Get Ready for the 28th Annual LLSSA Convention & Tradeshow

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The Louisiana Life Safety & Security Association (LLSSA) is proud to announce its 28th Annual Convention and Tradeshow, returning on November 19–20, 2025 at the Pontchartrain Center in Kenner, Louisiana. This premier gathering brings together professionals from across the state for two full days of education, networking, and industry innovation.

The convention opens on Wednesday, November 19, with the annual Golf Tournament at Riverlands Golf & Country Club. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. with a putting contest at 10:00 a.m., followed by an 11:00 a.m. shotgun start. The tournament closes with awards and social time at 3:30 p.m. Proceeds from this tournament benefit the LLSSA Scholarship Program, making it a fun and meaningful way to support the next generation of the industry.

On Thursday, November 20, the focus shifts to education, advocacy, and collaboration at the Pontchartrain Center. Attendees will begin the day with Continuing Education Units, starting with registration at 7:30 a.m. and classes at 8:00 a.m. At noon, participants will gather for the State Meeting and luncheon, where industry leaders and guest speakers will provide updates on legislative efforts, regulatory changes, and association initiatives. The afternoon will feature the highly anticipated Tradeshow, with more than sixty exhibitors showcasing the latest technologies, products, and solutions available in the life safety and security industry. The tradeshow floor will also include door prizes and opportunities for attendees to engage directly with manufacturers, service providers, and vendors.

For LLSSA members, entry to the convention is free, though registration is still required to secure a spot. The educational programming is designed to provide practical value, with CEU sessions including specialized topics such as the State Fire Marshal’s Plan Review, which is a mandatory refresher course for qualifiers every three years. Beyond the classroom, the tradeshow offers invaluable opportunities to meet face-to-face with leading exhibitors such as Alarm Monitoring Service, United Central Control, Napco Security Technologies, Digital Watchdog, and many others.

To make participation even easier, the Doubletree by Hilton New Orleans Airport has been named the official convention hotel. Guests may take advantage of a special group rate of $135 for single king or double/double rooms by booking with the group code LLS.

Registration for attendees, vendors, and golf participants is now open. Attendees can reserve their spots for classes and meetings, vendors can secure exhibit space to connect with decision-makers across Louisiana, and golfers can sign up to take part in the scholarship fundraiser.

The LLSSA Convention is the most comprehensive event of the year for Louisiana’s life safety, locksmith, fire, and security professionals. It combines education, industry insight, networking, and charitable outreach, all under one roof. To explore the full agenda and register today, visit llssa.org/convention.

LLSSA Completes Successful August Regional Meetings Across Louisiana

27th Annual Golf Tournament

LLSSA Announces 27th Annual Golf Tournament to Support First Responder Scholarships

The Louisiana Life Safety & Security Association (LLSSA) is proud to announce its 27th Annual Golf Tournament, taking place on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at the Riverlands Golf and Country Club in LaPlace, Louisiana. This much-anticipated event brings together industry professionals, community members, and supporters for a day of friendly competition, networking, and philanthropy—all in support of a worthy cause.

The tournament kicks off with registration at 9:30 a.m., followed by a putting contest at 10:00 a.m. and a shotgun start at 11:00 a.m. Players will enjoy the beautiful Riverlands course, compete for prizes, and wrap up the day with an awards ceremony and social event at 3:30 p.m.

Multiple sponsorship levels and participation options are available, ranging from individual golfer registrations to platinum-level sponsorships that include player spots, lunch tickets, and premium course signage. Hole sponsorships, prize contributions, and vendor table opportunities are also available for those looking to showcase their business while supporting the cause.

Proceeds from the tournament directly fund scholarships for the children of police officers, firefighters, and EMT first responders. This scholarship program is part of LLSSA’s ongoing commitment to honoring and supporting the men and women who serve and protect our communities. Each year, these scholarships help deserving students pursue higher education, whether at universities, colleges, or accredited trade schools.

By participating—whether as a golfer, sponsor, or donor—you are helping to make a tangible difference in the lives of first responder families while strengthening the bonds within the life safety and security community.

Individuals and businesses interested in playing or sponsoring can register in advance to secure their spot. Early registration discounts are available for LLSSA members through September 15, 2025.

For more information, registration forms, or sponsorship details, contact LLSSA at 337-886-7282 or director@llssa.org.

Why Calibration Matters

Maintaining Accurate Smoke Detector Sensitivity Testing Through Regular Calibration

Accurate smoke detector sensitivity testing is a critical part of maintaining life safety systems. Over time, testing instruments can lose precision due to environmental factors, regular wear, or unexpected impacts. Without proper calibration, test results may drift—potentially leading to false alarms or missed detections, both of which can compromise safety and violate regulatory requirements.

