HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/26/2013 02 2012 Washington Survey and Rating Report ot
BUSINESS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
YAKIMA, WASHINGTON
AGENDA STATEMENT
Item No.
For Meeting of: February 26, 2013
ITEM TITLE: 2012 Washington Survey and Rating Report
SUBMITTED BY: Dave Willson, Fire Chief
CONTACT Dave Willson, 575 -6165
PERSON /TELEPHONE:
SUMMARY EXPLANATION:
The results of the 2012 re -rate of the City of Yakima Fire Protection Class Report as
provided by the Washington State Survey and Rating Bureau (WSRB) are finalized. The
WSRB performs rating services in the State of Washington to aid insurance underwriters set
consistent fire insurance rate schedules. The rating process takes several months to
perform using information provided by Fire Department, Water Department,
Communications Division, and Code Enforcement Division.
Resolution Ordinance Other
(specify)
Contract: ' Mail to:
Contract Term: Amount: Expiration Date:
Insurance Required? No
Funding Phone:
Source:
APPROVED FOR
SUBMITTAL: City Manager
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
BOARD /COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION:
ATTACHMENTS:
Click to download
❑
rating
❑ 2012 WSRB Report
Fire Protection
City of Yakima
2012
t e Us!
S r
1 is the best rating achievable and only several
dozen Cities in the U.S. have this rating.
• 10 is a rating of no fire protection
AS a very basic rule of thumb, commercial
property insurance rates can change by 10% for
each rating number change.
WSRB WSRB
City Population Class Rating City Population Class Rating
Bellevue 122,363 2 Spokane 'valley 125.000 3
Federal Way 91,085 2 Tacoma 200.678 3
Lacy 43,117 3 Spokane 210.103 3
Olympia 47,266 3 Sammamish 46.700 4
Richland 49,571 3 Kirkland 49,755 4
Shoreline 54,044 3 Marysville 61,000 4
Redmond 55,228 3 Kennewick 73,917 4
Lakewood 58,839 3 Auburn 79,722 4
Bellingham 80,055 3 Yakima 95,000 4
Renton 100,000 3 Vancouver 164.759 4
Everett 103,019 3 Pasco 63.186 5
Kent 109,986 3
Comparison Chart
r Possible 1995 2012 1995 2012
Category Defficiency Defficiency Defficiency % %
Points Points Points Defficient Defficient
Water Supply 1950 510 300 26.15% 15.38 %-i
Fire Department 1950 700 921 35.89% 47.23 %_
Fire Communications 450 104 66 23.11% 14.66 %1
Fire Safety Control 650 438 509 67.38% 78.30 %I
I
1 Total 5000 1860 1949 37.20% 38.98% I
I I
I 140 Points 51 Points
from Class 5 from Class 5
,......_ ____......,
Larqest ingIe
Fire safety control (340 points)
Fire Department staffing (238 points)
Fire response capabilities (221 points)
frt67;u _ a
Possible reduction in insurance costs to
business owners
Better City profile for new industries
seeking to relocate or build
Statistically, communities with a better
fire protection rating have a reduced
fire loss history
Training 128 points
Inspections 317 points
Maintenance 35 points
• Staffing 238 points
Fire operations 170 points
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Administration
Fire Suppression
Fire & Life Safety AttiMi4t4 City of Yakima Fire Department (509)575-6060
Division
Mvestigation 4-110 401 North Front Street Yakima, WA 98901 Fax (509)576-6356
Tr mmiv.yakimiefire.corn
aining
Communications 4. t oy_
January 31, 2013
To: Honorable Mayor, Members of City Council
Tony O'Rourke, City Manager
From: David Wilson, Fire Chief
Subject: 2012 Washington Survey and Rating Report
I am pleased to present the results of the 2012 re-rate of the City of Yakima Fire
Protection Class Report as provided by the Washington State Survey and Rating Bureau
(WSRB), The WSRB performs rating services in the State of Washington to aid insurance
underwriters set consistent fire insurance rate schedules. The rating process takes several
months to perform using information provided by Fire Department, Water Department,
Communications Division, and Code Enforcement Division. The Survey and Rating
Bureau performed site visits for further information gathering and data verification
purposes.
The WSRB attempts to re-rate each jurisdiction in Washington State every ten years. Due
to reduced resources these time spans have increased. The last re-rate performed in
Yakima was done in 1994 at which time the City of Yakima slipped from a rating of 4 to a
rating of 5. The lower the class number the better the protection is in a municipality. The
WSRB returned after one year to evaluate changes made by the City and issued a final
rating of 4 to the City of Yakima. A protection class rating will remain in effect until the
next routine rating cycle or until a noticeable change in service that would clearly change a
rating number is made.
