Quantifiable Compliance for a Major Research & Biotech Facility
The Challenge of Modern Construction
A state-of-the-art Research and Biotechnology facility in the Midwest faced a critical life-safety compliance gap. Modern, energy-efficient building materials created severe signal attenuation, dropping first responder radio communication to a failing -119 dBm. This level posed a serious risk to emergency personnel and jeopardized the building's final occupancy.
Read the full case study to see how MWAS ensured compliance and secured final building occupancy.
Is Your Building a Dead Zone for First Responders?
Modern materials like steel and concrete silently block emergency radio signals. If first responders cannot communicate from every corner of your facility, lives are at risk. Code requires reliable two-way radio coverage, but most facilities are unaware they fail the minimum signal strength threshold. Avoid compliance delays and secure your tenants' safety: Schedule an official Radio Frequency (RF) Survey with our certified experts today.
Seamless Transition: MWAS Assumes Monitoring for University of Nebraska-Lincoln Campus
The Lincoln branch successfully executed a major, enterprise-level monitoring transition for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) campus. We assumed responsibility for 174 Fire and Burglar Alarm accounts, completing the cutover in just 20 working days. Thanks to expert coordination with the UNL Police and Building Management Systems teams, the project was executed with speed, precision, and zero disruption to critical campus operations. This demonstrates MWAS's proven ability to manage complex, large-scale transitions.
The 3 Critical Inspections to Schedule Before the New Year
Q1 is the ideal time to ensure your compliance calendar is set for the year. Prioritizing these life-safety inspections now prevents costly fines and unexpected downtime later:
Sprinkler Inspections (NFPA 25): Ensure your wet, dry, or pre-action systems are functioning optimally, preventing both leaks and failures.
Fire Extinguisher & Hood Service: Schedule mandatory commercial kitchen suppression (NFPA 96) and extinguisher (NFPA 10) maintenance to avoid immediate violations.
Exit & Emergency Lighting: Ensure your egress pathways are lit. A quick, proactive check of battery packs and bulbs prevents compliance citations during a walk-through.
Inside Our Training Investment: Ensuring Your System is Code-Compliant from Day One
Our customers rely on us to be code experts. That’s why MWAS is committed to continuous, in-depth training on standards like NFPA 72 and the latest BDA technology. We don’t just install systems—we certify that your team is protected by the most knowledgeable technicians in the region. This dedication to training is our investment in your system's long-term reliability and first-time compliance.
Record-Keeping is Code-Keeping: Why Your Inspection Logs Matter More Than You Think
Many facility managers focus entirely on passing the physical inspection, but the documentation is equally, if not more, critical. Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) increasingly scrutinize inspection reports and maintenance logs (NFPA 72 and NFPA 25). Incomplete or improperly documented records—missed testing dates, inaccurate inventory, or non-compliant forms—are a primary cause of official rejection, delays, and costly compliance fines.
Read Dan's full article on how MWAS helps you establish an "Audit-Ready Paper Trail."
The Dedication Behind Your Service: Team Highlights
Commitment Beyond the Call: Our Technician Jill Saves a Life
When our technician, Jill, responded to a routine service call, she went above and beyond, noticing the signs of an animal in distress. Her quick thinking and immediate action saved a dog from smoke inhalation. This moment, though unusual, highlights the core commitment of the MWAS team: to life safety, whether human or animal. Our technicians are trained to assess emergency situations, reflecting our dedication to protecting everything that matters most in the facilities we serve.
Fostering Expertise: Highlights from the MWAS Women's Forum
Midwest Alarm Services is committed to developing industry-leading talent. Our recent Women's Forum focused on advanced topics in system design, project management, and leadership. This internal investment directly translates into stronger project execution, innovative solutions, and the highest level of technical knowledge applied to your next life safety or security project.
Customer Success Snapshot:
"The MWAS team was on-site within the hour for a critical fire alarm issue. Their speed and technical knowledge prevented us from incurring costly downtime."
"We rely on MWAS for both our fire and security needs. Their ability to integrate the two systems seamlessly has simplified our compliance and maintenance schedules."
- Property Owner, Commercial Real Estate Group
LEADERSHIP MESSAGE
As we close out the year, I want to extend my sincere appreciation for the trust you place in Midwest Alarm Services. Every day, our team comes to work with a clear purpose: to support your mission of life safety, asset protection, and compliance. We know these responsibilities are not just regulatory requirements—they are essential commitments to the people, facilities, and communities you serve.
Your mission guides every decision we make, from the systems we design to the service we provide. Whether we're conducting inspections, responding to service needs, or helping you navigate evolving codes and standards, our goal is to deliver the reliability, expertise, and responsiveness you depend on. This means ensuring our technicians are ready to execute the most complex projects, from handling large-scale university monitoring transitions to mastering cutting-edge code requirements like ERCES/BDA systems.
This year, we continued to invest in our people, technology, and processes to ensure we remain a partner you can count on. We are grateful for the opportunity to support the work you do and proud to stand alongside you in protecting what matters most.
Thank you for your continued partnership. We look forward to serving you in the year ahead.
Warm regards,
Christa Poss VP of Sales
IN THE NEWS
This section curates high-impact, third-party articles, emerging technologies, and critical regulatory changes that shape how we protect people and assets.
From Codes to Compliance: NFPA Standards for Facility Managers
International Facility Management Association (IFMA)
A discussion for facility managers diving into the impact of NFPA standards on their operations. Experts explore essential fire, electrical, and life safety codes, highlighting key updates like the mandatory inspection practices introduced in the 2023 edition of NFPA 70B. Watch Now.
Emerging Technologies Driving Changes to the 2025 Edition of NFPA 72
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
This highly relevant article details changes for the 2025 code year, which becomes the standard for many jurisdictions in January 2026. Updates include new requirements for mandatory cybersecurity, acoustic leak detection, and a new Restricted Audible Mode Operation (RAMO). Read More.
NFPA 25, 2026 edition, Public Inputs | TechNotes
National Fire Sprinkler Association (NFSA)
Facility managers must prepare for the next code cycle. This analysis from the National Fire Sprinkler Association (NFSA) outlines key proposed changes to NFPA 25 (Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems), including: inspector qualification clarification, new guidance for frozen systems, and the addition of a System Riser definition. Read More.
Top Access Control Trends for Physical Security in 2025
Aiphone
Facility managers are facing a rapidly evolving security landscape. This article covers the essential trends driving the shift from physical key cards to advanced systems, including the adoption of cloud-based platforms, mobile/contactless credentials, unified security management, and AI-driven insights for proactive security and easier maintenance. Read More
Impact of ASHRAE 90.1 Standard Changes
FacilitiesNet
Compliance is expanding beyond life safety. This article prepares Facility Managers for the major shifts in the latest ASHRAE 90.1 Energy Standard, focusing on new mandatory Additional Efficiency Credits (AEC's), requirements for whole-building air leakage testing, and updated standards for HVAC, lighting, and building envelope design. Read More.
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