The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has announced the release of the 2026 edition of the Educational Messages Advisory Committee (EMAC) Desk Reference. This cornerstone document, which serves as the foundation for all NFPA public education messaging, provides fire and life safety educators with accurate, consistent language they can deliver to their communities. The new edition features updated messaging on multiple timely fire and life safety topics, including smart sensing technology in multi-criteria smoke alarms, lithium-ion battery safety, fuel gas response, and much more.

“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,” said Kelly Ransdell, director of public education at NFPA. “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.”

The document also helps ensure the use of proper terminology as messages continue to be updated and customized.

The 2026 edition of the EMAC Desk Reference includes expanded chapters on lithium-ion battery safety, candle safety, and fuel gas alarms in addition to updated messaging on the following issues:

  • Holiday safety, which includes lights and decorations, Christmas tree safety, Halloween safety, and fireworks.
  • New emphasis around purchasing items that have been listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory (NRTL).
  • New smart sensing technology in multi-criteria smoke alarms that detect heat, smoke, and gases.
  • New emphasis on bringing a portable carbon monoxide (CO) alarm when traveling and considering CO poisoning if multiple people are experiencing similar flu-like symptoms.
  • New sections within the electrical chapter on compact fluorescent lamp lightbulbs, chicken coop safety, and marine and boating safety.
  • Guidance on how to respond to a fuel gas alarm or the odor of fuel gas.
  • Lithium-ion battery safety, which includes buying, storing, charging, and air travel.

Topics within the EMAC Desk Reference are written in a self-contained manner, so that all the information on a particular subject is provided within that category. In the latest edition, the table of contents has been hyperlinked, making it easier to find information on each topic, as needed.

The EMAC, which comprises a cross-functional team of professionals from a wide range of fire and life safety organizations, meets periodically to review the NFPA fire and burn safety education messages and to provide recommendations to NFPA public education staff for messaging updates and revisions.  Submission of comments, proposed revisions, and new messages from EMAC and public audiences occurs on an ongoing basis.

The EMAC Desk Reference will be released in Spanish and French later in the year.