The WSRB Protection Class of a jurisdiction is not a mandate of insurance premium rate
levels. Instead, the class rating is a tool that insurance companies use to help determine
fire risks in a community so appropriate rates may be applied. A very general rule of
thumb for rate change due to class protection rate changes is approximately 10% increase
or decrease in premium costs for businesses and a 10% change in residential insurance
premiums for class 1-5 and 6-8. These are general rule of thumb estimates. Individual
businesses may be assessed by the WSRB within a jurisdiction that may result in a rating
different than the entire jurisdiction it is in.
Included in this report is a:
6 Basic Rating Summary or our recent rating document
• 2012 rating deficiency point document
• 1995 rating deficiency point document
• 2006 WSRB Grading Schedule and Commentary (most current schedule)
"The Yakima Fire Department is dedicated to providing
Quality public safety services to our community"
The point system used in a Protection Class rating is based on deficiency points. Each of
the four areas of rating has a maximum amount of deficiencies and is broken down into
many individual items. The report lists items in a numerical column with the total
deductions for that item in the far right column and a further breakdown of an item listed
with a letter designation. A perfect Protection Class would have no deficiencies listed in
the columns to the right.
This rating document not only assists insurance companies with rate setting standards, it
also provides jurisdictions with a list of areas for improvement and a value of each
improvement made.
RATING SUMMARY
Below is a chart listing the four categories considered by the WSRB in formulating a
Protection Class. A jurisdiction starts with 5000 points and deduct for ineff
are then applied in all categories. A rating of 1 through 10 is then given depending on
point value remaining. A rating of one is perfect and a rating of 10 is basically a non-
protected area.
Comparison
Possible 1995 2012 1995 2012
Category Defficiency Defficiency Defficiency % % ;
Points Points Points Defficient Defficient
Water Supply 1950 510 300 26.15% 15.38
Fire Department 1950 700 921 35.89% 47.23%
Fire Communications 450 104 66 23.11% 14.66 %
Fire Safety Control 650 438 509 67.38% 78.30% --
Total 5000 1860 1949 37,20% 38.98 °l
140 Points 1 Pt nts
from Class 5 from Class 5
Below is a rating comparison of Cities in Washington with populations relative to Yakima.
wsRB INSIZB
City Population Class Rating City Population Class Rating
Bellevue 122 363 2 Spokane Malley 125 3
Federal Way 91,085 2 Tacoma 200678' 3
Lacy 43117 3 Spokane < 210.103 3
Olympia 47 266 3 Sammarnish 46.700 4
Richland 49571 3 Kirkland 49 55'- 4
Shoreline 54,044 3 Marysville , 009' 4
Redmond 55,228 3 Kennewick 73.917 4
Lakewood + 58.839 3 Auburn 79,222' 4
Bellingham;' 80,055 3 Yakima _ 95.000 4
Renton 100110 - Vancouver 164,759, 4
Everett 103 019 3 Pasco 63..186 5
Kent 109,986
"The Yakima Fire Department is dedicated to pri .ding
Quail)) public safety services to our c mrw uty. "
You will notice that our largest deficiencies in order were
• Fire inspections (340 points)
• Department staffing (238 points)
& Fire response capability (221 points)
Our final rating is a 4 by only 51 out of 5000 points. This compares to 1995 when we were
also rated as a 4 buy by only 140 points. Our overall rating has dropped by 89 points but
we still remain a class 4 city.
it is very clear that the most cost effective reduction in deficiency points would be in the
inspection area. We have taken steps to correct this and will be back on track with
inspections in March of 2013. Though the City of Yakima has a 4 rating at this time, we
are very near dropping to a class 5. The inspection program should give some cushion to
our deficiency rating should some other area in the rating program change for the worse.
The Yakima Fire Department is dedicated to providing
Quality public safety Services to ow community"
4111 . . .
2101 4th Avenue, Suite 300 4407 N, Division St. Suite 502
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11 Seattle WA 9
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Spokane
P 206,217,9772 WA 9920 7
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P 509,487.3899
WASHiNGTON SURVEYING
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L , & RAMS BUREAU vvvvwwsrb.com
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October 9. 2012
Mayor Micah Cawley
City of Yakima
129 North 2 Street
Yakima, Washington 98901
Dear Mayor Cawley:
Washington Surveying and Rating Bureau (WSRB) has corn Pleted its evaluation of the fire protection
capabilities, as they relate to fire insurance rating, of your community. We wish to inform you that the
Public Protection Classification (PPC) for Yakima has remained a Protection Class 4.
