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Information & Advocacy

The International Code Council's (ICC) Fire and Disaster Mitigation (FDM) team has compiled resources to assist code officials, fire service professionals and community stakeholders in informed decision‑making, professional collaboration and effective implementation of strategies that strengthen resilience across the built environment.

This page includes information on ICC's Fire Service Membership Council, broader community engagement opportunities, key informational documents on emerging issues and a selection of reputable stakeholder organizations.

Find our more about or Stakeholder Organizations.

Fire Service Membership Council

The Fire Service Membership Council (FSMC) is a forum for concerns and issues that are of particular interest to the fire service. The FSMC facilitates the engagement of ICC members and stakeholders in the discussion and activities of interest to the fire service within the built environment. Members are encouraged to participate in ICC’s code development process, and to advise ICC on programs and policies, legislative matters, code adoption issues and such other matters as the FSMC deems appropriate. The FSMC is led by a Governing Committee comprised of fire officials from across the country, who guide the direction and activities of the FSMC.

Membership Qualifications

Membership in the FSMC is open to any individual who wishes to affiliate with the Fire Service Membership Council and is a member of ICC, an ICC Governmental Member Voting Representative, or employed by a jurisdiction or corporate member of ICC or a member in good standing of a closely aligned organization as approved by the ICC Board of Directors.

Join the FSMC

To join the FSMC, ICC members may access their myICC account and visit the FSMC site on ICC’s Member Community to sign up. Interested stakeholders or any general questions about the FSMC may be directed to Fire and Disaster Mitigation Program Manager Christine Reed. FSMC meeting information and general updates can be found on the ICC Member Community.

FSMC Governing Committee Members

Timothy Diehl, Howard County, MD; (IAFC: E); FSMC Chair
Doug Nelson, Bismarck, ND; (NASFM); FSMC Vice Chair
Bryan Adams, Pleasant Valley, OH
Ted Black, State of UT (NASFM)
Justin Sherwood, Bemidji, MN; (IAFC: GL)
Darcy Davidson, Carlsbad, CA
Michael Desrochers, State of VT
William Hyde, Rogers, AR (IAFC:SW)
Edward Kaminski, Clark County, NV
Kevin Lefebrve, Nisku, AB Canada (IAFC:C)
Jonathan Lund, Des Moines, IA; (IAFC:MV)
Larry Medina, State of OR (IAFC:W)
Kelly Nicolello, Fort Worth, TX
Brandon Sullivan, Colorado Springs, CO
Brendan O'Sullivan, Durham, NH (IAFC:NE)
Jon Davine, Stow, MA (NASFM)
Craig Landolt, Atlanta, GA (NASFM)

Sean Toomey, Concord, NH; ICC BOD Liaison
Karl Fippinger, Washington, DC; FSMC Staff Liaison
Christine Reed, Brea, CA; FSMC Staff Liaison

FSMC Governing Committee Meeting Schedule

The FSMC Governing Committee meets monthly and is open to all FSMC members and interested parties.

Virtual meetings take place on the third Thursday of each month at 1:30 pm ET (excluding in-person meetings). Meeting information, including the virtual meeting link, is listed in the Events section of the ICC Member Community.

Two in-person meetings are held annually in conjunction with the ICC Leadership Week in April and the ICC Annual Conference in October. These meetings are also open to all, and the meeting dates are listed on each event schedule.

Member Community

ICC's state-of-the-art Member Community is a free exclusive benefit offered only to ICC members. It's a self-service tool where building safety professionals can connect and network with other members, streamline communication and collaboration, create and share events and more.

The ICC Member Community App is now available on both Apple and Android devices. This powerful new tool puts a community of building safety professionals and a wealth of knowledge right at your fingertips. Learn more and download, here.

For any questions, please email membercommunity@iccsafe.org.