NFPA 72 (2025 edition), Table 14.4.3.2, outlines approved methods for verifying that smoke detectors operate within their listed sensitivity range. These methods include using a calibrated test device, a manufacturer’s calibrated instrument, compatible listed control equipment, systems that signal when detectors fall out of range, or other calibrated methods approved by the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ).

Regular calibration ensures that testing equipment continues to provide reliable readings within the correct sensitivity range. If detectors are found to be overly sensitive, they may generate nuisance alarms; if they are too insensitive, they may fail to detect smoke promptly in an actual fire. Both situations present safety risks and may result in noncompliance with codes and standards.

As a general industry guideline, smoke detector sensitivity testers should be calibrated annually. However, in high-use or demanding environments—such as areas with wide temperature swings, high humidity, or frequent transportation—calibration every six months is recommended. In addition, if a tester has been dropped, exposed to extreme conditions, or shows signs of inconsistent results, immediate calibration should be performed before further use.

Consistent calibration not only ensures compliance with NFPA 72 and local regulations but also extends the life of testing equipment. Early detection of performance issues during calibration can prevent more serious failures, saving both time and resources. Reliable, accurate results also support better maintenance decisions, helping ensure that all detectors in a system operate at peak effectiveness.

Unlocking the Power of LLSSA Membership with Savings4Members

Running a successful business in the life safety and security industry means managing more than just installations and service calls—it also means keeping operational costs under control. That’s where LLSSA membership delivers real value.

Through an exclusive partnership with Savings4Members, LLSSA offers a powerful suite of cost-saving programs that help members cut expenses in over 20 essential business categories, from fuel and shipping to office supplies and credit card processing.

LLSSA members have access to pre-negotiated national discounts, with the average member saving up to $16,000 annually. These aren’t just small perks—they’re real, bottom-line savings that make a difference.

Activating these benefits is easy. Members can work directly with JoAnn Laverdure, a dedicated Savings Consultant, who will review your business operations and match you with the best offers tailored to your needs. This hands-on approach ensures you’re maximizing every opportunity to save.

For small businesses and contractors in Louisiana’s life safety and property protection industry, every dollar counts. The LLSSA + Savings4Members partnership means you can reinvest those savings into your business—whether it’s hiring, training, upgrading equipment, or expanding your services.

LLSSA continues to advocate for its members, not just through legislation and education, but by offering meaningful tools to help you succeed. This program is a prime example of that commitment in action.

Understanding the “One Big Beautiful Bill”

The accountant for the LLSSA, Darnall, Sikes & Frederick provided us with a concise overview of important tax changes introduced by the One Big Beautiful Bill, aimed at both individual taxpayers and businesses. there is a link below to their complete summary.  It highlights what many consider to be some of the most impactful elements of the new legislation.

Individual Tax Provisions

  • Increased Standard Deduction: The OBBB makes permanent the elevated standard deduction that was originally introduced under the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. 

  • Enhanced Senior Deduction: Taxpayers aged 65 and older may claim an additional $6,000 deduction (and up to $12,000 for couples where both spouses qualify), on top of the standard and age-related additional deductions. This benefit applies whether you itemize or not and begins to phase out above certain income thresholds ($75,000 single / $150,000 joint).

Beyond what’s captured in the DSF summary, here are some key highlights of the OBBB Act:

  • Permanent Tax Cuts and Expanded Deductions
    The Act makes permanent the lower individual tax rates from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and substantially increases the SALT (state and local tax) deduction cap to $40,000 temporarily. 
    It adds new deductions for:

    • Tips – up to $25,000

    • Overtime pay – up to $12,500 ($25,000 joint)

    • Auto loan interest – for U.S.-assembled vehicles
      It also introduces “Trump Accounts” (tax-advantaged savings for children) and increases the child tax credit by $200, among other changes. AP News+4Wikipedia+4Kiplinger+4Center for Agricultural Law and Taxation

  • Spending Cuts and Social Program Rollbacks
    The legislation includes sweeping cuts to programs such as Medicaid (the largest reduction in its history), SNAP, and more. It also allocates vast funds to border security, defense, and increases funding for ICE—raising significant social and fiscal concerns. 

  • Financial Impact & Controversy
    The Congressional Budget Office projects that the OBBB will increase the national deficit by $2.8 trillion over the next decade. Critics argue it supports the wealthy disproportionately and undermines renewable energy programs. 

The summary from Darnall, Sikes and Frederick serves as a clear, user-friendly summary, particularly helpful for older taxpayers:

  • It emphasizes the increased standard deduction and additional senior deduction, offering immediate insight to retirees and older adults.

