The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has launched a campaign warning that the U.S. system of independently developed safety codes is facing increasing threats.
According to NFPA, the new effort, titled A Code for Every Moment, aims to educate the public and policymakers on how safety standards are created and why they are essential for protecting lives and property.
NFPA President and CEO Jim Pauley said the campaign is a response to growing public misunderstanding and pressures that could weaken the current code development system.
The campaign includes a push for federal legislation known as the Pro Codes Act, which NFPA said would protect the ability of organizations to maintain copyright over their standards and ensure public access.
The campaign also includes a new website, DontChanceSafety.org, to provide resources and information to individuals and lawmakers.
NFPA stated that new research conducted by the organization revealed that most Americans are unaware of who creates safety codes and how they are developed.
The data showed that many people mistakenly believe these standards are created by federal agencies.
NFPA said the reality is that private, independent groups like NFPA lead the development process through collaboration with public safety professionals.
The association warned that this lack of understanding has allowed special interests to push for changes that bypass or dilute the code system.
It also noted concerns about commercial entities using these standards without compensating the developers, which NFPA said jeopardizes the financial viability of the process.
Despite this, NFPA said the research shows public support strengthens once people understand how the system works.
NFPA explained that the Pro Codes Act is intended to preserve the ability of standards developers to hold copyright over the materials they produce.
The bill also requires that any standards referenced in law be viewable online at no cost to the public.
NFPA stated that this would preserve the consensus-based process that has shaped modern safety infrastructure in the United States.
According to Pauley, the system has created measurable benefits over time, including economic savings and risk reduction.
He said: “The codes and standards development system has been one of the most successful public-private partnerships in history — safeguarding countless lives, creating economic growth and saving billions of taxpayer dollars.”
In addition to legislative advocacy, the campaign encourages professionals and citizens to learn more about the standards system and take part in its protection.
Pauley said: “We can all do more to protect the safety standards that protect us. Whether you’re a policymaker, professional, or simply someone who cares about public safety, your voice matters.”
The campaign calls for individuals to engage through its website, where they can find educational tools and updates on policy developments.
NFPA said its goal is to make safety standards more visible and better understood by the public.
The organization also emphasized that the campaign marks one of its most extensive public initiatives in its 125-year history.
NFPA stated that both political and commercial pressures have put the independent standards model at risk.
It warned that recent efforts by well-funded groups aim to bypass the established consensus process.
NFPA also cited concerns about how some companies have used NFPA codes without permission or compensation, which it said undermines the model’s sustainability.
The association said these challenges have become more acute in recent years due to legal and policy debates over public access and copyright.
NFPA said it is committed to preserving the current structure to continue protecting lives and infrastructure.
NFPA launched a public awareness campaign called A Code for Every Moment on 16 June 2025.
NFPA said the campaign is designed to defend the U.S. safety code system from increasing threats.
The association said that many Americans misunderstand how safety codes are created.
NFPA reported that most people believe government agencies create the codes.
The association said it is actually private groups like NFPA that lead the process.
NFPA stated that public misunderstanding has created opportunities for special interests to influence the system.
The organization warned that commercial use of standards without compensation also presents a risk.
The campaign supports the Pro Codes Act, which NFPA said would protect copyrights and improve access.
NFPA said this legislation is essential to maintaining the safety infrastructure.
The campaign includes a website, DontChanceSafety.org, to provide information.
NFPA described the initiative as one of the largest in its history.
