that doesn’t mean disclaimers have no value. They can serve as a polite reminder that the message contains sensitive information and shouldn’t be shared — a deterrent to casual forwarding or public posting. Think of it less as a legal shield and more as a “handle with care” label.

When a Disclaimer Makes Sense

Even if not legally required, there are moments when an email disclaimer is a smart layer of professional protection:

1. Confidential or Privileged Information
   When emails contain customer security plans, system drawings, or access details — anything that could compromise a client’s safety if leaked — a confidentiality statement is appropriate. It signals that the content is sensitive and expected to stay private.

2. Attorney or Legal Communications
   If you’re sharing messages that involve contracts, liability issues, or consultation with counsel, a disclaimer can help preserve attorney-client privilege or clarify that the communication isn’t formal legal advice.

3. Preventing Accidental Contract Formation
   When quoting prices or discussing terms by email, include language such as:
   “This email does not constitute a binding contract unless signed by an authorized representative.”
   That small line can prevent misunderstandings when clients interpret an estimate as a final agreement.

4. Regulatory or Privacy Compliance
   For companies handling alarm monitoring data, customer addresses, or personal details, email footers may include references to privacy policies or compliance statements. If you send marketing emails, CAN-SPAM and similar laws require company identification and an unsubscribe option — not a “disclaimer” per se, but the same principle of clear communication applies.

When It’s Just Legal Noise

Many email disclaimers are copied from templates that go on for several paragraphs — long enough that no one ever reads them. If your message includes no confidential information or sensitive terms, that boilerplate text adds clutter, not protection.

Kirschenbaum puts it bluntly: “I’ve never used a disclaimer, and I don’t think it serves any purpose in most situations.” For many alarm and fire companies, that’s true — most daily messages don’t need a legal warning. What does matter is training staff to handle sensitive information properly, not relying on a paragraph of fine print.

Best Practices for the Industry

For life safety professionals, here’s a practical approach:

• Use disclaimers selectively. Include them when messages involve confidential data, legal discussions, or contracts — not on every “thanks for your time” email.

• Keep them short. One or two sentences are enough. Long legalese doesn’t impress customers.

• Match message to practice. Don’t say “this message is confidential” if you’re copying half your team. Be consistent.

• Protect the data, not just the email. Encryption, access control, and disciplined record-keeping do far more to protect your company than any disclaimer.

Sample Disclaimer for Alarm Industry Use

This email and any attachments are confidential and intended only for the individual or company named above. It may contain proprietary or security-sensitive information. If you received this message in error, please notify the sender immediately and delete it. No contract or agreement is formed by this email unless specifically stated in writing and signed by an authorized representative of [Your Company Name].

This type of disclaimer is concise, respectful, and tailored to the life safety industry — balancing professionalism with practicality.

Bottom Line

Email disclaimers are not a legal requirement, and in most cases, they don’t carry much legal weight. But used wisely, they show professionalism, protect sensitive data, and reinforce good communication practices.

As Kirschenbaum reminds us, “Unnecessary warnings may not have legal consequences, but they do deter bad behavior.” In an industry built on trust, safety, and accountability, that small reminder can go a long way.

Use the links below to access the Alarm Articles by Ken Kirschenbaum, ESQ this article is based on.

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In today’s alarm industry, accuracy, accountability, and efficiency are more important than ever. For companies conducting fire and life safety inspections, using a dedicated software platform can transform the inspection process—improving performance for the technician, the customer, and the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) alike.

Gone are the days of clipboards and manual data entry. A software-based inspection platform allows technicians to arrive on-site with all the historical data they need—previous inspection reports, asset lists, and testing results—already in hand. Instead of recreating site information from scratch, technicians can pick up where they left off. This not only saves time but also reduces the likelihood of data errors or duplicated work.

As assets are tested, the software can automatically link each result to its corresponding device, eliminating manual input and improving accuracy. Automated data capture helps ensure that no component is missed, and standardized workflows guide technicians step-by-step through the process. The result is a smoother, faster inspection that builds technician confidence and consistency across every job.

For customers, an inspection platform brings clarity and professionalism. When inspection reports are automatically generated in polished digital format—with digital signatures, complete test results, and clear summaries—they provide instant transparency. Customers can easily understand what was inspected, what passed, what failed, and what needs attention.

This digital record not only strengthens customer trust but also simplifies follow-up work. When a technician returns for the next inspection, prior reports and asset histories are readily available. Customers see continuity, precision, and care in how their fire alarm systems are maintained—qualities that reflect directly on the company’s reputation.

Perhaps one of the greatest benefits of inspection software lies in compliance. Every jurisdiction expects accurate documentation and traceable records. A digital inspection platform ensures that reports are standardized, time-stamped, and securely stored, making them easy to share with the AHJ during audits or reviews.

The ability to generate professional, consistent reports not only demonstrates compliance but also fosters a better relationship between the alarm company and the local authority. It shows commitment to accuracy, accountability, and life safety standards. For the AHJ, digital documentation reduces back-and-forth communication and streamlines the verification process.