Informational Documents

Ad-Hoc Battery and Energy Storage Systems Committee Report
Read pdf

FSMC Quick Hits – Close Before You Doze
Read pdf

FSMC Technical Topics – Fire Safety on Construction Sites
Read pdf

FSMC Quick Hits – Using Inflatable Spray Booths Indoors
Read pdf

Stakeholder Organizations

International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) represents the leadership of firefighters and emergency responders worldwide and provides leadership to current and future career, volunteer, fire-rescue and EMS chiefs, chief fire officers, company officers and managers of emergency service organizations throughout the international community.

The International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) is one of the largest and most influential labor unions in North America and is committed to advancing the rights, safety and future of fire fighters, emergency medical workers and rescue workers across the United States and Canada.

National Volunteer Fire Council logo

The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) is the leading nonprofit membership association representing the interests of the volunteer fire, EMS, and rescue services. The NVFC serves as the voice of the volunteer in the national arena and provides critical resources, programs, education, and advocacy for first responders across the nation.

The U.S. Fire Administration supports and strengthens the fire and emergency medical services to prepare for, prevent, mitigate, and respond to all hazards.

Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI) educates members of Congress about the needs and challenges of the United States’ fire and emergency services to help them understand how the federal government can support the needs of local first responders.

National Association of State Fire Marshals NASFM’s mission is two-fold: To protect human life, property and the environment from fire, and to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of State Fire Marshals’ operations.

The Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI) advances fire safety knowledge to address the world’s unresolved fire safety risks and emerging dangers. FSRI shares fire safety insights with everyone to advance UL’s public safety mission of providing safe living and working environments for people everywhere.

The National Institute of Standards & Technology (NIST) was founded in 1901 and is one of the nation's oldest physical science laboratories. Through its focus on buildings and construction, fire testing has been a cornerstone of NIST’s research. Its Disaster & Failure Studies Program assesses building performance in the wake of disasters and failure events.

Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE) mission is to define, develop and advance the use of engineering best practices, expand the scientific and technical knowledge base, and educate the global fire safety community, to reduce fire risk

Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) is an independent nonprofit scientific research and communications organization supported by property insurers, reinsurers, and affiliated companies. IBHS’s building safety research leads to real-world solutions for home and business owners, helping to create more resilient communities.

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The Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) mission is helping people before, during and after disasters. FEMA leverages a tremendous capacity to coordinate within the federal government to make sure America is equipped to prepare for and respond to and recover from disasters.

National Emergency Management Association (NEMA) provides national leadership and expertise in comprehensive emergency management, serves as a vital emergency management information and assistance resource, and advances continuous improvement in emergency management through strategic partnerships, innovative programs and collaborative policy positions.

The International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM) is a non-profit educational organization dedicated to promoting the "Principles of Emergency Management" and representing those professionals whose goals are saving lives and protecting property and the environment during emergencies and disasters.

The Association of State Floodplain Managers is a 501(c)(3) scientific and educational nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing flood loss in the United States.

Building Safety Month

Building Safety Month is an international campaign held each May to raise awareness about the importance of safe building practices within the built environment. Everyone can play a role in enhancing building safety and reducing fire risks by supporting Building Safety Month initiatives.

The campaign features weekly themes, including one dedicated to practical safety tips for homes. Topics include fire prevention and awareness, smoke alarms and fire sprinklers, water and pool safety, disaster preparedness and electrical hazard awareness, with actionable strategies for each to help increase safer living spaces.

For more information on Building Safety Month and resources for fire safety at home, click here.

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Stay informed with essential industry updates and expert technical insights from the award-winning Building Safety Journal. Explore hundreds of free articles, including Batteries and ESS, Disaster Preparedness and Fire & Wildland Urban Interface-related content.

The Building Safety Journal (BSJ) Weekly is a free weekly newsletter from the International Code Council that compiles the latest news on the building safety and construction sectors, including fire-related news and updates, and is delivered to your inbox on Thursdays. Subscribe, here.

Training, Education and Certification

The International Code Council's (ICC) Fire and Disaster Mitigation (FDM) Team is committed to equipping professionals with the latest knowledge and practical skills to prevent, mitigate and respond to disasters effectively.

