The National Burglar & Fire Alarm Association worked with Rep. Michael Arcuri (D-N.Y.) to insert fire life safety alarms language into H.R. 3021, the 21st Century Green High-Performing Public School Facilities Act.

The measure directs the Secretary of Education to use $6.4 billion in authorized grants to state educational agencies for the modernization, renovation, or repair of public school facilities. When the bill first passed through the House Education and Labor Committee, it only mentioned fire and safety standards as one of the areas for grant recipients.

Arcuri and his staff worked with the House Education and Labor Committee staff and were able to insert a manager’s amendment; a last-minute change to the final bill before the house approved it. The amendment added the phrase, “including professional installation of fire/life safety alarms.”

“These alarms are necessary to alert students, staff and teachers to evacuate a public school facility when an emergency is detected. Professional installers, such as NBFAA member companies, are essential to the proper functioning of fire or security alarm systems since they are proficient in electronic systems and the codes and standards for this type of equipment installation,” said NBFAA President George P. Gunning.