Bettina McDowell, General Manager, International Water Mist Association
What does ‘Fire protection’ mean to you?
To me it means saving lives, properties and jobs and to be able to do that we need to think about which are the best kinds of fire protection systems for the single applications. And we need to involve and educate the public. What use is the perfect system if people do not know how to leave a burning building.
What’s your all time favourite movie?
That’s easy! “Much ado about nothing” directed by Kenneth Branagh!
If you weren’t in the fire industry – what would you be doing and why?
I would be a gardener. Lots of hard work but endless joy at the sight of the result.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?
Keep calm and carry on!
Describe yourself in three words?
Well, calm (of course), positive and witty!
What makes you excited about the future of the fire industry?
I can see – at least in Europe – that more people within the industry have been thinking about involving the public and there are initiatives all over the place to make people aware of risks and behaviour. That will save many lives, I hope.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Still in the same position within a then much bigger International Water Mist Association which had to grow due to the growing demand for more and more water mist systems.
Describe a funny thing that happened to you recently?
I have a new neighbour and when she came round for a coffee we realised that we come from the same village and went to the same school (which is approximately 250 kilometres away from where I live now!).
What’s the most interesting thing about you that we wouldn’t learn from your CV?
I can hypnotise people!
What is one thing you would make compulsory in the office and one thing you would ban?
I would make a bowl of fruits compulsory and ban sweets!
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Media contact
Rebecca Morpeth Spayne,
Editor, International Fire Buyer
Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922
Email: editor@firebuyer.com
