We want to thank everyone who participated in our end-of-year survey. Here is a summary of the responses with 79 responses logged.
​
1. How is your staffing?

Other:

• Fully staffed but looking to hire at least 2 positions
• Only an owner/operator. No other employees before or since pandemic started. Use a specific group of subcontractors to perform some of my work.
• Always need to find GOOD employees!

2. How many of your employees have been sick with COVID-19, if any? Have you had a workplace shutdown or interruption of service due to positive cases?

37 respondents say they were unaffected by illness or shutdowns.

Other responses included:
​

• 3, no shutdowns
• 5 employees, no shut down due to cases only quarantine
• At this point, we have 10 employees off sick for the Covid. This number represents 1/6th of our team
• 4
• We have seen a significant increase in employees with Covid in Q4 compared to Q2. Roughly 20 staff members tested positive while another 30 were quarantined but did not test positive. This created significant disruptions to normal business production in November and December
• None sick - but been tested multiple times due to possible exposures.
• One employee tested positive. We had two employees to quarantine but tested negative. Have not had to shut down in 2020.
• less than 10 positive cases. Shutdown a branch office for a week.
• Two positive. Neither exposed other coworkers. Contained within those exposed outside of work environment
• 1
• 1
• only 1
• 1 confirmed case of Covid 19. Several quarantine situations during the year, but all were negative for Covid
• 4
• 12 positive cases. No shut down and no interruption of service, however had to juggle previously scheduled appointments with the technicians for 2.5 weeks.
• 9 - 10% of workforce, mostly field. No impact to jobs. Closed office a couple times and had office employees work remote though. Had rotating office schedules.
• 2 - Techs got it, both back to work doing well! No shutdown just protocol in place.
• We Had one person in late February early March sick at the time and was diagnosed with Covid-19 about 10 days later he was on vacation at the time and was in the hospital for 3 weeks
• 2 and they quarantined. No shutdown or interruption
• 3, No Interruption
• 20
• 4 sick out of 45
• 2 People, some work pushed back because of this.
• Zero, however, we have had to have people quarantine which hurt our business.
• 1
• 4 out of 20
• We have had six employees come down with Covid. It is definitely affected the flow of service.
• 1, no
• One contracted COVID on a personal trip, and took two weeks off. No contact with other employees. Two others have quarantined due to exposure, but never tested positive for COVID. No shutdown, nor interruption of service.
• One covid positive employee. Using multiple tactics to avoid a workplace shutdown
• Ten
• 2
• We had one employee who was sick with COVID-19
• 5 no shutdown or interruption
• 5%. No shutdowns or interruptions.
• 58 (5.5% of our workforce) as of today.
• 8-10 sick with COVID. No business shutdown or interruption
• A few have had it but we haven't shutdown and they have been back to work within 14 days.
• 20+ some interruption with quarantining the close contacts. Also, customers postponing work due to their staff having cases.

Comments:

• We have seen a significant reduction in work forces related to the food service and hospitality businesses. Their revenue has been significantly decreased
• My clients are closing every day. Not only small "Mom and Pop" restaurants, but very large chains. Wendy's, Waffle House, Long John Silvers, Subway, Red Robbin, ETC.
• Primarily small mom and pop restaurants however large hotel chains have stretched payments creating concern for those as well
• Very very tiny amount of them.
• Many closed temporarily but now in California some have closed for good.
• We have had a couple of place go out of business, but they were having trouble prior to the COVID outbreak
• Sad to watch so many small businesses that shut there doors thanks to our Governor. I feel so blessed to be still up and running.
• Forecasting to lose 40-50% of restaurant trade
• Not yet, but we have a lot in the restaurant sector and the restaurants are hurting terribly right now. Some may go under if they do not receive a second PPP loan
• Mostly restaurants.
• besides many retail customers going bankrupt many have also closed a number of locations
• Food industry especially
• Mostly small businesses, restaurants, and some large office space customers, that are working from home because its safer, less expensive and more productive. ( Approx. 50 accounts so far. )
• Restaurants and small businesses
• Many small bars with forced shut downs.
• Very few went out of business. All were small businesses. None of our larger customers went out of business - most of them are essential businesses and are exceptionaly busy.
• A number of restaurants.
• We have a large variant when it comes to this. I would say by and large the majority are restaurants.
• We have definitely lost some of the smaller businesses.
• Mostly restaurants.
• A few restaurants have closed. Some other closures driven by market conditions unrelated to COVID. New accounts have more than backfilled those closures.
• Mostly restaurants
• But then we haven't reached everyone yet
• Restaurants mostly
• RESTAURANTS
• Entertainment
• Several bankruptcies among non-restaurant customers and many other restaurants that are now closed and may not reopen
• Restaurants and hospitality industry partners.
• Restaurants, small specialty businesses, movie theatres,
• Not many...yet anyway.

