Press Release - August 5, 2004

Date:
August 5, 2004

Contact:
Robert Korb, Jr., CFI, CFPS - Deputy Fire Marshal
Phone: (410) 632-5666 Ext.4; Email: rkorb@wcfmo.org

MARYLAND ADOPTS LATEST FIRE SAFETY CODE

Effective August 1, 2004, the Maryland State Fire Commission adopted the most up-to-date editions of two key National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) safety codes.

The 2003 Editions of NFPA 1, Uniform Fire Code™ (UFC) and NFPA 101®, Life Safety Code® are now official parts of the revised State Fire Prevention Code. Worcester County adopts these safety codes as part of the Worcester County Fire Prevention Code. The Life Safety Code is used in all 50 states and mandates building construction design, operation and maintenance which are used to protect building occupants from the dangers of fire and smoke. Prior to the recent update, State code officials were using the 2000 editions of NFPA 1 and 101.

According to Worcester County Fire Marshal Jeffrey McMahon, State fire officials decided to adopt the new safety codes because of the highest standard of safety they provide. “The citizens of Worcester County are our utmost priority. These codes will provide our Deputies with power to enforce the latest provisions concerning features of fire protection.”

Worcester County Deputy Fire Marshal’s have already received training by NFPA on the recently adopted safety codes. The training taught by NFPA technical experts covered all of the code updates and the numerous ways the codes can be utilized and enforced.

A copy of the updated safety codes can be purchased through the NFPA’s online website at www.nfpa.org.