In an emergency, every second counts—and every word matters. Whether it’s a fire, chemical spill, or other life-threatening event, people rely on voice communication systems to guide them to safety. But if emergency messages are muffled, distorted, or unintelligible, the result can be confusion, delayed evacuation, or worse. That’s why speech intelligibility—the measure of how clearly speech is understood in a space—is a crucial, yet often overlooked, aspect of modern life safety systems.

Speech intelligibility is about more than just being able to hear a message; it’s about being able to understand it. Factors like background noise, echo, speaker placement, and system design all affect how well a message comes across in real-world environments. In places like hospitals, schools, airports, and arenas, poor intelligibility can quickly turn a manageable emergency into a dangerous situation.

The 2025 edition of NFPA 72, the National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, emphasizes the importance of speech intelligibility. According to Annex D of the code, 90% of measurement locations must meet a minimum Speech Transmission Index (STI) of 0.45, with an average of 0.50 or higher. These standards ensure that voice evacuation systems communicate effectively in high-stakes moments.

Testing for intelligibility isn’t just a matter of compliance—it’s about safeguarding lives. Regular testing ensures systems perform as intended, even as buildings change or components age. It also provides documentation that can reduce liability and support audits, inspections, and occupancy approvals.

Speech intelligibility testing isn’t just another box to check during commissioning or maintenance—it’s an essential component of life safety. By routinely verifying that voice systems deliver clear, understandable messages, building managers, installers, and inspectors can help prevent panic, reduce confusion, and ensure faster, safer evacuations.

With NFPA codes reinforcing its necessity and Bedrock tools simplifying the process, speech intelligibility testing should be a standard part of every emergency communication strategy—because when lives are on the line, clarity is everything.

July 15 is National Pet Fire Safety Day. In this episode of Learn Something New™ by NFPA Journal®, we review some of the safety tips NFPA offers for keeping pets safe from fire, smoke, hot objects, and electrical hazards in and around the home. We also cover the questions pet owners can ask the people who work at or manage pet boarding and health care facilities to ensure those locations are as safe as possible.

Download the NFPA Pet Fire Safety tip sheet: https://www.nfpa.org/-/media/Files/Pu…

Fuel gas leaks in homes are a growing safety concern. Across the United States, emergency responders handle thousands of gas-related incidents each year, many of which could be prevented with early detection. Recognizing this need, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) introduced NFPA 715, the first standard dedicated to the installation of fuel gas detection and warning equipment in residential properties. This new standard aims to bring the same level of protection to gas detection that smoke and carbon monoxide alarms have provided for decades.

NFPA 715 establishes clear guidelines for where and how fuel gas detectors should be installed. The standard specifies placement based on the properties of the gas—natural gas, which is lighter than air, should have detectors installed high on walls or ceilings, while propane, which is heavier than air, requires detectors lower to the ground. Detectors can be stand-alone devices that alert only the home’s occupants or interconnected systems that notify both residents and central monitoring stations. Power sources for these alarms may be hardwired, plug-in, or battery-operated, with battery models required to have a ten-year lifespan and a low-battery warning system.

The urgency behind NFPA 715 is driven by real-world incidents. Major gas explosions, such as the one in Baltimore in 2023, have highlighted how odor fade and delayed leak detection can lead to tragedy. Utility companies like Con Edison have already deployed hundreds of thousands of gas detectors in homes, detecting leaks and preventing potential disasters before they escalate. In some areas, such as New York City, new laws now require fuel gas alarms in residential properties, aligning with NFPA 715’s recommendations.

Debates continue over how extensively the standard should apply to individual appliances versus entire rooms, and manufacturers are working to develop more advanced detection technologies. Even as discussions evolve, the adoption of NFPA 715 marks a significant step forward in residential safety. By filling a long-standing gap in gas leak detection, the standard sets a new baseline for protecting families from a silent but deadly threat.

