The Zero Impact Period: Combining Research, Rescues, and The Public Message
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Summary
Modern firefighters understand fire dynamics and tactical decision-making better than ever, but public understanding of modern fire behavior has not kept pace. This session connects fire behavior research, documented rescue outcomes, and occupant actions to examine the critical “Zero Impact Period” between ignition and fire department arrival, when public actions can have the greatest influence on survivability.
Drawing on Firefighter Rescue Survey findings and UL Research Institutes’ Fire Safety Research Institute research, attendees will explore how closed doors, early detection, sheltering in place, safe lithium-ion battery-powered device use and charging, and other occupant decisions can shape rescue outcomes.
The session will translate these findings into practical, research-based fire safety messages that firefighters and other department members can use in real-world interactions and integrate into department culture, training, and community outreach.
Speakers
Nicole Sanders
Public Education Lead
UL Research Institute's Fire Safety Research Institute
Nicole Sandersis the lead for public education at UL Research Institutes’ Fire Safety Research Institute, where she oversees initiatives that translate fire dynamics research, incident analysis, and first-responder insights into actionable safety education for the fire service and the public. Her career has focused on bridging research and practice, including roles in local and state government where she translated university research and technical expertise into community-focused programs. Prior to joining UL Research Institutes, Nicole served as Global Lead for Safety Initiatives at Meta (formerly Facebook), where she partnered with academic and industry experts to design and launch inclusive, research-driven safety campaigns reaching global audiences.
Jennifer Williams
Stakeholder Engagement Lead
UL Research Institute's Fire Safety Research Institute
Jennifer Williams is a Research Amplification Lead for UL Research Institutes’ Fire Safety Research Institute who manages stakeholder engagement to amplify reach and engagement to increase both firefighter and public safety. Jennifer has an Associate’s Degree in Fire Science: Arson Investigation. She served as a volunteer firefighter/EMT for 16 years across Delaware and Maryland, and is currently a member of the Fire Safety Research Institute’s Public Education Advisory Committee and the Mid-Atlantic Life Safety Committee.