7. In planning for 2021, is there anything you have to plan differently than you normally do?​

There has been growing concern about the presence of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in AFFF (Aqueous Film Forming Foam). PFAS have been associated with serious environmental, pollution, and health issues. This has been a topic of discussion at NAFED conferences for the past three years. The major areas of concern have been at civilian and military airfields, petrochemical facilities, and firefighting testing and training facilities where AFFF has widespread use.
 
This issue also includes AFFF fire extinguishers. Recently both Amerex and Ansul have stopped production and sales of AFFF fire extinguishers and recharge agents. Badger is in the process of redesigning their stainless-steel cylinders and, once completed, will be offering their AR-AFFF extinguishers. A Buckeye representative stated that they are developing an AFFF extinguisher that should be introduced in the future.
 
This development has a significant impact on the fire extinguisher service industry. The current NFPA 10 requires that these extinguishers be recharged every three years and hydrotested every five years. However, without the agents being available, the extinguishers cannot be recharged and should be removed from service. Depending on the hazard being protected, another Class B rated extinguisher may be substituted. However, dry chemical or clean agent fire extinguishers do not have the ability to suppress vapors like a foam extinguisher does.
 
What happens next? New agents are being developed but we do not know what the timeline is before they are approved and developed for use in fire extinguishers.

​The next edition of NFPA 10 is scheduled for release in 2021. The new edition contains a proposed revision to Section 7.8.2.3.1 that would read:

One fire extinguisher manufacturer stated at the NFPA 10 technical committee meeting that their agent does have a five-year life. Once this agent and extinguisher becomes available there should not be a need to recharge those extinguishers on a three-year cycle.

Make certain that if you are servicing or removing AFFF extinguishers from service, the foam solution should not be disposed of by pouring into the sewer system or pouring it on the ground. The solution is considered a hazardous material and an environmental hazardous substance. Disposal must be in accordance with appropriate federal, state/provincial, and local regulations.

We want to thank everyone who participated in our August survey. Here is a summary of the responses with 119 responses logged.

​1.

​
​2.

"Other" responses:

• Yes and No...Have been fully staffed but still short on employees for the amount work we have
• Staff work long on rotation.
• Lost 2 guys won't come back making more money with unemployment
• We've lost about 7 of our 25 over the last 6 months for varying reasons. However, those of us still here are still more than full time.
• trying to hire techs
• Need certified technicians.
• We have the work load to be fully staffed but difficult to get helpers to return to work and funds from PPP loan are gone so difficult to hire experienced techs.
• Yes, most of our office staff are working from home.
• Sometimes have restricted hours
• 60%
• 2 employees out due to medical advice.
• Yes. Fully staffed but looking to gain employees as we are taking on more work.

​
​3.

Comments:
"We are a small company that works mainly at nursing homes and we follow strict guidelines every day."


4.