For immediate release 

Contact:
Fire Protection Research Foundation – Lorraine Carli – publicaffairs@nfpa.org 

Fire Safety Research Institute – Laura Zilverberg – laura.zilverberg@ul.org

The Fire Protection Research Foundation and The Fire Safety Research Institute Issue Notice Around Potential Hazard Involving Fire Blankets Used for Electric Vehicle Fire Suppression Efforts with Battery Involvement

Key Takeaways:

• Experiments conducted by both organizations have demonstrated a potential explosion hazard when fire blankets are used during electric vehicle (EV) fire suppression efforts when there is battery involvement.
• When flaming is eliminated by the fire blanket, the ongoing accumulation of flammable gases released by continued thermal runaway in the battery pack presents a potential explosion risk.
• The experiments reinforce the need for continued research on EV firefighting tactics.

May 30, 2025 (QUINCY, MA & COLUMBIA, MD) — The Fire Protection Research Foundation (FPRF), the research affiliate of NFPA, and The Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI), part of UL Research Institutes, today issued a notice about a potential explosion hazard when fire blankets are used during electric vehicle fire suppression efforts with battery involvement.

• During experiments involving the use of electric vehicle fire blankets to suppress an EV fire with battery involvement, it was observed that the deployment of a fire blanket eliminated flaming by denying oxygen to the vehicle and the battery fire.
• While the flaming was eliminated, battery thermal runaway propagation continued after blanket deployment, which resulted in the continued release and accumulation of flammable battery gases into the volume under the blanket.
• In some of the experiments, this accumulation of flammable gases under the blankets presented an explosion risk to firefighters operating near the vehicle.
• The risk of an explosion can be increased when re-introducing air into an oxygen-depleted accumulation of unburned flammable battery gases.

FPRF is conducting research to improve the safety of firefighters responding to electric vehicle fires and incidents by assessing current firefighting tactics and tools used by the fire service to manage EV incidents and the impact of suppression activities on managing re-ignition risks. Recent experiments for the Assessment of EV Firefighting Tactics, Tools and the Impact on Stranded Energy research project were conducted to assess the ability of four firefighting tactics to suppress and establish control of fire incidents involving standalone electric vehicle battery packs and full electric vehicles with confirmed battery pack fire involvement: standard hose stream application – water only; standard hose stream application – with injected agent; electric vehicle fire blankets; and firefighting appliances.

Analysis of the data from FPRF experiments is underway. Preliminary results will be presented at the annual NFPA Conference & Expo on June 16, 2025 in Las Vegas and the full analysis will be provided in FPRF’s forthcoming research report, which will be publicly available this fall at nfpa.org/foundation. 

FSRI is conducting research to improve understanding of hazards generated by electric vehicle battery fires and to enable the development of firefighting tactics for effective electric vehicle fire control. Recent experiments for the Fire Safety of Batteries and Electric Vehicles research project were conducted to evaluate the capability of standard hose stream application, water application with an under-vehicle nozzle, and an electric vehicle fire blanket, to suppress and establish control of a burning electric vehicle with confirmed battery pack fire involvement. Analysis of the video and data from FSRI experiments is underway and will be addressed in detail in FSRI’s forthcoming electric vehicle research report, which will be available at fsri.org.

About Fire Protection Research Foundation

The Fire Protection Research Foundation is the research affiliate of NFPA. The Foundation is an independent nonprofit whose mission is to plan, manage, and communicate research in support of the association’s mission to help save lives and reduce loss with information, knowledge and passion. The FPRF facilitates research on a broad range of fire safety issues in collaboration with scientists and laboratories around the world.

About Fire Safety Research Institute

The Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI), part of UL Research Institutes, advances fire safety knowledge to address the world’s unresolved fire safety risks and emerging dangers. As part of UL Research Institutes, we are committed to sharing our fire safety insights with everyone to advance UL’s public safety mission of providing safe living and working environments for people everywhere. Through advanced fire science, rigorous research, extensive outreach and education in collaboration with our international network of partners, we impart stakeholders with the information, tools and resources that enable them to make better, more fire-safe decisions that ultimately save lives and property. Learn more at https://fsri.org/.

About UL Research Institutes

UL Research Institutes is a nonprofit research organization dedicated to advancing public safety through scientific discovery. Since 1894, our research has advanced our mission toward a safer, more secure, and sustainable future. Focused on global risks from fire mitigation and air quality to safe energy storage and digital privacy, we conduct rigorous independent research, analyze safety data, and partner with experts to uncover and act on existing and emerging risks to human safety. Discover more at UL.org.