A Protection Class (PC) 4 rating will apply to dwelling and commercial properties located inside the city
limits of Yakima, within 5 road miles of a responding fire station and having standard fire hydrant
distribution and water supply, Properties in the community not meeting the above requirements will
receive a different PC rating,
Protection Class ratings for individual dwelling and commercial properties are available by calling WSRB
Customer Service at (206) 217-0101.
We wish to thank Fire Chief Dave Willson, Deputy Chief Mark Soptich, and the Yakima Fire Department Staff
for their assistance during the evaluation.
Please find enclosed a copy of the new Protection Class Report. This report shows the various items
evaluated and points associated with each item. The points total for all items determines the Protection
Class of the community.
This survey was not conducted for property loss prevention or for life safety purposes. The purpose was to
gather information needed to determine a fire insurance relevant Public Protection Classification that may
be used to develop fire insurance rates or loss costs. Our evaluation criteria incorporate many national
recognized standards, such as those developed by NFPA and AWWA, and has been filed with and
approved by the Washington State Office of Insurance Commissioner.
Your Independent Rating Bureau
Supporting the Washington Fire Services Since 1911
ry
Ring .. 2101 4th Avenue, Suite 300 4407 i. Division St, Suite 502
Eh
NIP Seattle, WA 98121 Spokane, WA 99207
P 206.217,9772 P 6119.487.3833
WASHINGTON SURVEYING F 206,217.9329 F 609,487,3922
& RATING BUREAU www,wsrb.corri +twsrb,com
If you have any questions, please let us know.
Sincerely,
N
Kelly I'cougan
Public Protection Field Representative
Spokane Office 509.228i8064
kelly.mcgotiean@vvsrb.com
En
Lfroc; Fire Chief Willson
Your Independent Ratin ureal,
Supporting the Washington Fire Services Since 1911
1 1111i • • 2101 4th Avenue, Suite 300
IIP Seattle, WA 98121
P 206.217.9172
WASHINGTON SURVEYING F 206.217.9329
& RATING BUREAU wArw.warb.corn
Protection Class Evaluation Overview
WSRB evaluates all Washington communities for their fire protection/suppression
capability using a schedule approved by the Washington State Office of the Insurance
Commissioner, WSRB assigns each community a Protection Class of 1 through 10,
where 1 indicates exemplary fire protection capabilities, and 10 indicates the
capabilities, if any, are insufficient for insurance credit,
The Protection Class evaluation process recognizes the efforts of communities to
provide fire-protection services for citizens and property owners. This is why insurance
companies use Protection Classes to help establish fair premiums for fire insurance --
generally offering lower premiums in communities with better protection. By offering
economic benefits for communities that invest in their firefighting services, the
evaluation provides a real incentive for improving and maintaining fire protection. By
classifying communities* ability to suppress fires, WSRB also helps the communities
evaluate their fire-protection services.
The Grading Process
Evaluations are conducted on both a request and non-request basis. Requests for
evaluation must be signed by the mayor or a fire district commissioner, and should
include a brief explanation of improvements made that would warrant a new evaluation.
Upon receiving a request for evaluation a questionnaire will be sent to the community.
The questionnaire helps the community prepare for VlISRE's visit by covering the major
areas of the evaluation. When the questionnaire is completed the field survey can be
scheduled,
For communities that do not request an evaluation, VVSRB will initiate a new evaluation
by sending the community the evaluation questionnaire.
To determine a community's Protection Class WSRB objectively evaluates four major
areas:
▪ Fire Department
WSRB reviews such items as engine companies, ladder companies, distribution
of fire stations and fire companies, automatic aid received, response to alarms,
equipment carried on apparatus, apparatus maintenance, pumping capacity,
reserve apparatus, department personnel and training.
• Water Supply
Water supplies used are reviewed to determine their adequacy for fire-
suppression purposes. Major tasks include calculating required fire flows (gram)
for buildings and conducting flow tests to measure water pressures (psi) and
Your Independent Rating Bureau
Supporting the Washington Fire Services Since 1911
.14q • • 2101 4th Avenue, Suite 300
, 0 Seattle, WA 98121
P 206.217.9772
WASHINGTON SURVEYING F 206.217.9329
& RATING BUREAU www.werb.corn
' - - - -
volume (born). We also consider hydrant size, type, and installation, as well as
the inspection frequency and condition of fire hydrants,
. Emergency Communications Systems
The community's 911 system is evaluated including facilities, handling and
dispatching fire alarms, dispatch personnel and training.
. Fire Safety Control
Fire prevention activities such as fire code enforcement, public education and
building code enforcement are reviewed,
After completing the field survey, WSRB analyzes the data and calculates the
Protection Class for the community. The evaluation then undergoes a quality review,
The community will receive a notification letter identifying the new Protection Class
along with a summarizing report.