Comments:

• most of these are difficult now including scheduling, planning, supply chain, and morale.
• Morale is another big challenge. It appears many of our employees are having a difficult time with our "new way" of life.
• ​What is going to happen to the restaurants in the large metro cities???
• ​As the state loosens and tightens restrictions, there is a lot of uncertainty from our customers. A lot are affected by good tourism numbers now but anticipating big drop off after apple-picking season is over.
• ​ALL OF THESE (except Staffing). Couldn't pick just 1.
• ​So many things! Working during a pandemic and recession, hoping customers are making money so they will pay us, wondering how to keep up on payroll and rent when our receivables are lower, keeping our employees safe when they are in and out of so many locations.
• ​Many customers are asking us to call back next month. When we call they postpone again and ask that we call back. Very time consuming.
• ​Everyone is working on everyone's nickel, after 2 months of nothing it will probably be next year until cash reserves are back.
• We are not experiencing any undue difficulties. We have set new sales records in June and July. These new highs are in part due to jobs that were already in the queue, partly due to industries unaffected by COVID, and some customers who have viewed the COVID slow down as an opportunity to do upgrades.
  
• ​Jobs are constantly being rescheduled at the last minute due to our customer's needs and we are trying to travel for customers and transportation is unpredictable right now.
  
• ​Waiting is always the problem. Uncertain when we will fully open. Fear that we will not be able to bring all employees back to work.
• As businesses reopen all the ones that weren't serviced and are now past due are all calling at once
  
• ​There are several here that are in play. Scheduling, as some businesses are not in open. Keeping up with what our local government is requiring and Employee Moral.
  
• ​Things aren't changing as fast as they were but still changes to keep up with and uncertainty about the future clouds the crystal ball . . .
  
• Actually a good mix of several above. Moral is down due to slow days and scheduling is difficult due to clients restrictions on vendor entry. Also supplies are slow about being received due to supplier cutbacks. Getting paid for credit accounts is VERY slow.
  
• ​A little bit of everything

We had 88 responses in our latest state of business survey. Thanks to our participants - here are the results!

1. ​Are you fully open for business?

We want to thank everyone who participated in our April survey. Here is a summary of the responses with 132 responses logged.
1. Is your business OPEN currently? Is your state/municipality under stay-at-home order?

Some specific responses for "other" include:

• Doors to retail area locked.
• Daily Temperature Monitoring, Visitor Tracking/Tracing
• All inside doors are open
• Staggering office people. Encouraging field technicians to self dispatch from their homes, and come to the shop less frequently. Some staggering of shop techs.
• spacing scheduling of jobs to low peak hours
• Face covering, gloves and sanitizers are supplied to all field technicians for use at specific facilities (as required)
• Health screening questionaire prior to each job (temperautre check etc...)
• Calling politicians to get on board
• Curbside pickup/delivery for store front
• Sanitizing tools, keeping gloves, sanitizer, disinfectant on trucks
• Masks if Customer requires
• employees must report temperature prior to heading to office or jobsite
• Open part time. Mostly for emergencies and customers that have to have service.
• Lysol wipes, hand sanitizer in trucks, tech required to sanitize everything they touch in location as well as tools before putting back on trucks currently not sending any service techs out, limited office/shop staff only
• Safety glasses
• Limit customer's access

Additional comments:

• I've been the only one sick, the rest of the staff is currently healthy
• Only one or two out of 230.
• I was just brought into a serum test, thoughts were I had it in January. Rutgers U w/ RWJ St Barnabis is studying and preparing serum antibodies
• 2
• So far, no problems. Because we are a small company, we might have to shut down if someone tests positive.
• quarantining for 14 days would be a big impact for our business; trying to come up with creative ideas for this
• We have one client (nursing home) that has an epidemic in their facility.
• Possibly one employee. Not correct status to get tested. Quarantined by doctor for 1 week our 3 days after no fever witch ever is longer period of time.
• Purchased and gave each employee/relative vitamin C to take as an additive. 3-4000 mg per day to boost immune system and it is effective in combating viruses. (Google it.)
• a few refuse to work because of Covid 19
• I may have been at the end of February, won't know until a antibody test is available.

