The Safe Inside Podcast
In-building wireless dead zones – areas where cell phones can’t call 9-1-1, and where first responder radios don’t work, have long been identified as a clear and present life-safety threat. Surprisingly, they are found in most structures including shopping malls, stadiums, and tragically, our schools. Since 2012, the Safer Buildings Coalition has been the leading voice in tackling this threat by building a “Coalition of the Willing” with a singularly focused mission: The elimination of in-building wireless dead zones.
The SBC Safe Inside Podcast series dives more deeply into the discussion, examining the challenges, roadblocks, frustrations, successes, best practices, and the complicated road forward. We talk about Emergency Responder Communication Enhancement Systems (ERCES), Distributed Antenna Systems, and more! The series features two top experts representing the jurisdiction side of the discussion as our regular co-hosts — Creighton Watley, a seasoned DAS coordinator for a metro county government and Mathew Theisz, a veteran radio operator for the District of Columbia — along with special guest hosts and other industry experts, as they discuss the ups and downs of trying to do a good job in the muddle of it all.
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EP 5 | NFPA’s Fight to Protect America’s Safety Standards
Join John Foley of the Safer Buildings Coalition in conversation with Jim Pauley, President and CEO of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), as they discuss the alarming erosion of safety standards across America. From fire marshals being stripped of authority to communities refusing code updates, this eye-opening discussion reveals how a century of fire safety progress is under threat. Pauley explains NFPA’s groundbreaking “Don’t Chance Safety” campaign, the critical Pro Codes Act legislation, and why the consensus-based standards development system—one of history’s most successful public-private partnerships—needs protection now more than ever. Learn what’s at stake and how you can help prevent the next preventable tragedy.
Episode Credits:
Co-hosts: John Foley and Jim Pauley
EP 4 | Radio for Newbies: Putting the Puzzle Together!
Are you new to the trade of in-building public safety communications? Have you been pulling cable for a while but looking to understand what the user equipment is doing when it communicates through an ERCES? Tune in as Matt takes Creighton to school on some foundational subjects such as: the differences between Cellular and LMR, how the band affects what equipment is used, and solutions AHJs use as alternatives or in addition to ERCES. Once you’ve listened, if you’ve got lingering questions, or suggestions for future topics, please let us know! Reach out at: content@saferbuildings.org.
Episode Credits:
Co-hosts: Creighton Watley & Mathew Theisz
Executive Producer: Charlie Fleetham
EP 3 | Fire Code Alchemy: ERCES Program Management in South Carolina
We’ve spent the last two episodes talking about ERCES challenges, this time, let’s be inspired by a powerful example of success! Please join us as we discuss the state-wide ERCES program of South Carolina with Deputy Fire Marshal Nathan Ellis. Although he and his office worked closely with the state’s frequency licensees, this is a chance to hear the perspective and experiences of a fire code AHJ rolling out what has become best-in-class ERCES management. Once you’ve listened, if you’ve got lingering questions, or suggestions for future topics, please let us know! Reach out at: content@saferbuildings.org.
Episode Credits:
Co-hosts: Creighton Watley & Mathew Theisz
with Featured Guest Expert: Nathan Ellis, Deputy Fire Marshall (South Carolina)
Executive Producer: Charlie Fleetham
EP 2 | ERCES Integrators: Learning to Walk on Shaky Ground
If someone tells you it’s easy to make money as an ERCES integrator, you should seek a second opinion. In this podcast, we’re enlightened by Merisa Gamler, a veteran ERCES integrator. Listen in as we run, walk and sometime tip toe through the highs and lows of deploying in-building public safety communications. You will undoubtedly recognize all the usual suspects, but we proudly cross the plate with forecasts on the promising future of our industry and why we’ve made it our home.
Episode Credits:
Co-hosts: Creighton Watley & Mathew Theisz
with Featured Guest Experts: Merisa Gamler & Christopher Creamer
Executive Producer: Charlie Fleetham
EP 1 | ERCES Requirements: Like a Box of Chocolates, You Never Know What You’ll Get!
When it comes to deploying ERCES do you ever feel like you only get half the story before you start the job? Knowing and fulfilling the requirements for ERCES are crucial for both good business and reliable emergency communications. So why are they so hard to nail down? Listen in as our panel of frustrated ERCES crusaders discusses requirement shortfalls and solutions from the local to the national.
Episode Credits:
Co-hosts: Creighton Watley & Mathew Theisz
with Featured Guest Experts: Merisa Gamler & Christopher Creamer
Executive Producer: Charlie Fleetham
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