Below you'll find information on fire service and emergency management educational tracks, certifications and training materials to help you stay current with evolving codes and standards.

Fire Service & Emergency Management Educational Tracks

The International Code Council’s (ICC) Fire & Disaster Mitigation (FDM) Team is developing structured and comprehensive training tracks to support fire and emergency management professionals at every stage of their careers. These tracks will offer clear progression from foundational skills to advanced leadership, ensuring that professionals are equipped to protect communities and implement safety codes effectively.

Plan Review

Essential training for fire plans examiners to review construction documents, identify compliance issues and apply the latest fire and life safety requirements.

Inspections

Foundational training for fire inspectors, focusing on core skills such as code interpretation, field inspections and documentation.

Fire Marshal

Advanced curriculum for fire marshals, including leadership development, program management, community risk reduction strategies and technical expertise.

Disaster Mitigation/ Response

Training for building and fire code officials involved in disaster mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery.

Specialty & Hot Topics

Explore emerging and specialized areas in fire and disaster mitigation. These five tracks are designed to address evolving challenges and technologies.

  • Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
  • Code Adoption & Legislative Process
  • Fire & Life Safety Systems
  • Hazardous Materials
  • Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI)

Certifications

Why Get Certified?

ICC certifications are a globally-recognized mark of excellence. They validate technical expertise, enhance professional credibility and demonstrate commitment to public safety.

Benefits of Certification

  • Career Advancement: Certifications open doors to promotions, specialized roles and leadership positions.
  • Credibility: Gain recognition from peers, employers and jurisdictions around the world.
  • Community Impact: Certified professionals play a vital role in reducing risk and improving safety in their communities.

CEUs and Renewals

Maintain your ICC credentials with continuing education opportunities. ICC offers a variety of CEU-eligible courses to help you stay current with evolving codes and standards.

Reciprocal/Transition Certifications

ICC recognizes certifications from other professional organizations, allowing for streamlined transitions and cross-recognition.

Partner Organizations

  • ProBoard (Fire Inspector I and Fire Inspector II)
  • State of California (CA to ICC and ICC to CA)
  • NCPCCI

Training Materials

Live/Online Training Courses

Participate in expert-led sessions available in both virtual and in-person formats. These courses cover essential topics in fire safety, inspections and emergency response.

Self-Guided Study Courses

Learn at your own pace with structured programs designed to help you prepare for certification exams and deepen your understanding of fire codes.

Study Guides & Materials

Access code-specific references, practice exams and support tools to help you prepare for exams effectively.

Online Learning Subscription

Join ICC code experts every Wednesday for 90-minute ICC Learn Live sessions covering a wide range of code topics.

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Evaluation Reports

Product Compliance is a major pillar in the regulatory framework, and its importance only intensifies when new or innovative building materials/systems are not covered or addressed in the building codes. One way to accommodate the compliance procedure is to update the code to incorporate such changes; however, since the I-Codes are on a three-year update cycle, this option can be impractical and resource-intensive. The alternative approval process offered by the Evaluation Service Reports (ESRs) is a highly credible and rigorous solution. An ICC-ES Report (ESR) is a document that presents the product, scope of evaluation, proof of compliance, installation, and condition of use from a performance perspective. ESRs verify that building products comply with code requirements, acceptance criteria used to evaluate a product, how the product should be identified, installed and much more.

ICC-ES has expanded its scope of services to include evaluation to the following codes in the MENA region:

  • United Arab Emirates (UAE): Dubai Building Code (DBC) set by Dubai Municipality and the Abu Dhabi International Building Code (ADIBC), set by the Abu-Dhabi Department of Municipality and Transport (AD-DMT).
  • Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA): Saudi Building Code (SBC) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabi (KSA) set by the Saudi Building Code National Committee (SBCNC).

Visit ICC-ES’s ESRs online directory for more information on our evaluation scope.