Comments from those who said "No":

• We were advised to wait before applying for a PPP loan since the money must be used for payroll. Since there was no way of knowing when the restrictions would be lifted in NJ, it made more sense to wait so that the funds could be used to pay our EES at a time when they could actually generate income. At this point, we have no idea what to do other than wait and pray.
• Tried to apply for SBA PPP but they closed up applications because they ran out of money already. Waiting to apply.
• After jumping through multiple hoops for assistance the entire form was changed so new information has to be filled out and submitted
• Did not choose to apply.
• Not yet Canada has not come up with the application yet
• I'm working on a 3 month going forward and I will call customer to see if they are opened and if they will allow me to conduct the service. Some of my accounts I know are closed. I will apply a hold on until they reopened. The reason that I have decided to review my customers 3 months at a time it will not create a backlog when things get back to normal

Comments from those who said "Yes, SBA PPP":

• No money yet
• not approved in time to receive any funds in the first funding of the program
• Program out of money already, bigger bank customers get served first. Oh well there is no such thing as a free lunch. It's our 101st year in business we will move forward.
• Loan was approved today
• Just notified of approval for loan.
• although we have been approved for the PPPL there is uncertainty there will be any money left since a small business is defined as 500 people. That to me is a large company who has recourses available to get the paperwork done. A small company should be defined as 25 employee or less. I don't have an accounting office with several people solely dedicated to that purpose. My office manager does all that and much more. The entire thing is geared to companies that have much deeper pockets that a truly small "mom and pop" operation
• No money has come in yet...
• as of today no answer
• The system was very fast. Had money for both Companies within 10 days.
• no answer yet
• not moving quick enough
• We applied 10 days ago and cannot get an update from the bank on our status of the loan
• Haven't seen the $$ yet...hopefully the process will work.
• Work with your banker to make sure you complete the document completely and correctly. Follow up frequently to make sure the process is moving forward.
• We have applied, but do not know if we will get it at this time.
• Haven't heard anything back on the PPP
• submitted 4/7/20, just had follow-up from the bank today (clarifications & a few other questions) so I'm not sure the money will be available by the time we get approval . . .
• Banks are deferring interest on loans or credit card balance for qualified customers.
• Very Slow! Multiple applications completed.
• DON'T QUALIFY NOT LARGE ENOUGH FOR ASSISTANCE SO MUCH FOR SMALL BUSINESS HELP
• Applied at the earliest possible time and have not yet heard if the application has been approved.
• supposed to sign PPP today 4-15-20
• Received the loan funds on 4/15/2020. Went through a smaller local banker versus a big bank.
• I've been approved for the PPP but it hasn't been funded as of today. I've been told within 10 days.
• Note: we have applied but have not received any funds as of April 15, 2020.
• Small banks helpful---large banks not so helpful

Comments from those who said "Yes, other assistance":

• Canadian loan without payment and interest for 2 years -Canadian sales tax deferral
• Your survey is not adapted for Canadian Business

The largest industry conference, the National Fire Protection Association's Conference & Expo set for June 15-18 in Orlando has officially been canceled.

​Further information directly from the NFPA can be found here.

Some specific responses include:

• We are sanitizing several times a day wiping down all computers, phones, tablets, doors, work stations, vehicles. Washing hands frequently and avoiding medical facilities
• Calling ahead to all customers to see if open and taking any precautions in dealing with any inspections to be performed.
• No in face meetings, we are using Microsoft teams to communicate.
• Walk-in is closed, customers not to touch iPads for invoices, made all employees aware of safeguards
• NONE
• updated sanitation, changes to front counter showroom polices and PPE including tyvek suits if needed
• Scheduling service for when fewest number of people will be around or no one around to minimize contact. Techs can cancel appointment if they feel site is not taking proper precautions.
• twice a week text reminders on hygiene and CDC recommendations, Covid-19 memo with instructions following CDC guidelines
• Curbside service for in shop - customers wait in vehicle for services to be completed & pay by phone
• Very thorough COVID-19 policies. Too many to list. Pandemic Committee formed and meets everyday. (manufacturer)
• Asking techs to remove clothes when home and put them in the washing machine and take a shower before interacting with family. Issuing Ascorbic acid to all who want it to take 2-3X day.
• Material pickups are call ahead and leave on the dock.

