Briefs

Former NFPA educator to head safety council WILKESBORO, N.C. - The former vice president of public education for the National Fire Protection Association has been tapped to lead the Home Safety Council, a non-profit organization dedicated to the prevention of injuries in the home. Meredith K. Appy, an internationally recognized expert in fire and safety education, has served as an officer and charter member of HSC’s Board of Directors and its executive committee for the last 10 years. She also serves as chair of SafeUSA, an alliance of more than 35 major non-profit, government and industry partners that works to reduce injuries in America. SimplexGrinnell wins federal contract WESTMINSTER, Mass. - Fire and security integrator SimplexGrinnell has been awarded a $3 million federal contract. The company’s Columbia, Md., location will install a new fire alarm system at the Social Security Adminstration’s Metro West Building in Baltimore. The contract was administered through the General Services Administration Public Buildings Service in Philadelphia. Dry fire sprinklers recalled BOCA RATON, Fla. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is stepping in to warn building owners to replace 400,000 Star ME-1 dry fire sprinklers manufactured from 1983 to 1995 by Sprinkler Corp. of Milwaukee, a company formerly known as Star Sprinkler. The warning is the result of an administrative proceeding filed in 2001 by CPSC alleging that the SCM sprinklers were defective and likely to fail. Because SCM is no longer in operation and has no assets, the company is not conducting the recall or offering replacements or refunds.