Buildings and property located within the rated community are eligible for the Protection
Class Rating of the community if they meet the distance to fire station and distance to
fire hydrant requirements .. if these requirements are not met the building will receive a
different Protection Class Rating than the community.
Please contact WSRB Public Protection Department for more information.
206-217-9772
publicprotection(a.wsrb....corn
Your Independent Rating Bureau
Supporting the Washington Fire Services Since 1911
., €. SU t �ttlk t5*1C99U s3UStU )Utf.: •i`#ktf {Y. IJIV UtS 01, ID Le OV
V Seattle, A 98121 Spokane, WA 99207
' P 209.217.9772 P 509.487.3899
WASHINGTON SURVEYING F 206.217.9329 F 509.487.3922
& RATING BUREAU MNA6i. srb, om ..wsm.cam
Protection ass Report for:
Yakima
Protection Class
DATE:. November 1, 2012
Graded by: Kelly Mo octgan
SUMMARY OF DEFICIENCY POINTS '
POSSIBLE ACTUAL
ATER SUPPLY 1950 300
FIRE P RT.. ENS 1950 921
FIRE SERVICE COMMUNICATIONS 450 66
FIRE SAFETY CONTROL 650 509
ADDITIONAL DEFICIENCIES .... 153
TOTAL 5000 1949
CLASS POINT RANGE
0 -500
2 501-1000
3 1 001 -1 500
4 1501 -2000
5 2001 -2500
6 2501-3000
7 3001 -3500
8 3501 -4000
9 4001 -4500
10 4501-5000
Page 1
WATER SUPPLY
Item Points
1 Adequacy of Supply Works 0
2 Reliability of Source supply 38
3 Reliability of pumping Capacity 7
a. with one pump out
h. with two pumps out 7
4 Reliability of Power Supply 4
a one electric device out 0
b. overhead lines 4
5 Condition, Arrangement, Operation and Reliability of System 26
6 Adequacy of Mains 34
a commercial districts 34
b. residential districts 0
7 Reliability of Mains
Installation of Mains 9
9 Arrangement of Distribution System 25
10 Additional Factors and Conditions
11 Distribution of Hydrants 60
a. commercial districts 26
b. residential districts 34
12 Hydrants - Size, Type and Installation 23
13 Hydrants - Inspection and Condition 58
14 Miscellaneous Factors and Conditions i
a* Plans and Records 0
b. Emergency Provisions 5
C. Valve Spacing and Inspections
d, Building Construction
e* Other Factors 0
TOTAL 300
Page 2
EIRE DEPARTMENT
Item Pojn a
1 Pumpers 21
a Required pumpers 21
b Reserve pumpers 0
2 Ladder Trucks 43
a. Required ladder trucks 34
b, Reserve ladder trucks 9
c Ladder service where truck not required 0
3 Distribution of Companies and type of Apparatus 57
4 Pumper Capacity 29
a. Capacity available 24
b: Reserve pumper capacity available 5
5 Design, Maintenance and Condition of Apparatus 54
6 Number of Officers 11
a. Chief 0
b Company 1
7 Department Staffing 238
8 Engine and Ladder Company Unit Staffing 41
9 Master and Stream Devices 0
10 Equipment for Pumpers and Ladder Trucks 3
11 Hose
a., 2 112 -inch and larger 0
b. 1112 inch
c. Booster
12 Condition of Hose 11
13 Training 165
14 Response to Alarms 10
Page 3
FIRE DEPARTMENT contVd
Iterrt _ Points
15 Fire Operations 221
a First alarm fares , 20
b. Large fires 201
16 Special Protection 0
17 Miscellaneous Factors and conditions 17
a. Records 2
b Fire Stations 2
cr Fuel 4
d, Possible delays in response 9
e Other 0
TOTAL 921
FIRE SERVICE COMMUNICATIONS
Item Points,
1 , Communication Center 20
2 CommunIcation C enter Equipment 10
3 Fire Department Communication Equipment 3
4 Fire Alarm Operators 33
TOTAL 66
Page 4
FIRE SAFETY CONTROL
Item Points
Fire Inspections and conditions 405
a: Fire Inspections 340
b. Conditions 65
2 Supplemental Fire Prevention Activities 78
a. Public Fire Education 34
b. Inspection of Places of Severe Life Hazard 24
c. Confidence Testing 20
3 Building Code Enforcement 26
a. Inspector Qualifications and Certifications 5
b� Plan Review 6
c. Supplemental Building Code Activities 14
TOTAL 509
ADDITIONAL DEFICIENCIES
Item Points,
1 Adverse Climatic Conditions 83
2 Earthquake 15
3 Divergence between Water Supply and Fire Departments 55
TOTAL 153
Page 5
WAS 111 GTON SURVE i ;: x n. A
W. CLARK 4 G ENERAL MANAGER
Y 41.
