Staying Ahead of Emerging Hazards in Data Centers, A Panel Discussion
Watch the Webinar
Watch On-Demand: Staying Ahead of Emerging Hazards in Data Centers
This webinar, originally held on October 15, 2025, is now available to watch on demand.
Discover why early, integrated fire protection planning is critical to safeguarding mission-critical operations.
Our panel of experts discusses evolving codes, coordination challenges, and emerging risks in today’s high-density, battery-equipped data centers. You’ll also gain insights into how special hazards, emergency planning, and the rise of AI are shaping the future of security and resilience.
Complete the form to access the recording and learn more about:
- Fire Protection and System Design
- Battery Safety for Data Centers
- Special Hazards Systems
- Security Risk Management
Learning Outcomes
In this insightful panel discussion, our experts will explore the design of Mission Critical Data Centers. You will learn about:
- Fire Protection and Systems Design: Participants will learn why early engagement of fire protection consultants is crucial to avoid costly design changes and code compliance issues later in the project's lifecycle. They'll also gain insight into coordination best practices between fire protection and MEP teams, understand the limitations of traditional suppression systems like sprinklers, and recognize the operational risks of inadequate fire protection in live environments.
- Special Hazards: The discussion will highlight how to design data centers with emerging challenges such as multi-level facilities, high-density rack configurations, power demands, and the use of non-traditional materials, equipping teams to make informed, risk-based design decisions.
- Battery Safety: Attendees will better understand the unique fire risks posed by lithium-ion batteries and other energy storage systems.
- Security Risk Management: Participants will explore how to balance physical security with operational access in secure or leased data center environments. They'll also discuss how to design security systems for future adaptability and differentiate data center security needs from other sectors in the built environment.
Meet the Panelists
Meet the experts guiding you through today’s most pressing challenges.
Alison Wakelin, Market Leader South, Fire Protection Specialist - Panelist Speaker
Alison is a Market Leader for the Southeast region. She has been the Fire Protection Designer of Record on more than 200 Federal projects for the DoD, and her specialized completed projects include: barracks, child development centers, military working dog facilities, hospitals, exchanges, elementary schools, and aircraft hangars. This work includes design of fire alarm, sprinkler, standpipe and fire pump systems, as well as analysis of the overall life safety approach for the buildings. Her work also focuses on Data Centers - the use of Lithium Ion (Li-ion) battery UPS systems, and sprinkler and VESDA system design. She has performed design work for the Veteran’s Administration on hospital and clinic projects, while her commercial work includes analysis of high hazard storage, grain and paper dust, and flammable liquids projects.
Matt Harper, Senior Consultant, Security Risk Management Specialist - Panelist Speaker
Matt focuses on integrated security, security management, and the deployment of an intuitive experience to the user. These security systems are designed with cutting-edge technology, providing a wide array of features to secure the property. He has also deployed several audio-visual/mass notification systems aligned with occupancy requirements. Matt has and continues to work on numerous fire alarm designs in the California region by applying California and International Fire Codes in conjunction with NFPA standards. He contributes to LEED certification and building sustainability by specifying simplified security systems to facilitate maintenance.
Mark Suski, Senior Director, Business Development Midwest Region - Panelist Speaker
Mark Suski is the Senior Director for the Midwest at Jensen Hughes and a Technical Fellow in the fire protection industry with three decades of experience, with the past several decades focused on the automotive industry. His expertise encompasses a wide variety of services, including the development, design and testing of fire protection systems and applications. With the electronification of the automotive industry, his experience has expanded into providing fire protection and addressing the specialized hazards in lithium-ion battery manufacturing sites. Mr. Suski is also a Principal Technical Committee member of NFPA 75 and NFPA 76 and routinely consults on high-tech data facilities addressing unique hazards, such as specialized detection systems, suppression systems and lithium-ion battery safety.
Jeff Rank, Vice President, South - Moderator
Jeff is our Government Practice Leader, responsible for assisting our numerous global and domestic offices in providing services for government-related opportunity, notably on projects with alternate delivery methods, including Design Build and Public-Private Partnerships. Jeff has a decade of experience in general contracting-related pursuits and understands how to approach a project from the perspective of the builder and design manager.