Further Comments:

• So far, our public sector accounts, (schools, universities, government offices, etc.) work is business as usual. Our industrial accounts are insisting we perform our services. Our restaurant customers consider this a good time to do service and maintenance, and some updating. Third-party reporting will help us to keep out service schedules on-time. And we have a higher than average number of installations on the calendar which appear to be moving forward.
• We have a small shop. My one tech is taking voluntary time off when shop work is done. He is very unwilling to go out and service customers and I won't force him
• thinking out side the box with how we interact with our customers. They set the extinguishers outside, we do them, wipe them down and they come out and get them after we are gone.
• New installations. Service is very hard to schedule and or get paid.
• Lots of phone calls to schedule, concentrating on multi family living, manufacturing and fast food.
• Serving essential critical industries. Ensuring a clear message that life safety and fire protection are critical to the welfare of the public and community
• We have been moving customers around so that if any cancel or postpone due to COVID 19 we fill the days with the backlog / overflow or new business we gain from promotions to help our city / province. We are contacting NEW customers to offer specials to help them during this time and for the rest of the year as they recover
• We service grocery stores, auto repair shops and farms. So far so good but if we need we can pull such customers from future months to sustain service while giving those customers a discount for early service.
• Focusing on larger factories/businesses not affected by the shutdowns. Pushing future jobs ahead if possible.
• So far we have been able to schedule enough accounts to keep techs busy, focusing on institutions and businesses that need compliance or that are long-standing and we trust them to pay so extend terms to 90 days. Some people are using Paid Time Off days to take a break. Senior tech working on our training outline.
• Keeping busy one day at a time - by looking for all repairs and calling all customers ahead of time. We are not billing what we normally would be we are getting by with enough to cover payroll
• doing national account work and some local businesses that will let them in to do the work. we are still doing lots of work with essential businesses as designated by the government
• pre calls to arrange special times, and procedures to ensure our techs are not exposed. We are also in equipment, and apparatus business so there is plenty to keep busy, and large enough facilities that with split shifts people can maintain cdc discipline.
• We have been defined as "essential" life safety provider for F/A and Sprinklers and Backflows.
• We are front loading all the work that supports essential businesses that are open (i.e. gas stations) to the front of the month.
• Asking facilities permission to perform scheduled inspections and maintenance when they're shut down and facilities are less congested with personnel.
• Not super busy but busy enough. For now. Mostly pre-scheduled jobs at other essential facilities. Changing the schedule. Next week we go to a 32 hour work week to account for the slow down.
• Mixed results. Seems to change day to day. Small businesses and restaurants are the hardest hit and are deferring service.
• We would normally be busier but we are running at about 70% of our normal volume. If we can hold that we will get through this OK.
• So far, it is getting more difficult with each day. Not that we don't have the work, just can't enter so many of the facilities
• very difficult to get any work scheduled. most restaurants are closed. some businesses are not accepting outside vendors.

Responses for "other":

• Possibly if work slows down to a point of not best to stay open.
• Not yet. That will be a week by week call. We are doing everything we can to keep everyone working.
• We choose to temporarily lay off some admin staff and absorb in other roles to prep for a slower April possibly- we expect them all to be called back ASAP
• We had one shop tech working 24 hours while going to school. Laid off due to drop in shop volume and need to keep full time staff working.
• customers denying services is causing some to not work all day, and we are reducing some of the techs hours
• If this continues for very long, yes.
• Temporary furlough for many, but now adding back. Some will remain on furlough for the foreseeable future.
• lay offs and furloughs on a week by week basis
• Part time tech went on lay off, admin asst and sales person as well
• Full pay for 3 weeks. Requiring home study NICET sample tests etc.
• Reduced hours by 8 hours per week
• We have held off on laying off until the Government decides what they are doing for small businesses. The owners will not be paid if necessary to pay our employees
• only person not working was indirectly affected in that he didn't have child care and is the sole guardian
• Soon