As artificial intelligence continues to evolve at a rapid pace, business leaders must look beyond the hype and focus on strategic, thoughtful integration. In 2025, AI is no longer an emerging trend—it’s a core part of many organizations’ operations, often embedded in systems without formal recognition. Leaders need to start by understanding where AI is already in use within their companies, whether in chatbots, predictive analytics, or customer management tools.

One major development is the widespread, and often unauthorized, adoption of generative AI platforms like ChatGPT and Bard. Employees across industries are using these tools to streamline everything from writing and planning to coding, often without IT approval. This informal usage highlights the growing need for formal governance policies that both protect the organization and guide responsible innovation.

Importantly, businesses must avoid falling into the trap of adopting AI just to stay trendy. Implementing AI for the sake of appearing forward-thinking can result in wasted resources and minimal return. The focus should always remain on solving meaningful business problems. AI should be deployed only when it improves outcomes, reduces costs, enhances customer experiences, or increases efficiency in a measurable way.

For AI to succeed, it must be more than a technology initiative—it must be a cultural shift. Building a strong foundation means investing in workforce training and fostering a company-wide understanding of AI’s capabilities and limitations. Teams that understand the “why” behind AI adoption are more likely to implement it effectively and ethically.

Perhaps most critical is the role of data. High-quality, structured data is the backbone of any successful AI program. Poor data hygiene can cripple AI tools, leading to bad decisions and reduced trust in the system. That’s why companies must prioritize building reliable data pipelines and strong data governance from the outset.

Integrating AI into existing workflows is also essential. Isolated pilot programs and experiments are no longer sufficient. True value comes when AI tools are embedded directly into daily operations—supporting everything from customer service to supply chain management. Seamless integration ensures adoption and maximizes impact.

As AI systems take on more decision-making responsibilities, issues of trust and explainability become vital. Stakeholders—from executives to regulators—need to understand how AI models arrive at their conclusions. Transparent, interpretable systems are necessary not only for ethical compliance but also for building confidence in the technology.

Security and privacy must also be front of mind. As AI systems interact with sensitive data and power critical functions, the risks of breaches, misuse, and bias increase. Business leaders must establish clear governance frameworks that address cybersecurity, data privacy, and ethical considerations at every stage of AI development and deployment.

Meanwhile, the talent shortage remains a serious challenge. The demand for AI-literate professionals, including engineers, data scientists, and strategic thinkers, far exceeds the current supply. Companies will need to offer competitive packages, support internal training, and build partnerships with educational institutions to keep up.

Finally, ethics must be a proactive priority. It is not enough to implement AI and address issues later. Leaders should establish ethical guidelines from the beginning—covering fairness, accountability, and transparency—and maintain ongoing oversight through audits and governance committees.

In sum, 2025 demands a sophisticated, strategic approach to AI. Business leaders must ensure their organizations are not only technically ready but culturally and ethically prepared to harness the full power of artificial intelligence. Those who get it right will unlock transformative value—those who don’t risk falling behind in a rapidly evolving digital economy.

Louisiana Enacts 7 New Acts in 2025: What You Need to Know

1. HB 80 – First-Responder Status for Electrical Linemen

Key Change: Expands the definition of “first responder” to include electrical linemen during governor-declared weather emergencies.
Effective: Upon signature on June 4, 2025 (Act 53).
Impact: Electrical crews gain priority access to disaster zones—enhancing coordination with security teams in restoring power quickly.

2. HB 85 – Roofing Permit & Inspection Standards

Key Change: Requires municipalities/parishes that issue construction permits to enforce roofing inspection standards per IBC Chapter 15 for commercial buildings, and IRC Chapters 8–9 for 1–2 family dwellings; also mandates permit data disclosure on request.
Effective: Act 239 takes effect August 1, 2025.
Impact: Roofing contractors and inspection services must comply with updated code requirements and streamline permit record access.

3. HB 111 – New Loitering Restrictions near Schools

Key Change: Prohibits loitering between 6–9 a.m. and 2–5 p.m. within 1,000 feet of school pickup/drop-off locations when children are present and suspected to be waiting.
Effective: Act 142 effective August 1, 2025.
Impact: Security planning around schools will need to address and enforce these time- and location-based restrictions.