For the alarm company, inspection software means fewer errors, faster workflows, and stronger customer relationships. For the customer, it means transparency and reliability. For the AHJ, it means accurate, consistent records that uphold public safety.

By embracing inspection software, alarm companies can move beyond paper trails and manual tracking to a system that is smart, connected, and compliant. The result is a process that saves time, protects data integrity, and enhances the professionalism of the entire industry.

Receiving feedback can be one of the most valuable parts of professional growth—but only if you understand it. Unfortunately, not all feedback is clear. Sometimes it’s vague (“You need to be more proactive”), contradictory, or delivered in a way that leaves you unsure what to do next. In his Fast Company article, cognitive scientist Art Markman suggests that instead of reacting defensively or making assumptions, you can turn confusing feedback into a productive learning moment by asking three key questions.

The first question is “What went wrong?” This helps you uncover the specific behavior or situation the person observed. Instead of guessing what they meant, you invite them to describe the action itself. The second is “What was the impact?” Understanding how your behavior affected others or the outcome gives you valuable insight into why the feedback matters. Finally, ask “What should I do differently next time?” This transforms the conversation from criticism to coaching, giving you practical steps for improvement.

By using these three questions, you shift the feedback exchange from confusion to clarity. You show openness to learning, demonstrate professionalism, and create a space for meaningful dialogue. In the end, the goal isn’t just to receive feedback—it’s to use it to grow, communicate better, and strengthen your working relationships.

We are deeply saddened to share the passing of Marie Willig Nicolich — a founding member of the Louisiana Life Safety & Security Association (LLSSA) and one of the guiding forces behind our industry’s earliest days. 

Marie served the LLSSA with distinction as President, Chairman of the Board, and Region 1 Vice President, playing a key leadership role when the original Life Safety and Property Protection law was created. Her dedication, strength, and passion for protecting lives and property set a foundation that continues to guide our association today.

Based in the New Orleans area, Marie and her husband built a successful security and fire alarm business serving the Greater New Orleans and Northshore communities. Her vision and advocacy helped shape Louisiana’s alarm and life safety industry into what it is today.

Marie’s legacy lives on in the laws she helped create, the professionals she mentored, and the safer communities we all enjoy because of her commitment.
May she rest in peace, and may we continue the important work she began.

Read more about her life and legacy here:
🔗 dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/metairie-la/marie-nicolich-12529064

A new survey by International Workplace Group has revealed a surprising shift in workplace dynamics: Gen Z workers are increasingly teaching their older colleagues how to use AI tools. While it has long been assumed that mentorship flows from senior employees to junior ones, the rise of artificial intelligence is flipping that tradition on its head. Younger employees, raised in a digital-first world, are now the ones guiding their more experienced peers through the evolving landscape of AI.

The study, which surveyed more than 2,000 office workers across the U.S. and the U.K., found that nearly two-thirds of Gen Z participants reported helping older coworkers integrate AI into their professional routines. The findings also show the technology’s growing impact on efficiency. A striking 86 percent of respondents said AI has improved their productivity, estimating an average of 55 minutes saved each day. More than three-quarters agreed that AI had a positive effect on their careers, underscoring its role as a transformative force across industries.

This trend highlights a reversal of traditional mentorship models. In many areas, seasoned professionals continue to provide critical guidance in strategy, leadership, and organizational knowledge. Yet when it comes to the practical application of AI tools—whether for drafting reports, generating insights, or automating repetitive tasks—it is younger employees who are in the teaching role. Their willingness to share knowledge through hands-on demonstrations and practical advice is creating a new layer of collaboration in the workplace.

The exchange is not one-sided. Older employees contribute deep domain expertise, institutional memory, and judgment that help contextualize AI usage and guide its application in meaningful ways. Mark Dixon, CEO of IWG, noted that this reciprocity strengthens intergenerational teamwork and amplifies the benefits of AI adoption. The dynamic is flattening barriers between generations, creating a sense of shared learning and mutual respect rather than reinforcing rigid hierarchies.

Still, the shift brings challenges. Not all older workers are eager to be taught by younger colleagues, and some may feel uncomfortable or even undermined in the process. There are also questions of access and consistency, since informal peer teaching is not always aligned with company-wide policies on AI usage. Without proper oversight, shortcuts or untested methods could create risks. At the same time, the pressure on Gen Z employees to serve as informal trainers can add to their workload and potentially lead to frustration or burnout.

Despite these hurdles, the broader implications are positive. Organizations that embrace reverse mentoring and encourage open knowledge exchange are likely to adapt faster to technological change. By fostering psychological safety and rewarding collaboration, companies can build cultures where it is acceptable to ask for help, regardless of age or title. Pairing the technical fluency of younger workers with the wisdom of older ones creates a balanced approach that strengthens resilience and innovation.

As AI becomes further embedded in daily workflows, the willingness to learn across generations may become one of the most important workplace skills. Gen Z’s role as guides in this transition is more than a matter of teaching tools; it is a sign of how technology can unite rather than divide. In helping their older colleagues embrace AI, these younger workers are not only boosting productivity but also reshaping the very culture of work.