As schools prepare to re-open their doors in the days and weeks ahead, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has developed a new fact sheet, Building and Life Safety Issues for Safely Reopening Schools, which provides fire and life safety considerations for building modifications like door operability, classroom usage, seating arrangements, and partitions, as well egress management and storage of hand sanitizer and cleaning products.

“School and local officials are working diligently to implement measures that help minimize exposure to and spread of COVID-19,” said Kristin Bigda, technical lead for building and life safety at NFPA. “While much emphasis has understandably been placed on associated issues and concerns, it’s critical that adequate levels of fire and life safety continue to be maintained.”

Many of the issues addressed in the fact sheet require review and input from the local AHJ, as all changes and modifications must be implemented in accordance with local codes and standards. School fire drills are also briefly covered in the fact sheet, but more specific details around these requirements, as outlined in NFPA 101®, Life Safety Code®, are covered in a separate resource.

“The risk of fires and other emergencies has not disappeared in the midst of the pandemic,” said Bigda. “It’s imperative that measures remain in place to adequately protect students, faculty and staff from these potential threats, even at a time when they’re not necessarily at the forefront of many people’s minds.”
For this release and other announcements about NFPA initiatives, research and resources, please visit the NFPA press room.

As all of us continue to navigate the evolving situation with COVID-19, NFPA remains committed to supporting you with the resources you need to minimize risk and help prevent loss, injuries, and death from fire, electrical, and other hazards.

www.nfpa.org/