Big Interview – Olga Caledonia, NFPA

February 24, 2025

Olga Caledonia, NFPA’s Director of Global Business Development talks to International Fire Buyer about the changing regulation and standards landscape in the Middle East

As the NFPA’s Director of Global Business Development, what is your perspective on the collective responsibility of government, the private sector, and the public in enhancing fire safety standards?

Fire safety is a shared responsibility that requires the collaboration of various stakeholders, including the government, private sector, professional organizations, and the general public. Each plays a unique role in ensuring safety standards are not only created but also implemented and followed. The government sits at the top of this responsibility chain. It is their duty to protect citizens through legislation, enforcement, and public initiatives that prioritise fire safety. However, we’ve observed a common misconception among the public—they often assume that safety is entirely someone else’s responsibility. As individuals, we don’t always think about fire safety proactively, and that can lead to dangerous situations.

The private sector, on the other hand, plays a significant role in shaping the built environment, actively contributing to the development of codes and standards. Their contribution extends beyond the introduction of new technologies; they are strong advocates for compliance and often lead the way in innovating life-saving systems and technologies. Whether it’s fire suppression systems or safety sensors, the private sector is critical in ensuring that modern structures are equipped to handle fire risks effectively.

The public is also a key player. As occupants of buildings, we must take personal accountability for understanding safety protocols, such as evacuation routes or fire extinguisher locations. Unfortunately, people are often distracted by other priorities and may neglect these essential details. Organisations like NFPA work tirelessly to bridge these gaps. We focus on raising awareness and educating the public through various communication channels, ensuring that fire safety remains a top priority.

How does NFPA approach education and communication to bridge gaps between these stakeholders?

Education and communication are at the heart of NFPA’s mission. We use a multifaceted approach to ensure our messages reach the right audiences effectively. For example, we engage with professionals through in-person training sessions, online learning modules, and live virtual events. These formats allow us to provide technical knowledge tailored to fire service professionals, engineers, and policymakers.

When it comes to the public, social media and digital platforms have become invaluable tools for spreading awareness. These channels allow us to engage with a broad audience, providing an effective way to share information and connect with our community. As part of NFPA’s continuous digital engagement with our customers, we recognize the importance of maintaining an active presence across these platforms to foster deeper connections and provide valuable, timely content. Interestingly, even after the pandemic, we’ve seen that people still value in-person events. Conferences and exhibitions remain critical for face-to-face interaction, which can enhance collaboration and knowledge sharing.

All of these comes together through NFPA Fire and Life Safety Ecosystem, a framework that identifies 8 components that must work together to minimize risk and help prevent loss, injuries and death from fire electrical and other hazards. The eight components include: Government Responsibility, Development and Use of current codes and standards, Referenced Standards, Investment in Safety, Skilled Workforce, Preparedness and Emergency Response, Code Compliance and Informed Public.

Our goal is not just to educate but to create a culture of safety that permeates all aspects of society. By leveraging technology, traditional outreach methods, and partnerships with local governments and organisations, we ensure our safety messages are both accessible and impactful….

To read the full interview see our latest issue here.