POPULATION: 59,580 * 4 'ED: September, 1995
Fae T Po'
. ., CLASS
154 'xicticY 520 7(X) 104 438 98 0 1, :.. $
The class of a community is b • on a total m. 'mum of 5, ints of deficiency as follows:
l st' . 0 to 5 points
2nd Class 501 to 1, points
3rd t .. , , , 1,101 to 1,5 points
4th Class . :. 1,501 to 2,C.U1 p€ i is
5th Cl 2,001 to ,5t points
- 6th Class . ..... , ..:. 2,501 to 3 Cal points
7th . 3,011 3,5Ck points
.8th" . , 3,501 to 4, points
9th 4,(X)1 to 4,5 points
10th . more , points
VAL
Points
WA ! SUPPLY . 1,950
P. DEPAR 1 1,950
I., SERVICE CO CATIONS . v , . :. 450
p S YCO '0.1 659
5,
Tom 137
Pam rxt
A .° S ; 544. SEA .' W 44 ETON ' 2190, ,.. 441.4676
k 2101 Fourth Avenue, Suite 300 fill'
' ' V \ "..**......*: r t
Seattle, WA 98121
P 206.217.9772
WASI-IINGTON SURVEYING F 206,217.9392
RATING BUREAU www .wsrb.corr
DETAILED GRADING
CLASS YAKIMA
September, 1995
GRADED BY: ''Jeff Zechlin / Patrick Conroy
SUMMARY OF DEFICIENCY POINTS
POSSIBLE ACTUAL
WATER SLTPLY 1950 510
FIRE EPARTMENI 1950 700
FIRE SERVICE COMMUNICATIONS 450 104
FIRE SAFETY CONTROL 650 438
CLIMACTIC CONDITIONS _w, 98
TOTAL 5000 1850*
Revised Front May, 1994 Grading
The class of a community is based on a total maximum of 5,000 points of deficiency as follows:
CLASS POINT RANGE
1. .0 -500'
2,....,,..,.501-1000
3.,.- ....,...1001 -1500'
4 ..........1501-2000
5 .....,
6......,,..2501 - 3000''
7..........3001-3500
8..,....,..3501 -4000
9........ , .4001- 4500
10..........4501 -5000
Your Independent atin Bureau
Serving the Property and Casualty Insurance Industry Since 1911
r:
2101 Fourth Avenue, Suite 300
Seattle, WA 98121
P 206.217.9772
WASHINGTON SURVEYING F 206.217.9392
& RATING BUREAU www.wsrb.com
WATER SUPPLY
Item Points
1 Adequacy of Supply Works - 0
2, Reliability of Source Supply 68
3, Reliability of Pumpin Capacity {}
a, with one pump out
b. with two pump out
4, Reliability of Power Supply p
a, one electric device out
overhead lines
5, Condition, Arrangement, Operation, and Reliability of System 40
6. Adequacy of Mains` 133
a, commercial ercial districts 123
b. residential districts 10
7, Reliability of Mains 0
8, Installation of Mains 13
9, Arrangement of Distribution System 23
10. Additional Factors and Conditions 3
11. Distribution of Hydrants 153
a. Commercial districts 119
b„ Residential districts 34
12. Hydrants - Size, Type and Installation d
13. Hydrants - Inspection and Condition 2'
14. Miscellaneous factors and Conditions 5n#
a. Plans and Records 3
b. Emergency Provisions
c. Valve Spacing and Inspections 31
d, Building Construction
Your Independent Rating Bureau
Serving the Property and Casualty Insurance Industry Sind 1911 -_
.:: 21(}1 Fourth Avenue,.: Suite 300
Seattle, WA 98121
P 206.217.9772
WASHINGTON SURVEYING F 206,217.9392
& RATING BUREAU wwvv.wsrti.corn
e. Other Factors 9
TOTAL 510*
FIRE DEPARTMENT
Item Points
1. Pumpers tl
a. Required puinpers}
b. Reserve pumpers 0
2 Ladder Trucks _ 6
a. Required ladder trucks Il
b. Reserve ladder trucks 0
c. Ladder ser\ ice where truck not required 0
3. f)istribution of Companies and Type of Apparatus 67
4. Purnper Capacity 0
a. Capacity available 0
- Resen {e pumper capacity available 0
5, Design, Maintenance, and Condition of Apparatus 35
6, Number of Off cers 12
a. Chief 0
u, Company 12
7, D .. t Staffing 168
a. Day shift 84
b- Night Shift 84
. Engine and Ladder Company Unit Staffing 60
9. Master and Stream Devices - 4
la Equipment for Pumpers and Ladder Trucks 5
11. Hose ` 0
a, 2 '72 -inch and larger 0
b. 1 '/2 -inch 0
Your Independent Rating Bureau
Serving the Property and Casualty Insurance Industry Sine 1911
v v 3
2101 Fourth Avenue. Suite 300
k � attle, WA 9€3121
P 206.217.9772
WASHINGTON SURVEYING F 206.217,9392
& RATING BUREAU _ www.wsrb.com
c. Booster 0
12. Condition of Hose
13, Training 128
14. Response to Alarms
15. Fire Operations 170
a. First alarm fires 22
b. Large fires 148
16. Special Protection 0