  • By keeping its focus narrow, the document aligns well for quick advisory or client-facing purposes—though it omits the broader legislative complexity and accompanying societal implications of the OBBB.

2026 Youth Scholarship Program Applications are Open

LLSSA Opens Applications for 2026 Youth Scholarship Program

The Louisiana Life Safety and Security Association (LLSSA) is pleased to announce that the 2026 LLSSA Youth Scholarship Program is now open for applications! This annual scholarship opportunity is designed to support the children of Louisiana’s dedicated police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and other first responders as they pursue higher education.

Eligible high school seniors can now apply for this prestigious scholarship, which recognizes not only academic achievement and community involvement but also honors the service and sacrifice of their parents or guardians who protect and serve our communities every day.

Students can find full eligibility requirements, application instructions, and submission deadlines on the LLSSA website at:
👉 https://llssa.org/benefits/scholarships/

LLSSA is proud to give back to the families of those who serve in public safety, and this scholarship program is one of the many ways the association supports both the life safety industry and the broader Louisiana community.

Applications for the 2026 award cycle are due early next year—don’t delay! Start your application today and take the next step toward your future.

Certification Support Program

LLSSA Launches Certification Support Program to Help Students Succeed

The Louisiana Life Safety and Security Association (LLSSA) is proud to introduce its new Certification Support Program, designed to help students overcome challenges and achieve success in the life safety and property protection industry. Recognizing that not every student learns the same way—or passes certification exams on the first try—the LLSSA Education Team created this program to provide targeted support and personalized resources for those who need a little extra help.

As part of the program, students who do not pass their initial certification exam will receive a breakdown of the specific sections where they missed questions. This valuable feedback is provided within 48 business hours of the exam results, allowing students to quickly identify and focus on their areas of weakness. From there, they can choose to participate in one-on-one tutoring tailored specifically to those content areas. These personalized tutoring sessions provide a way for students to build confidence and improve their knowledge.  Additionally, they will be invited to attend a scheduled in-person class led by an instructor via Zoom, giving them the chance to engage in interactive learning and ask questions in real time.

This program is more than just test prep—it’s a reflection of LLSSA’s commitment to the success of every student and to the future of the life safety and security industry. By offering structured, individualized support, LLSSA is helping students gain the confidence and skills they need to not only pass their exams but thrive in their careers. The Certification Support Program is another example of how LLSSA continues to lead the way in education, advocacy, and professional development in Louisiana and beyond.

Louisiana Area Code Change: 318

The Louisiana Public Service Commission has approved the addition of a new 457 area code in the region currently served by the 318 area code. This change, known as an area code overlay, does not replace existing numbers but requires a new dialing procedure. Starting August 25, 2025, all calls in the 318 and 457 area codes must be dialed using the full ten-digit number (area code + telephone number). This adjustment ensures a continued supply of phone numbers in the area.

This change will impact businesses and service providers, particularly those in alarm, security, and elevator services. Any equipment programmed to dial only seven digits must be updated to accommodate the ten-digit dialing requirement. Failure to do so may result in failed call attempts, affecting critical security and emergency systems. To facilitate testing, a special test number (457-457-1457) will be available from June 25, 2025, to October 25, 2025.

To comply with these new regulations, businesses and service providers should begin updating their systems immediately. By February 24, 2025, ten-digit dialing should be adopted in preparation for the mandatory transition in August. If you have questions, contact your local service provider or the Louisiana Public Service Commission for further guidance.

The following information provided by George E Guerra | Lead Network Technology Support | Number Policy Planning and Administration | M: 4157947314 | E: gg2395@att.com

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/,

HB 145 Signed by the Governor

New Louisiana Law Expands Tax Breaks for Home Fortification—What It Means for Small Life Safety Businesses

A new Louisiana law, Act No. 473 (formerly HB 145), goes into effect January 1, 2026, doubling the state income tax deduction for homeowners who retrofit their homes to meet building code or “fortified home” standards. The deduction increases from $5,000 to $10,000 per residence, specifically for owner-occupied homes.

This expanded incentive is likely to boost demand for structural upgrades that also enhance life safety—such as stronger doors, impact-rated windows, advanced fire alarms, and emergency systems. For small businesses in the life safety and property protection industry, this presents a clear opportunity to bundle code-compliant retrofits with security and fire safety services.

As homeowners look to qualify for the full deduction, businesses offering certified installation and help with required documentation may gain a competitive edge. Positioning services around both safety and storm protection can drive new business, especially for those prepared to navigate the state’s upcoming compliance rules.

In short, Act 473 is more than a tax break—it’s a strategic opening for life safety contractors to expand offerings and attract more retrofit clients.