World

Epinal’s Narcolyzer Gains Attention as Public Safety Agencies Seek Faster Impairment Detection

Published

3 mins ago

December 11, 2025

Public safety officials across the country are facing a complicated reality that did not exist a decade ago. Impairment is no longer tied to a single substance or a familiar set of symptoms. Instead, first responders are encountering people affected by combinations of prescription medications, THC, stimulants, and other narcotics creating unpredictable patterns. Officers and paramedics must act quickly, yet they often lack clear information during the critical first minutes of an incident.

Epinal Inc. is addressing this emergent need with Narcolyzer, a handheld breath-based system designed to screen for multiple categories of drugs in seconds. While the device is still advancing through field evaluations, it has already drawn attention from agencies searching for practical ways to understand impairment in real time. The appeal lies in its potential to bring clarity to situations where uncertainty can place both responders and civilians at risk.

The difficulty begins with the pace of today’s drug environment. Many individuals involved in traffic stops or emergency calls have used more than one substance, and the combinations do not always produce obvious visual cues. A driver who appears fatigued may be experiencing the effects of a prescription sedative. A person showing signs of anxiety or agitation could be under the influence of stimulants or a mix of THC and benzodiazepines. In overdose situations, paramedics may need to determine whether opioids, depressants, or multiple substances are contributing to a patient’s condition. Traditional testing methods provide accuracy, but they require time that first responders do not always have.

Narcolyzer is being developed to fill that gap. The platform uses a single-use sensor cartridge to analyze breath for a range of narcotics, including opiates, cocaine, THC, benzodiazepines, methamphetamine, and MDMA. Epinal built the system using bio-inspired sensing principles drawing on natural molecular recognition processes. Artificial intelligence assists in interpreting biochemical signals, turning complex data into a readable indication that substances associated with impairment may be present.

Several states within the U.S. are preparing early field tests in settings such as emergency medical services, treatment programs, and hospital systems. These evaluations are designed to help public safety agencies understand how rapid, multi-drug breath analysis fits into real-world workflows. The outpouring of interest at the State and Federal level has affirmed the true and emergent need to get Narcolyzer in the field.

For law enforcement officers, the interest in Narcolyzer reflects a practical need. Alcohol breath tests have been the Gold Standard since the 1970’s though cannot detect narcotics. Visible signs of drug use are also inconsistent across individuals. A handheld tool that screens for multiple substances could help officers determine whether additional steps are necessary, such as bringing in a drug recognition expert or prioritizing medical care. The aim is not to replace established procedures, but to give officers a more informed starting point.

Emergency medical teams face similar challenges. When responding to a confused or disoriented patient or someone in crisis, the speed at which responders identify the substances involved can influence treatment decisions. A rapid indication that opioids, stimulants, or a mix of drugs may be contributing to symptoms could help guide interventions and reduce the time to appropriate care.

Public safety leaders are increasingly aware that the traditional pace of toxicology testing does not match the speed of today’s drug-related incidents. Communities are looking for tools that deliver earlier insight without sacrificing accuracy or professionalism. Narcolyzer enters that discussion as a device built for frontline use, with the potential to strengthen the information available to those who manage high-pressure situations.

Epinal is currently raising capital through a public WeFunder campaign; should you want to be part of the launch of this 1^st in class, one of a kind product.

World

More Named Storms — Is Your Luxury Pergola Ready?

Published

1 min ago

December 11, 2025

Jenny Jackson

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicted a 60% chance that the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season would be above normal. The administration said to watch for between 13 and 19 total named storms — those with winds of 39 mph or higher.

For homeowners in hurricane-prone regions, this raises an urgent question: are your outdoor spaces ready to weather the storm?

PERGOLUX, a leader in durable outdoor structures, designs powder-coated aluminum pergolas with adjustable louvers to withstand the harshest environments.

“Today’s outdoor living spaces face the wrath of nature’s extremes,” says Tim Heneveld, Country Director of PERGOLUX North America. “Hurricanes, tropical storms, and flash floods bring powerful winds exceeding 100 mph. Their relentless rain and rising floodwaters can quickly devastate unprepared structures. If you want to protect your investments, resilient design is essential.”

