What is the primary purpose of the NFPA?

The primary purpose of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is to write fire protection codes. The NFPA is widely recognized for developing and publishing codes and standards that are intended to minimize the risk of fire and its associated hazards. These codes cover various aspects of fire safety, including the installation of fire protection systems, building materials, fire department operations, and emergency response procedures.

By setting these standards, the NFPA helps ensure that fire safety practices are consistent and effective across different jurisdictions, thereby improving overall public safety and reducing the incidence of fire-related injuries and fatalities. The association's work is critical in providing guidelines for the safe design, construction, and management of buildings and facilities.

While regulating schedules, overseeing budgets, and conducting drills are important functions within fire departments, they are not the primary mission of the NFPA itself. Instead, those tasks are typically managed at the department level or through local government oversight.