Summer 2012

Summer 2012
Welcome to Community Fire Protection News...

Welcome to Community Fire Protection News, ISO’s online newsletter for fire protection information, relevant industry news, and more. There’s a new fire scenario in the “You Make the Call” section. Be sure to let us know your fireground answers. Take a look at “By the Numbers” — you may be surprised by some of the national response data. And don’t miss our lead story on how ISO brought together fire service leaders and insurers at the Congressional Fire Services Institute Dinner and Seminars in Washington, D.C. Also, take note of our new “Insurers’ Corner” column, where we address questions that we hear over and over again from the insurance community.

Like many other business and governmental sectors across the United States, our nation’s fire departments are facing intense economic, social, and environmental challenges as a result of the current recession. Those economic challenges affect all department types, including volunteer, combination, career, rural, suburban, and urban. The financial tension has forced even the most skilled and experienced fire department leaders to make tough choices regarding available resources, including browning-out or permanently closing fire stations and reducing the number of firefighters on duty during a given shift. ISO’s PPC® program provides a useful road map and economic incentives that can help local officials make the best available choices for improving local fire protection despite economic upheaval.

In the battle against property loss, fire department officials around the country can be confident that ISO is an objective source for information and technical support.

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Robert “Butch” Cobb
National Director, Community Hazard Mitigation
Deputy Chief, Jersey City, N.J. (Retired)

ISO Brings Together Fire Service Leaders and Insurers at the Congressional Fire Services Institute's Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner

July 6, 2012

On April 25 and 26, 2012, the Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI) hosted the 24th Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner and Seminars in Washington, D.C.

Western Fire Chiefs Association: 2012 President's Forum

July 5, 2012

ISO participated in the Western Fire Chiefs Association (WFCA) President’s Forum in Seattle, Washington.

ISO Invited to Celebrate Fire Chief Alan Brunacini’s 75th

July 4, 2012

Chief Alan Brunacini, one of the most prominent leaders in the fire service, was the first active fire service member to hold the position of chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

By the Numbers

July 3, 2012

Here are a few national statistics about fire that we think you’ll find interesting.

On The Job: Ron Bateman

July 2, 2012

Before joining ISO, Ron Bateman was with the Volusia County (West Virginia) Department of Fire Services for 27 years, serving the first 2 years as a volunteer and the last 25 as a career officer.

Insurers' Corner

July 1, 2012

Without knowing the boundaries of independent fire protection areas, insurers can’t accurately assess the fire protection for a building or assign a PPC code for rating purposes.

You Make The Call

June 30, 2012

You face challenging fires all the time. You’ve received training to assess different types of fires and determine the best firefighting approach.

ISO Fire Suppression Rating Schedule

Our Fire Suppression Rating Schedule (FSRS) is free to chiefs and other fire officials. It's a manual containing the criteria Verisk uses in reviewing the fire prevention and fire suppression capabilities of individual communities or fire protection areas. To recieve a copy of the FSRS, contact our National Processing Center at 1-800-444-4554 and select Option 2.

H2O and Verisk

Water supply and distribution systems are important factors in determining a community’s ISO Public Protection Classification (PPC®). We provide complimentary educational training and seminars to water providers and associations throughout the country. Contact Hugh Gibson, national water resources manager, at hugh.gibson@verisk.com for more information.

Other Verisk websites