Building Safety Regulatory Ecosystem Toolkit

This free, online toolkit is designed to be used by jurisdictions around the world to identify and improve the elements of their building safety regulatory ecosystems most critically in need. All essential elements of an effective building safety regulatory ecosystem are represented in the graphic and briefly described below. This page is a work in progress. Please check back soon for more information.

legal weight symbol

Legislation

In most countries, a law or act is required to implement a set of building regulations and set forth the framework for their enforcement. This resource offers the principles that should be included in enabling legislation for an effective building control system.

Building Code & Standards

The building code used in a jurisdiction should be right-sized and enforceable, and the standards referenced in that code should be aligned with both the code and the availability of materials and common construction practices in that jurisdiction. This resource provides a guide for creating or adapting a building code and aligning it with appropriate construction standards.

Building Department Administration & Enforcement

In order to coordinate compliance efforts, regulatory authorities need to be established to ensure that the intent of the building regulations is realized and it results in safer, more resilient, sustainable and affordable buildings. This resource offers the essential components and functions of an effective building department administration and enforcement network.

Licensing & Competency

Jurisdictions require a method to define, measure and monitor the required competencies for the various types of practitioners and construction professionals operating within the building control system. This resource offers a list of considerations for assessment, licensing and credentialing rules for jurisdictions to consider based on the availability of internal and external resources.

Plan Review & Permitting

Building designs and sites must be approved through a clearly defined and delineated process that ensures proper application of the building codes during the planning stages of building development activities. This resource provides guidance on establishing and maintaining these processes, which can be used to generate revenue to underwrite the operations of building departments.

Evaluation Reports

Product Compliance is a major pillar in the regulatory framework, and its importance only intensifies when new or innovative building materials/systems are not covered or addressed in the building codes. One way to accommodate the compliance procedure is to update the code to incorporate such changes; however, since the I-Codes are on a three-year update cycle, this option can be impractical and resource-intensive. The alternative approval process offered by the Evaluation Service Reports (ESRs) is a highly credible and rigorous solution. An ICC-ES Report (ESR) is a document that presents the product, scope of evaluation, proof of compliance, installation, and condition of use from a performance perspective. ESRs verify that building products comply with code requirements, acceptance criteria used to evaluate a product, how the product should be identified, installed and much more.

ICC-ES has expanded its scope of services to include evaluation to the following codes in the MENA region:

  • United Arab Emirates (UAE): Dubai Building Code (DBC) set by Dubai Municipality and the Abu Dhabi International Building Code (ADIBC), set by the Abu-Dhabi Department of Municipality and Transport (AD-DMT).
  • Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA): Saudi Building Code (SBC) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabi (KSA) set by the Saudi Building Code National Committee (SBCNC).

Visit ICC-ES’s ESRs online directory for more information on our evaluation scope.

Inspections

Inspectors, and special inspectors for certain types of construction and construction processes, with the necessary competencies and enforcement powers, should be conducting on-site inspections at all critical stages throughout the construction process. This resource is a guideline for establishing and maintaining an effective building inspection system, including consideration for qualifications, training and credentialing.

Product Compliance

Based on the mandated codes and standards, the jurisdictional authority will need a system in place to ensure that products specified in a building’s design are compliant – ideally using ISO/IEC 17065 accredited conformity assessment bodies. This resource references international best practices and tools to help determine which products should be regulated and which approaches to ensuring compliance are most appropriate.

Testing, Inspection & Certification (TIC) Services

If construction product assurance is to be dependable and transparent , it is necessary to have a system in place to certify those regulated products for compliance with the regulations through documented, effective TIC Services. This resource offers a guideline for establishing and maintaining competency of a robust system for the testing, inspection and certification system for construction products and systems.

Evaluation Reports

Product Compliance is a major pillar in the regulatory framework, and its importance only intensifies when new or innovative building materials/systems are not covered or addressed in the building codes. One way to accommodate the compliance procedure is to update the code to incorporate such changes; however, since the I-Codes are on a three-year update cycle, this option can be impractical and resource-intensive. The alternative approval process offered by the Evaluation Service Reports (ESRs) is a highly credible and rigorous solution. An ICC-ES Report (ESR) is a document that presents the product, scope of evaluation, proof of compliance, installation, and condition of use from a performance perspective. ESRs verify that building products comply with code requirements, acceptance criteria used to evaluate a product, how the product should be identified, installed and much more.