Is your aluminum pergola and louvered roof ready to take on intense storms?

The open-air elegance of patio pergolas with slat roofs is perfect for a gentle breeze, but can make them vulnerable to the violent forces of hurricane winds. These storm winds pack powerful uplift and lateral forces.

Wind uplift occurs when gusts of wind flow beneath the roof, generating upward pressure that can lift the entire structure off its base. Lateral forces push a pergola horizontally, causing it to lean or even collapse.

The key defense against these powerful forces? A reinforced frame.

“Strong, well-engineered frames act as the backbone of your pergola,” notes Heneveld. “Aluminum is the ideal material for a pergola’s frame. It combines the strength needed to resist bending or breaking with a lighter weight that reduces strain on the foundation.”

PERGOLUX’s pergolas feature reinforced frames engineered to withstand intense storms with confidence. In fact, their latest model, the Skydance Series 3 Pergola, is specially crafted to endure winds up to 165 mph, which means that even when fierce hurricanes like Milton sweep through, these pergolas remain intact.

Reinforced aluminum frames designed with thickened beams and precision connections stand up to wind uplift and lateral pressure. Hurricane-rated bolts, brackets, and screws hold everything tightly together to prevent ‌weak points that storms so often exploit. When each joint is reinforced and well-anchored, your pergola can remain a steadfast retreat despite the wildest weather. Thicker beams and columns combined with robust engineering techniques give these pergolas superior strength. Extra support brackets, hidden fasteners, and precise assembly methods ensure the frame endures.

Elevated bases can protect your luxury pergola from floods

Along with high winds, storms bring torrential rain. Rising water can undermine structural footings and rot wooden materials, which can destabilize the entire installation.

An elevated base is a strategic line of defense. “By constructing your pergola on raised concrete footings or piers, you create a gap between the ground and the structure,” notes Heneveld. “During a flood, it keeps the water at bay. The elevation also prevents erosion caused by pooling rainwater.”

The best-quality outdoor pergolas offer high-grade materials and cutting-edge engineering

The key element of any storm-ready outdoor structure is its materials. PERGOLUX chooses 6063-T5 aluminum, a marine-grade alloy renowned for its incredible strength and exceptional resistance to corrosion, even when exposed to salty sea air and humid conditions.

“A wooden or vinyl pergola may look great at first,” says Heneveld, “but they often require costly upkeep or replacement after just a few seasons of storm damage. Our reinforced aluminum pergolas will give you years of worry-free durability. It will remain strong and look fantastic, no matter the weather.”

PERGOLUX’s advanced engineering solutions also protect what is inside the structure. Their patented RainLUX™ integrated gutter system channels rainwater away, preventing leaks that can damage furniture and floors.

“We offer a 10-year warranty to back up all of our claims,” Heneveld says. “It’s our commitment that these structures will protect your home’s exterior environment for years to come. We want you to focus on enjoying the moments that matter in your pergola, not on the coming storms.”

Practical outdoor living tips to prepare your louvered pergola kit before storm season

Even the strongest pergola will fare better when prepped for a coming storm. “Make sure to secure your loose items,” Heneveld warns. “Before a storm, remove furniture, planters, and décor. All of these can become hazardous projectiles.”

When homeowners hear that a storm is on the way, they will want to fully secure any screens or panels. Removing detachable panels before severe weather will help protect the pergola by reducing wind resistance.

Homeowners will want to take the time to routinely inspect and maintain their pergolas. A quick check for loose fasteners or other small signs of wear goes a long way in preserving the pergola’s strength.

“Combine simple preparation with a reinforced, elevated, and expertly engineered structure, and you’ll have an outdoor space built to last,” Heneveld concludes. “Investing in a storm-ready pergola is about so much more than just avoiding damage. You’re preserving a lifestyle. A long-lasting pergola will bring you years of shaded summer barbecues and fresh-air morning coffees.”