4. HB 152 – Defined Licensing Terms & Digital Fingerprinting

Key Change: Clarifies definitions of “applicant,” “qualifying agent,” adds “licensure”; shifts background checks from fingerprint cards to electronic fingerprints; removes certain criminal disclosure language.
Effective: Act 150 effective August 1, 2025.
Impact: Simplifies the licensing application and vetting processes; security firms should plan to adopt digital fingerprinting.

5. HB 157 – Increased Private Security Licensing Fees

Key Change: Raises fees for security company licenses (initial $500, renewal $410), guard registration (initial $75, renewal $65), and instructor licenses; allows online payments and requires publishing fee schedules publicly.
Effective: Act 309 effective June 23, 2025.
Impact: Private security companies should update budgeting to cover higher licensing and registration costs.

6. HB 618 – Conveyance Device Inspections Standardized

Key Change: Mandates annual inspections of elevators, escalators, etc., witnessed by a State Fire Marshal inspector; exempts single-tenant two-story buildings and camps (five-year interval); sets $150 inspection fee.
Effective: Act 297 effective January 1, 2025.
Impact: Facility operators must schedule witnessed inspections and allocate $150 for each cycle.

7. SB 122 – Contractor Licensing Tightened

Key Change: Introduces new license categories for mold remediation and home improvement; requires operation under licensed name; mandates net worth minimums ($50K standard, $25K specialty), with option for letter of credit; extends exam misconduct disqualification from 1 to 3 years.
Effective: Act 422 takes effect August 1, 2025.
Impact: Raises entry requirements and compliance responsibilities—contractors must evaluate financial standing and update licensing procedures .

Programming Updates Required No Later than August 25, 2025, for the Louisiana 318 Area Code

Attention: Alarm, Security, and Elevator Service/Equipment Providers

To ensure a continuing supply of telephone numbers, the Louisiana Public Service Commission approved the addition of the new 457 area code to the geographic region served by the 318 area code. This process is known as an area code overlay.

What is an area code overlay?

An overlay is the addition of another area code (457) to the same geographic region as an existing area code (457). An overlay does not require customers to change their existing area code but does require using a new dialing procedure to complete calls.

 What will be the new dialing procedure?

The new dialing procedure will require that all calls in the 318 area code that are currently dialed with seven digits will need to be dialed using area code + telephone number. The same dialing procedure will apply to telephone numbers that are assigned in the new 327 area code.

How does this affect providers of alarm and security services and equipment?

As a result of the overlay, a new local dialing procedure requires callers to dial area code + telephone number.

 Alarm, security, and elevator services and equipment currently located in the 318 area code and programmed to dial only seven digits must be updated or reprogrammed to dial area code + telephone number for all calls in the 318 and 457 area codes.

 Reprogramming of alarm equipment must be completed by August 25, 2025

To verify that equipment can complete calls to the new 457 area code, a special test number,457-457-1457, will be in service beginning June 25, 2025, and will remain active through October 25, 2025.

 When will the change begin?

Beginning February 24, 2025, dial 10 digits (area code + 7-digit telephone number) whenever you place a call, including calls within your same area code. If you forget and dial just 7 digits, your call will still be completed.

Beginning August 25, 2025, the new dialing procedure must be used, as described above. On and after this date, if callers do not use the new dialing procedure, calls will not complete.  A recording will instruct the caller to hang up and dial again including the area code.

Beginning September 25, 2025, new telephone lines or services may be assigned numbers with the new 457 area code. Anyone with a telephone number in the 318 area code must dial the area code + telephone number or the call will not complete.

What will remain the same?

• Telephone numbers, including current area code, will not change.
• The price of a call, coverage area, or other rates and services will not change due to the overlay.
• What is a local call now will remain a local call regardless of the number of digits dialed.
• You can still dial just three digits to reach 911 and 988.
• If 211, 311, 411, 511, 611, 711 or 811 are currently available in your community, these calls may still be dialed using just three digits.

Who may you contact with questions? Customers with questions regarding the dialing procedure change should be directed to their local service provider, or they can contact the Louisiana Public Service Commission at https://www.lpsc.louisiana.gov/,