ICC-ES has expanded its scope of services to include evaluation to the following codes in the MENA region:

  • United Arab Emirates (UAE): Dubai Building Code (DBC) set by Dubai Municipality and the Abu Dhabi International Building Code (ADIBC), set by the Abu-Dhabi Department of Municipality and Transport (AD-DMT).
  • Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA): Saudi Building Code (SBC) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabi (KSA) set by the Saudi Building Code National Committee (SBCNC).

Visit ICC-ES’s ESRs online directory for more information on our evaluation scope.

Accreditation

Entities (such as material testing laboratories, certification bodies, and inspection agencies) entrusted with compliance functions should be accredited to the appropriate ISO conformity assessment standard to ensure their impartiality and competence. This resource will help to determine accreditation requirements and to assess the best approach for establishing a system of accreditation.

Batteries & Energy Storage Systems (ESS)

Lithium-ion batteries are rechargeable batteries known for their lightweight and long-lasting properties. They can be found in electric vehicles and battery energy storage systems (ESS), as well as smaller devices including e-bikes, e-scooters, cell phones, computers and hoverboards. Despite their wide range of uses in commercial and residential settings, these technologies present unique safety challenges. 

New innovations and battery chemistries continue to be developed, challenging manufacturers, code officials and consumers to stay up-to-date on operational best practices of the technology.

Learn how codes, standards and guidelines are adapting to support the safe use, manufacture, storage, use and recycling of batteries and ESS, and find key resources to help ensure protection for installers, code officials, system designers, retailers and everyday users.

Battery and ESS Basics: What You Need to Know

From personal electronics to mobility devices, the consumer demand for reliable stored energy is drastically increasing. These needs are further increased by the desire for more clean energy in the automotive sector as well as the growing demand for improvements to our utility systems and the need for more stored energy.

As the development, manufacture and use of these batteries increases, attention to the storage, handling, disposal and recycling of new and aged battery units is crucial to ensure health and safety in the built environment and develop future code considerations that address battery chemistries and technologies.

To ensure performance, longevity and safety, it’s critical to follow best practices throughout the lifecycle of lithium-ion batteries and ESS.

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eldery woman on sit down scooter

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Lithium-ion batteries can fail for many reasons including improper manufacturing, damage to the battery and, in some cases, the improper charging of devices.

Lithium-ion battery failure may be caused by either an internal or external condition:

  • Internal failure is a result of a short circuit within the cell, called thermal runaway.
  • External failure may be caused by incompatibility between the battery and a connected charger, damage to the battery or exposure to extreme heat or cold.

An ensuing failure causes cell chemical off-gassing, very high temperatures, smoke and fire. When batteries fail there can be little or no early indications. When one cell fails as part of a battery pack, it could create an uncontrolled chain reaction where additional cells are damaged and then have a thermal event of their own. The gas that is produced as part of a thermal event is typically toxic and flammable in most cases.

Over the past two decades, battery manufacturing facilities within the built environment have been limited. However, they are now rapidly expanding due to the high demand for batteries in energy storage, electric vehicles and mobility devices.

Best Practices:

  • Facilities and associated equipment should be regularly maintained and cleaned
  • Ensure batteries undergo necessary testing to detect defects and thermal instability before distribution
  • Maintain a quality assurance program to remove weak or defective cells before assembly
  • Adopt the most current International Codes® (I-Codes) to ensure building and fire safety requirements are met
  • Develop special emergency procedures for incident management and battery decommissioning as part of the facility’s emergency action plan

Battery retailers, installers and users of ESS and battery-powered devices can help reduce the risk of a battery fire by following safe practices.

