NFPA 1142, developed by the National Fire Protection Association, is the Standard on Water Supplies for Suburban and Rural Firefighting. It provides guidelines for establishing reliable and effective water supplies in areas that lack municipal hydrant systems or consistent infrastructure for fire suppression.
Rural and suburban communities often face challenges in fire protection due to the absence of pressurized water systems. NFPA 1142 addresses these gaps by outlining the minimum requirements for alternative water supplies, such as static sources (ponds, lakes, and cisterns), portable tanks, or shuttle operations involving tankers. The goal is to ensure that fire departments have enough water available during emergency operations, even in remote or undeveloped areas.
The standard includes formulas and tables for calculating the minimum required fire flow based on the type, size, and construction of buildings. It also provides recommendations on water storage volume, site accessibility, and equipment compatibility. These guidelines help fire departments, planners, and developers design systems that support efficient fire suppression and minimize property loss.
NFPA 1142 is especially important for planning new developments outside of urban areas. By adhering to the standard, jurisdictions can ensure fire protection requirements are met even without traditional water infrastructure.
Overall, NFPA 1142 plays a critical role in enhancing fire safety in areas where traditional water supply systems are not available, promoting preparedness and resilience in rural firefighting operations.