17. Miscellaneous Factors and Conditions 42
a. Records 2
b. Fire stations 4
c. Fuel 2
. Possible delays in response 17
e. Otl7 17
TOTAL 700
F SERVICE COMMUNICATIONS
hem ', Assigned
Points
1, Communication Center 25
2. COIlliliarlication Center Equipment 23
3. Boxes 0
4, Alarm Circuits and Alarm Facilities Including Current Supply at 22
Fire Stations
5. Material, Construction, Condition, and Protection of Circuits , 1
6, Radio 2
7. Fire Department Telephone Services 3
8. Fire Alarm Operators, 13
9. Miscellaneous 15
TOTAL 104
Your Independent Rating Bureau
Serving the Properly and casualty insurance Industry Since 1911
. t 2101 Fourth Avenue Suite
Seattle, WA 98121
P 206,217.9772
WASHINGTON SURVEYING F 206,217.9392
& RATING BUREAU www,vverb,corn
F1' SAFETY CONTROL
Item Assigned
Points
1. Fire Inspections and Conditions 377
a. Fire Inspections, 317
b. Conditions 60
2. Supplemental Fire Prevention Activities 24
a. Public Fire. Education 9
b. Inspection of Places of Severe Life hazard 15
c, Confidence Testing
3.
Building Code Enforcement 37
a. Inspector Qualifications and Certifications 12
b. Plan Rei %ieu
c. Supplemental Building Code Activities 20
TOTAL 438
ADDITIONAL DEFICIENCI
Item Assigned
Points
1_ Adverse Climatic Conditions 83
2, Fartlrquake 15
3_ Divergence Between Water Supply and Fire Department 0
`F T 98
Your Independent Rating Bureau
Serving the Property and Casualty Insurance Industry Since 1911
AND COMMENTARY
FOR
MUNICIPAL FIRE PROTECTION
Origin arid Devdopment
The current e le used by WSRB to determine Public
Protection assi is ti s aces back to e 1974 ISO
Grading le and as been revised and updated on
several occasions with the latest revision in o tai e in
this document are additional in to al documents concerning
grading c o s for soine items. This c c t in o way
replaces the official Grading Schedule which s on file with
the Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner.
INTRODUCTION_
The Grading Schedule is a means of classifying municipalities with reference to their fire defenses and physical
conditions,, The word "municipality' is used in this schedule in a broad sense to include cities, towns, villages, or other
municipal organizations.
The insurance classification developed under the schedule is only one of several elements used in the
development of fire insurance rates. Although the schedule provisions may be of assistance to municipal officials when
used in conjunction with their analysis of local needs, capabilities, and priorities, the schedule is not intended to serve as a
primary planning guide for local fire protection. Recommendations offered in connection with insurance classifications
should be helpful to municipal officials when reviewed in combination with more specific studies of local needs by
consultants, staff, or local task forces in arriving at fire protection decisions based upon an analysis of local priorities and
financial capabilities_
inherent in the hazards of fire and explosion is the danger to life. Therefore, the elimination or reduction of these
hazards and an improvement in fire defenses directly; affects safety to life_
From a study of pertinent conditions and performance records extending over many years, certain standards
have been developed; these are set forth in the Schedule, and the various features of fire defense in the municipality
under consideration are compared with them, For each deviation from these standards, deficiency points are assigned,
the number depending upon the importance of the item and the degree of deviation The ability of the municipality to
control hazards by means of appropriate laws and their enforcement if graded in the same way, The total number of
deficiency points charged against the municipality determines its relative classification.
Table 1 shows the features considered, as well as the relative value and maximum number of deficiency points
allocated to each.