Best Practices:

  • Look for the Underwriters Laboratory (UL) mark on battery-powered devices that shows it has been tested to nationally recognized safety standards
  • Follow manufacturer’s instructions for the use, charging and maintenance of the battery
  • Installation of ESS should be performed by licensed professionals following local codes, standards and the manufacturer’s instructions
  • Ensure proper ventilation around the ESS to prevent overheating
  • Do not attempt to modify or disassembly batteries or ESS
  • Avoid exposing batteries to high heat, water or physical shock
  • Use only manufacturer-approved batteries, chargers and cables for your device
  • Avoid overcharging batteries, unplug the device as soon as it has completed charging
  • Inspect the battery for any signs of damage, leaking, increased heat or smoking. If you see any signs, immediately stop using the battery and place safely away from other combustibles

After manufacturing, batteries are stored in preparation for transportation, distribution and use. Safety strategies in storage buildings and areas help reduce the potential fires from expanding.

Best Practices:

  • Storage facilities must have adequate fire protection systems coverage that is designed to suppress a developing battery fire
  • Store batteries in a cool, dry and well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight and flammable materials
  • Storage of batteries that have less than 30 percent state of charge may be considered less volatile

Replacing a battery when it comes to the end of its lifecycle or becomes damaged includes proper and safe disposal of the old battery. Some disposal and recycling facilities process batteries and extract their components for reuse.

Best Practices:

  • Never use damaged batteries
  • Dispose the battery at a certified recycling or disposal center, do not place it in a standard trash container
  • Be careful of handling damaged batteries after a fire incident as the batteries may cause a secondary fire caused by the damage
  • Contact your local battery recycling drop-off site to receive easy instructions for disposal

Batteries in Emergency Planning and Response

Many U.S. states and other countries have experienced a significant surge in fires associated with lithium-ion batteries.

The use of lithium-ion batteries as ESS in our homes can create a potential need for early identification in post incident mitigation and evaluation. Containment, collection and disposal of batteries impacted by a disaster, especially involving fire or flood, takes much care and consideration as part of the response and recovery phases of disaster management.

Training emergency responders and managers to stay up to date in codes, regulations and best practices of battery handling is critical to maintain community awareness and safety. This is especially crucial after a disaster when damaged batteries are left in homes and buildings affected by the disaster.

The Code Council’s When Disaster Strikes (WDS) Institute prepares participants to properly evaluate damage through instruction, interactive activities and review of case studies. The goals of the WDS Institute are to increase the number of trained and qualified Post-Disaster Building Safety Evaluators and Post-Disaster Building Safety Evaluation Coordinators and to increase awareness regarding when and how to perform Post-Disaster Building Safety Evaluations. Learn more here.

Codes and Standards

Adopting and implementing current building codes and standards ensures that lithium-ion batteries and ESS are installed, operated and maintained safely to minimize risks of fire, electrical hazards and system failures.

The International Code Council (ICC), through its membership, code action committees and the code development process, has rapidly developed the I-Codes since the 2015 editions of the International Fire Code® (IFC), International Building Code® (IBC) and International Residential Code® (IRC) to incorporate the evolving and advancing battery chemistries and technologies. These codes and standards incorporate the latest research and best practices, helping protect both occupants and first responders while supporting the safe integration of advanced energy technologies.

Over the past two code development cycles, the collaborative efforts of ICC Code Action Committees and various Code Development Committees have established and enhanced a minimum level of battery safety across the built environment.

This progress is evident in the 2024 suite of I-Codes including the IFC, IBC and IRC as shown in the ESS Development Time frame recap below.

2000-2015

Early Considerations for Battery Storage and Fire Safety

2018

IBC/IFC: Initial Recognition of Lithium-Ion and Emerging Technologies

2018

IBC/IFC: Expansion of Fire Protection Requirements for Energy Storage

2021

IBC/IFC/IRC: Refining ESS Regulations and Integration of Large-Scale Systems

2024

IBC/IFC/IRC: A Comprehensive Framework for ESS in the Built Environment

Resources

The ICC Ad-Hoc Battery and Energy Storage Committee's efforts are documented in this comprehensive report that includes how and where batteries and ESS are used in the built environment, details the committee's code gap analysis approach, highlights areas of focus within future I-Codes, examines professional training and community education needs, and explains necessary public awareness strategies for maintenance and charging of personal mobility devices.