Remote services people are using:

• Log me in. (Set up through our IT company that manages our computers) Call forward work phones to cell phones.
• We are using Microsoft Teams and Zoom
• Forwarding phones from office to cell phone
• Cisco Meraki
• SharePoint, Teams, Planner - all Microsoft products
• Team viewer
• Remote PC, Microsoft Azure, Microsoft Office 365, Microsoft Teams, various SaaS
• VPN login for office personnel, and call fowarding
• Myself and office manager can login to office computers and quick books
• teramind on all remote computers for monitoring, servicetrade for operations, gmail for communications
• We have remote log-in to our computers. Able to do billing, quotes, and database updates remotely.
• Service Trade, ADP
• Teams, O365
• MS Teams and Office365, Remote Desktop and VPN
• Video conferencing. Remote desktop services for access to internal applications.
• "go to" meeting software for all managers communications among our 7 facilities.
• Prefer working at the shop
• service software is cloud based work from anywhere. Forward phones to where people are working.
• some of our staff can work remotely they have been set up through our IT Company. We use Zoom for meetings.
• Go-To meeting online conferencing and granting access to our terminal server environment.
• firepro365, Microsoft Dynamics, Microsoft Teams
• Microsoft Teams VOIP phones have a online system for desk phones to be used. VPN Cloud based software

Additional comments:

• Getting fewer customers every week
• Official statements from NAFED, NFPA, and local AHJs have helped.
• We have a 2 man force. If I can bring in work, my employee can process it. Fortunately, he is single with little debt. I can see that the revenue stream will be abreviated this month.
• About 4 of 60 construction sites shut down. Some service customers closed, but most willing to utilize this time with vacant buildings for service.
• We are still doing work for some public works jobs, healthcare, schools that maintenance dept remain open and want us to perform service.
• it is day to day, hard to get work scheduled
• In our area we feel 30% of the customers will allow work performed in their facility. Many of our customers are not allowing contractors in their facility -period
• State of Michigan is shut down for all non-essential businesses.
• Yes but very few.
• Case-by-case. Some that you'd expect to keep us away allow us to service their location, while other very low risk attempt to postpone services
• We are not at the 50% mark but did have a noticeable amount choose to move / postpone to next month or "pending" what happens
• less and less as the days go by
• Most likely to say 'no' are small, locally-owned restaurants that are completely closed.
• Most are either not open or don't want to pay for it right now because work is slow for them too.
• recently those who have offices open are now saying they are concerned about cashflow and want to push dates out past July
• Only essential businesses. A lot of business are shutdown.
• Need to call and contact every customer to ensure they are open and will allow technicians into their facility
• Postponing inspections and recheduling jobs with high occupant load & children. Doing some inspections mostly in buildings that have been closed. Concentrating on defielciency service work and emergency work and responding to calls where customers want work performed.
• We are shocked that in the hot spot NY area that we are. Companies still want services provided.
• higher percentage of system inspections than portable inspections
• Down ~10-15%
• Mecklenburg and Cabarrus counties are the closest to us and have went to 'stay at home' orders. This drastically reduced the amount of work that could be done.
• We do not want our techs to be exposed to the virus, so we are choosing not to send them out. We also are concerned if we do service and they go out of business or can't afford to pay us.
• Most customers are doing take out and drive through business, it's not paying the overhead not enough volume.
• "Annual" clients and restaurants are tough right now...but we do a lot of "monthly" clients including hospitals, defense contractors, electronics manufacturing which are all open and requiring that services can continue.
• Restaurants are closed but Grocery store chains we are doing as well as other such hotels. hospitals etc.
• Have had a few where we are not allowed in. These have been mainly food processors.
• All scheduled PMs have canceled
• Most restaurants are closed down, bank lobbies closed, doctors offices, etc. closed. I expect that when they open back up hopefully by May, we will be quite busy.
• Restaurants seem to be the bigger challenge, others are mainly open and some have shut down but still some letting us in.

