Should We Certify Companies or Individuals for ERCES?
SBC issues position paper on ERCES Minimum Qualification of Personnel
There has been a tremendous amount of discussion and confusion surrounding minimum qualifications of personnel as it pertains to Emergency Responder Communications Enhancement Systems (ERCES).
The Safer Buildings Coalition has issued a position paper [included in its entirety in this article, and available as a download] clearly laying out code interpretation and best practice recommendations to aid jurisdictions in establishing rules and expectations for minimum qualifications of personnel for ERCES.
From the Chief’s Corner: 2024 – The Year of Learning…
By Chief Alan Perdue (ret.), SBC Executive Director
For more than 11 years, I have been blessed to have the opportunity to speak on behalf of the Coalition on the crucial topic of ERCES. I have spoken at conferences, SBC seminars, association events, AHJ small groups, etc. After so many years, and so many events, you may start to feel that, by now – surely! – everyone knows everything they need to know about this. You may even wonder whether you need to continue educating people about this. The short answer: Very much so!
Sponsorship slots still available for several events!
SBC’s 2024 Seminar series will visit 27 cities, beginning with Miami on January 31. We filled most sponsorship slots in Round One, but opportunities remain open. Here's how you can still get in!
Save the Date: 2024 SBC Member Dinner at Meeting at IWCE
The 2024 installment of IWCE will take place in Orlando, FL, March 25-28th.
As always, we will host our annual SBC Member Dinner and Meeting at this event, but this year, we are moving the event to Tuesday night of the event. With that, please clear your calendars for: Tuesday, March 26th, 2024.
ICYMI: SBC Releases Best Practice: Understanding ERCES Backbone, Distribution, and Pathway Survivability
Miss our special announcement right before the Holidays? Check out our "special gift" to you:
To help jurisdictions and industry vendors engage in a good dialogue about the correct way to interpret the codes and standards pertaining to ERCES Backbone, Distribution, and Pathway Survivability, we have decided to share a detailed excerpt from our industry-leading reference: Complete ERCES Handbook, along with some useful bonus content.
2024 Wireless Tech & Policy Summit Hits Washington, DC June 4th!
We are delighted to announce that the 2024 Safer Buildings Coalition Wireless Tech & Policy Summit will take place in Washington, DC on Tuesday, June 4th, 2024.
Stay tuned for information, incl. venue, pricing, etc.
Exact 2024 sponsorship tiers and pricing TBD but are expected to be similar to 2023. Complete 2024 Wireless Tech & Policy Summit Prospectus will be available for your review soon.
Exhibiting at State or National Fire Marshal Events? Help Us Put the ERCES Handbook Into the Hands of AHJs
Are you planning to attend, exhibit at, even sponsor a State or National Fire Marshal event in the new year? If so, we invite you to join our special ERCES Handbook Sponsorship Program, which allows SBC members to purchase one or more boxes of books (eight books per box) at a deep discount, affix their own labels and hand out the book to local AHJs and Radio System Staff.
This is a great way to spread the enforcement message, educate jurisdiction staff, and build a relationship based on gratitude and value with book recipients.
Looking for a new gig? Several SBC members are currently hiring. Visit our Career Board for open positions with Tower IQ, Day Wireless & Safe-Com Wireless.
The Codes and Standards work group has begun what promises to be a busy 2024. As the deadline for proposed changes for the next edition of the International Fire Code loomed early in January, a sub-working group prepared a few last-minute proposals. These were submitted as a backup addressing some of the same issues the group working on NFPA 1225 is attempting to address in case that effort is unsuccessful.
The Government Affairs WG is monitoring Florida’s 2024 Legislative session, while no new bills were introduced that would affect, In-Building ERCES, we are watching for potential amendments being added to non-related bills. Sub TG formed to review proposed licensing requirements.
The Member Advocacy Work Group has been working tirelessly on getting ready for our first Town Hall meeting, set for Thursday, January 25th.
Our work group is excited to be hosting this meeting that will be a great opportunity for everyone to learn about all the work groups, the inner workings of the coalition and have a chance to network and to learn more about the SBC.
Meet the Newest Safer Buildings Coalition Members - January 2024
The Safer Buildings Coalition continues to grow, with more than 200 member organizations across several categories. We value each and every member, and it’s our pleasure to introduce you to the most recent additions to our member base.
DAS and Indoor Wireless Installations: NATE Contractors Are Perfect for This Work
SBC Managing Director John Foley contributed this article to the NATE Tower Times
SBC Managing Director John Foley is a member of the NATE DAS and Small Cell Committee. John contributed this article to the NATE Tower Times 2024 Volume 1 Publication. In this article, John invites NATE members to explore the opportunity of participating in the in-building public safety wireless sector. SBC Knowledge Partner NATE is The Communications Infrastructure Contractors Association. NATE is a non-profit trade association providing a unified voice for tower erection, maintenance and service companies.
The following sponsored content is provided by our members. Have some content to share? Contact Us.
DAS Talk episode1: Chief Alan Perdue on First Responder Challenges and Solutions
From Gamma Electronics
"DAS Talk" is a pioneering podcast series hosted by Peter Weyhreter, VP of Gamma, and Philip Nicholas. This insightful series, brought to you by Gamma Electronics, focuses on the world of Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) and in-building communication, with an emphasis on emergency response and safety.
Protecting Your DAS Equipment During Renovation Projects
Preventative Steps to Protect Equipment Can Save Time and Money
From Mobile Communications America
When undertaking renovations or construction projects, protecting your existing DAS infrastructure is essential to avoid damaging the individual components. Unfortunately, it’s pretty common for coaxial cables or antennas to be damaged during construction – especially across large campuses where there seem to be continuous improvements or renovations occurring.
Want to Know Who Can Perform In-Building Public Safety Work?
The purpose of the Safer Buildings Coalition Member Showcase is to provide visibility to the organizations who have demonstrated this commitment through Safer Buildings Coalition participation in this specialized community of practice.
![Codes-and-Standards-Work-Group-Thumbnail[117352]](https://hs-6232585.f.hubspotemail.net/hub/6232585/hubfs/Codes-and-Standards-Work-Group-Thumbnail%5B117352%5D.png?upscale=true&width=1116&upscale=true&name=Codes-and-Standards-Work-Group-Thumbnail%5B117352%5D.png)
