The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has released the 2026 edition of its Educational Messages Advisory Committee (EMAC) Desk Reference, providing updated fire and life safety messaging for educators and communities.
The document forms the foundation of NFPA public education messaging and is designed to provide accurate and consistent language while supporting the use of appropriate terminology.
Lithium ion battery guidance expanded
The 2026 edition includes expanded chapters covering lithium ion battery safety, candle safety and fuel gas alarms.
Lithium ion battery guidance addresses purchasing, storage, charging and air travel, while new information explains how people should respond to a fuel gas alarm or the smell of fuel gas.
The reference also places greater emphasis on purchasing products listed by a nationally recognised testing laboratory.
Smoke alarm technology updated
New messaging covers smart sensing technology in multi criteria smoke alarms capable of detecting heat, smoke and gases.
Carbon monoxide guidance has also been updated, including recommendations to take a portable CO alarm when travelling and to consider CO poisoning when several people experience similar flu like symptoms.
Additional electrical safety sections address compact fluorescent lamp lightbulbs, chicken coop safety, and marine and boating safety.
Holiday safety guidance included
Updated holiday safety information covers lights and decorations, Christmas trees, Halloween and fireworks.
Topics within the Desk Reference are presented independently, providing the relevant information within each individual category.
The latest edition also features a hyperlinked table of contents to make specific safety information easier to locate.
EMAC reviews safety messaging
EMAC comprises professionals from a range of fire and life safety organisations and meets periodically to review NFPA fire and burn safety education messages.
The committee provides recommendations to NFPA public education staff on updates and revisions, while comments, proposed revisions and new messages from EMAC members and the public are accepted on an ongoing basis.
NFPA plans to release Spanish and French editions of the EMAC Desk Reference later this year.
Kelly Ransdell, Director of Public Education at NFPA, said: “As our world continues to evolve and new technologies enter the market, the 2026 edition of the EMAC Desk Reference incorporates safety messaging and guidance that address today’s emerging issues.
“These updates and revisions help ensure that it remains a cornerstone document fire and public safety educators can rely on for credible, up-to-date information.”