7. Is there anything NAFED can do for you at this time?

• I appreciate what NAFED is doing. Keep communicating, and keeping our industry informed.
• Keep messaging that our work is "essential" and "critical".
• NAFED has done a good job keeping it's members in the loop. Keep up the good work, it's reassuring having an informational pipeline
• Continue has you have been and keep us up on all things Corona...Maybe you could help with understanding the "bail out" as it pertains to business loans forgiven for payroll expenses etc. Most small company's do not have one to help them so they muddle through. It would be nice to not have to muddle through!
• I appreciate the memos regarding fire protection is an essential business and must remain open. Keep them coming. We've passed the memo along to our techs in case they are questioned...
• Yes, encourage all members to look out for each other. Family, friends, employees, neighbors, and the elderly are our biggest assets. PROTECT YOU ASSETS
• send cash
• LOL, I wish
• NAFED IS DOING A GREAT JOB
• Promote that fire safety is still essential even when a virus is affecting the community. Fires can still happen and equipment needs to continued to be mantained.
• Pray and keep keep information coming. Thank You!
• Letter to CISA about fire and life safety being a necessity to support Essential Critical Industries. Open letter to community why our services are critical (e.g. NFPA Guidance for Maintaining Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems Regardless of Occupancy Status)
• You have been excellent. Your email re: NFPA's position on essential services has helped a lot to educate our staff and customers. While our AHJ is stating it can be delayed (for annual inspections) this has been an excellent resources to refer to. Sprouse is a huge supporter of NAFED and while not many Canadian Companies attend each year, we commit to being there every year that we can. Thank you for all you do!
• pray for our industry during this time, it will not come out of this event looking the same!
• Advocate for the government to support and fund the small businesses who are our customers so they are still viable when they are allowed to open again. Also to increase production of safety gear so that we can keep our staff protected.
• Keep us posted on national trends
• Help interpret what the government is doing to help and how to take advantage. Keep communicating that our business is essential.
• Keep providing information on how the industry is getting on and what others are doing to keep their business open and productive.
• Perhaps a "Notice to Businesses" paper that fire protection companies could share with customers stating that fire codes, insurance, OSHA, and other groups have not relaxed requirements due to the coronavirus or state shut downs. It is essential that life safety equipment be properly maintained at all times...
• Yes - share how other FEDs are handling their work and lack of workforce - thanks!
• nothing in particular right now. you have sent out some good information to the membership.
• No thank you! Wishing all good health!
• Just wish us well and to stay healthy!
• Be well...wash you hands...practice social distancing
• No, the notice you sent out was great we incorporated it into a memo for the State to prove we were an essential business. The owners are manning the phones this week and slowly bringing people back next week as long as they are healthy!
• So far NAFED has been great with all the information provided.
• Probably not. This will probably be the death knell for this small company after 30 years.
• I don’t know. Any suggestions are welcome.
• Find a cure for the virus! Just kidding. However, keeping up with the latest news like you have been sending is helpful.
• Keep updating with any/all information regarding our industry and what small business employers can do.
• Nothing short of a cure or vaccine, but thank you.

As more and more states issue stay-at-home orders that require non-essential businesses to shut down, NAFED has received several calls asking if the service and maintenance of life safety and fire protection equipment and systems is considered an essential business.
 
We have reviewed several of the state orders and descriptions regarding essential businesses. We have also had discussions with others in the industry, and our consensus opinion is that YES, the installation, service, and maintenance of life safety and fire protection equipment is an essential business.
 
Although your operations are essential, you must remember that business is not “as usual.” You must take all the safety precautions that are currently required. Some actions that you should consider are:

• Can some of your employees work from home?
• Stagger arrival times for technicians, so they aren’t all in the shop at the same time.
• Can shop and office workers be separated by 6-foot distances?
• Stagger break and lunch times.
• Remind employees to WASH THEIR HANDS PROPERLY (20 seconds of lather before rinse).
• Remind employees to practice safe precautions when they are at customers' facilities.
• Provide disposable gloves and remind employees that they should wear and throw them away whenever they change environments or touch other surfaces.
• Ensure that employees are provided with the proper PPE if they have to go to any facility that treats or may have individuals that have or have been exposed to COVID-19. If you don't have PPE or do not know what is required, make it the responsibility of the customer to provide the required PPE.
• WASH YOUR HANDS.