Additional deficiency points may be assigned for the reasons described below these points are added to those
charged against the features listed in Table "t,
It is recognized that climatic conditions may increase fire losses by reason of the increased frequency of fires
due to the heating hazard, by retarding the response of fire apparatus, by hampering effective fire fighting during cold
weather and storms, by the increase in combustibility due to hot dry weather, and by the greater probability of fires
spreading - at time of high, winds. Furthermore, occurrences such as earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, cyclones,
blizzards, and floods can also adversely affect fire protection. For such conditions, additional deficiency points are
assigned as described on page 46. ,
Where the water supply is considerably better than the fire department, or vice versa, the better feature cannot
be utilized to full value, In recognition of this fact an additional deficiency is assigned where the divergence of these
features is excessive. The method of applying this additional deficiency is given on pages 46 and 47.
Credit, by which the deficiency points under Fire Service Communications may be reduced, is given for fire
alarm boxes in residential sections under Item 10 of this feature,
The items considered in grading the various features are listed on pages 5 to 7 inclusive. Table 3 shows the
relative classes of municipalities and the corresponding range of deficiency points for each class. The remaining pages of
the Schedule are devoted to the details for grading the various features,
Under many items, the deficiency to be assigned is determined as a percentage, and this value is translated to a
corresponding number of deficiency points. For this purpose a graduated scale is used in which the number of points
increases with the per cent deficiency but by lesser increments for the smaller percentages. The scale is thus in keeping
with the idea that a difference of say 10 per cent has less actual effect on the protection afforded where conditions are
good or moderately good than where they are poor, This scale appears in Table 2 and is referred to under each item to
which it applies; the full scale or a multiple or fraction thereof is used, depending upon the relative importance of the itern
2
considered.
When used in this Schedule as applied to buildings, complexes. or districts. (1) 'residential refers to one-to four-
family dwellings not exceeding three stones in height. and (2) "commercial' refers to business, industrial, warehouse,
institutional, educational, hotel, apartment, and other occupancies not included in (1)
Where the requirements are influenced by the heights of buildings expressed in stories, a total height up to 35
feet may be counted as two stories; 36 to 45 feet three stories; and 46 to 55 feet. four stones,
Where conditions differ widely from those usually found in the average municipality, certain portions of the
Schedule may have to be interpreted in a manner consistent with the unusual conditions encountered and the extent to
which they affect the Fire protection problem. Such conditions might be found, for example, in a community experiencing
rapid growth or one consisting largely of amusement or seasonal occupancies, or consisting chiefly of buildings of an
industrial nature with few residents.
This Schedule supersedes the 'Standard Schedule for Grading Cities and Towns of the United States with
Reference to their Fire Defenses and Physical Conditions which was first published by the National Board of Fire
Underwriters in 1916; subsequent editions were published in 1922, 1930, 1942, and 1956 with amendments in 1963 and
1964. This edition supercedes the first. edition. of this schedule which was published in 1973.
Modifications have been made to recognize current good practice and modern developments, but these
changes should not materially affect previous gradings of municipalities that have progressed with the limes. Because of
the decentralization that has taken Mace in most municipalities, more attention is given to the city as a whole with a
corresponding decrease in emphasis on the principal business district. The number of grading features has been reduced
from 6 to 4, by the combination of Fire Prevention and Building Department into Fire Safety Control and the elimination of
Structural Conditions which related only to the principal business district. The number of items has been reduced, and
changes in wording and arrangement have been made to make the Schedule more convenient to use
TABLE 1.
RELATIVE VALUES AND MAXIMUM DEFICIENCY POINTS
Feature Per Cent Poirtts
Water Supply 39 1,950
Fire Department 30 1,950
Fire Service Communications 9 450
Fire Safety Control 13 650
100
5,000
TABLE 2.
DEFICIENCY SCALE
DEFICIENCY POINTS CORRESPONDING TO PER CENT DEFICIENCY
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
3
0°,/ 0 10 25 45 67 90 112 134 156 178 200
0
1% 12 27 47 70 92 114 136 158 180
2% 13 29 50 72 94 116 138 160 182
MI
3% IMIIIIIEM 31 52 74 97 '119 , 141 163 185
4°./ 4 16 lanai" 54 Mill 99 121 143 165 187 ri
0
5% 5 18 35 57 79 101 123 145 167 189
6% 6 , 19 37 59 81 103 125 147 169 191 °
o.„
, 7% 7 21 39 61 83 105 127 149 171 194
8% 8 MI IN 41 63 85 108 130 152 174 196
9% 9 24 43 65 88 110 132 154 176 i 198
TABLE 3.