ICC Fire and Disaster Mitigation

The International Code Council’s (ICC) Fire and Disaster Mitigation (FDM) Team brings together a powerhouse of experts in building and fire codes, emergency management, disaster mitigation, wildfire preparedness and mitigation, and public safety awareness and professional leadership. Our team, located across the country, supports ICC membership and stakeholders involved with fire and disaster management. This allows for greater presence in national, state and regional efforts for building code officials, fire code officials, and emergency managers.

Our Mission

Our Mission

Meet the Team

Meet the Team

Areas of Focus

Areas of Focus

Our Mission

Meet the Fire & Disaster Mitigation Team

With decades of combined experience across federal, state and local jurisdictions, the FDM team is committed to advancing resilient codes and standards and supporting communities in reducing community risks from natural and human-caused hazards.

The FDM team works hand-in-hand with the International Code Council’s Government Relations and Technical Services – Fire Protection Engineering (FPE) teams to drive member engagement, advocacy and information sharing.

Karl Fippinger

Vice President
kfippinger@iccsafe.org

Mark Roberts

Program Manager
mroberts@iccsafe.org

Christine Reed headshot

Christine Reed

Program Manager
creed@iccsafe.org

Justice Jones

Program Manager
jjones@iccsafe.org

Sarah Carter

Program Manager
scarter@iccsafe.org

Areas of Focus

Wildfire Preparedness & Mitigation

Explore proactive approaches to wildfire prevention, response and recovery. Learn how communities and individuals can reduce risk and build resilience in the Wildland-Urban Interface through collaboration, preparedness and the application of the International Wildland-Urban Interface Code®.

Disaster
Mitigation

Identify strategies to minimize the impact of disasters such as floods, hurricanes and earthquakes. Learn about the four phases of emergency management and how to build resilience in your community.

Battery & Energy Storage Systems

Examine how batteries and energy storage systems are used in communities and their associated risks. Explore best practices for battery manufacturing, installing battery energy storage systems, and proper charging and maintenance of personal battery-powered devices.

Training, Education and Certification

Expand knowledge and expertise in fire and disaster mitigation strategies. Explore resources for training, education, certifications and career tools that support professional advancement and proficiency of code professionals and emergency managers.

Information & Advocacy

Find sharable resources to promote awareness about the importance of community risk reduction, fire prevention and disaster mitigation. Learn about current community fire risks in your community.

Post-Disaster Rebuilding

Establish a framework for post-disaster rebuilding including adopting, implementing and enforcing the most recent editions of the I-Codes, coupled with best practices and a strong commitment to increasing community resilience.

Technical Resources

The FDM Team curates essential technical provisions of the I-Codes, broken down by risk, hazards, into an easily accessible and understandable set of online technical resources. From battery and energy storage systems to wildfires, hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, and earthquakes – this is your one-stop, comprehensive source for tools and resources to mitigate and strengthen the built environment to withstand all-hazards in your community. Coming soon!

Current Topics & What’s New

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Our team of certified plan review experts can help you review your building plans. From jurisdictions to architects and builders, we verify that all plans are compliant with building codes and standards.

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Don't let a backlog of plan review requests keep you from issuing building permits for important projects. Use our team to supplement yours. As the developer of the most widely adopted codes and standards, we can verify compliance for your jurisdiction's commercial and residential building plans.

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Our Preliminary Plan Review Services are designed to offer critical information to further your plan development. We review initial design code compliance, including use and occupancy classification, type of construction, height and area calculations, means of egress, fire-resistance construction requirements and foundation design.

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News, Trends & Resources

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News, Trends & Resources

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