 
NAFED along with FEMA and the Government Regulations Committee are monitoring the situation and a paper is being prepared for submittal to state and provincial agencies. Mark Conroy of Brooks Equipment is coordinating these efforts.
 
Visit the CDC, NIOSH, and your state's website for additional information.
 
There will be other changes to your operations caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, but it is important to remember to be safe.

We also have received additional guidance from industry partners and the Department of Homeland Security regarding essential operations during this time:
Guidance for Maintaining Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems Regardless of Occupancy Status (NFPA)
Guidance on the Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce (DHS - Cyber & Infrastructure Security Agency)

NAFED staff participated in a webinar "Coronavius (COVID-19): What You Need to Know" presented by the National Safety Council in partnership with the CDC. We've been given access to share this webinar with you so you can stay informed on what the World Health Organization is now classifying as a global pandemic and consider what steps may need to be taken for yourself, your business, and your employees, if you haven't already.

View the presentation here.

Other helpful links on COVID-19:
• An infographic from CDC explaining how to keep workplaces, schools, homes and commercial sites safe from coronavirus
• OSHA Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19
• NIOSH Guidance on coronavirus in workplaces
• CDC guidance on mass gatherings and large events
• CDC tips on what to do if you are sick

Regarding the Conference

NAFED is aware that the progressing situation may impact our future scheduled events. We are in close touch with our event venues in Atlantic City and Chicago and will be monitoring all local advisories. If there are any changes, we will update you as soon as that decision is made. We understand if you need to make changes to your reservation and will be waiving the cancellation fee.
​
Be safe and be well.

New Fire Equipment Industry Benchmark Shows Positive Conditions for Early Summer
 
CHICAGO, Illinois. (July 17, 2019) – The fire equipment industry has a new, innovative industry benchmark, and it shows positive business conditions for the month of June 2019. The benchmark, the “NAFED Gauge,” is an exclusive index from the National Association of Fire Equipment Distributors (NAFED).
 
"This cutting-edge benchmark will help companies in the fire equipment industry make better business decisions,” said Danny Harris, CAE, NAFED Executive Director. “It is one more way that NAFED is contributing to our members' success as they seek to protect the lives and property of others."
 
This first-ever NAFED Gauge was well represented in the number and geographic distribution of responses. A large majority of these June 2019 responses rated current business conditions as positive, with 88% choosing that answer when asked the question, “How would you describe your current business conditions?” This translates to a NAFED Gauge reading of 121, with a number over 100 indicating conditions are positive.
 
"While that number by itself is helpful, NAFED members can also access other important measures for future business expectations, current challenges, and current sources of revenue," said Tim Krulan, NAFED President. "This is a goldmine of information that makes NAFED membership a critical business tool for any company involved in the fire protection services and equipment industry."
 
While this is the first month for the NAFED Gauge, future months will allow the industry benchmark to project trends that can be of ever greater help in planning for the future.

You can view the June benchmark data here.
 
Members will be able to access all future benchmark data by logging in to the member area of the NAFED website at www.nafed.org. Those companies that are not currently members can also find membership information on the NAFED website.
 
For more information about NAFED or the NAFED Gauge, contact Tamara Matthews, Communications Manager, at tamaram@nafed.org.
 
 
About NAFED
The National Association of Fire Equipment Distributors (NAFED) is a trade association serving companies that sell, distribute, and service fire equipment. Members sell and service portable fire extinguishers in addition to a full range of fire protection services including the installation and/or maintenance of pre-engineered kitchen systems, industrial systems, fire alarms, security systems, sprinklers, fire hose and standpipes, and emergency and exit lighting. NAFED members work in commercial, industrial, and residential settings making buildings safe and giving individuals the tools they need to fight early-stage fires.