RELATIVE CLASS AS DETERMINED BY POINTS OF DEFICIENCY
Points of Deficiency Relative Class of Municipality
0 - 500 First
501 - 1,000 Second
1,001 - 1,500 Third
1,501 - 2,000 Fourth
2,001 - 2,500 Fifth
2,501 - 3 000
, , Sixth
3,001 - 3,500 Seventh
3,501 - 4,000 Eighth
4,001 - 4,500 Ninth #
More than - 4,500 Tenth *
# A ninth-class atunicipality is one (a) receiving 4,001 to 4,500 points of cleficiericy, or (b) receiving less than
4,001 points but having no recognized water suppw.
1 A tenth-class municipality is one (a) receiving more than 4,500 points of deficiency or (b) without a recognized
,
water supply and having a fire department grading over 1,755 points, or (c) with a water supply and no fire department, or
(d) with no fire protection,
The classification of a municipality shall not be better than that obtained as follows: Divide the total points (not to
exceed 1,950) assigned to the fire department or water supply, whichever is greater, by 195 and subtract 2,00. Express
the result as the next higher whole number,
4
ITEMS CONSIDERED IN THE SCHEDULE
WATER SUPPLY
ITEM NC
1 Adequacy of Supply Works
2 Reliability of Source of Supply!
3 Re liability of Pumping Capacity
4 -_ Reliability of Power Supply
5 Condition, Arrangement, Operation, and Reliability of System Components
6 Adequacy of Mains.
7 Reliability of Mains
8 Installation of Mains,
9 Arrangement of Distribution System
10 Additional Factors and Conditions Relating to Supply and Distribution
11 Distribution of Hydrants
12 Hydrants — Size, Type and Installation
13 Hydrants — Inspection and Condition
14 Miscellaneous Factors and Conditions
FIRE DEPARTMENT
ITEM NO
1 Pumpers
2 Ladder Trucks
3 Distribution of Companies and Type of Apparatus
4 Pumper Capacity
5 Design. Maintenance„ and Condition of Apparatus
6 _ Number of Officers
7 Department Staffing
8 Engine and Ladder Company Unit Staffing
9 Master and Special Stream Devices
10 Equipment for Pumpers and Ladder Trucks
11 ` Hose
12 Condition of Hose
13 Training
14 Response to Alarms
15 Fire Operations
16 Special Prot tion
17 Miscellaneous Factors and Conditions
FIRE SERVICE COMMUNICATIONS
ITEM NO..
Communication Center
2 Communication Center Equipment and Current Supply
3 Fire Department Communication Equipment
4 Fire Alarm Operators
FIRE SAFETY CONTROL
ITEM NO
1 Inspections and Conditions;
2 Supplemental Fire Prevention Activities
3 Building Code Enforcement
ADDITIONAL DEFICIENCIES
ITEM NO
Adverse Climatic Conditions
2 Earthquake
3 Divergency Between Water Supply and Fire Department
6
WATER SUPPLY
An adequate and reliabie water supply is an essential part of the fire - fighting facilities, of a municipality.
Minimum Recognized Water Supply. in order to be recognized for grading purposes, a water supply shall be
capable of delivering at least 250 gpm for a period of 2 hours, or 500 gpm for one hour, for fire protection plus
consumption at the maximum daily rate. Any water supply which cannot meet this minimum requirement shall not be
graded. and a deficiency of 1,950 points shall be assigned.
Adequacy and Reliability. A water supply is considered to be adequate if It' can. deliver the required fire flow for
the number of hours specified in Table 4, with consumption at the maximum daily rate; if this delivery is possible under
certain emergency or unusual conditions, the water supply is also considered to be reliable.
TABLE 4.
REQUIRED DURATION FOR FIRE FLOW
Required Fire Flow Required Duration
porn Hours
7, 5t}tl
5 ,000 ... .:... . .. ... :..... . .::... ......., . .......: , 5
3,500 ;:........< .......:.. ....:..,...«
In order to provide reliability, duplication of some or all parts of a water supply system will be necessary, the
need for duplication being dependent upon the extent to which the various parts may reasonably be expected to be out of
service as a result of maintenance and repair work, an emergency, or some unusual condition. The introduction of
storage, either as part of the supply works or on the distribution system, may partially or completely offset the need for
duplicating various parts of the system, the value of the storage depends upon its amount, location and availability.
Under each of the items pertaining to reliability (items 2-5 inclusive, 7 and 8) certain circumstances that could
exist as a result of maintenance and repair work, an emergency, or some unusual condition are considered. In Items 3 -5.
inclusive, 7 and 8. reliability is based upon the ability or the system to deliver the maximum daily consumption rate for a
period of either 5, 3 or 2 days plus the required fire flow for the number of hours specified in Table 4, at any time during
the 5 -, 3 -, or 2 -day period. The 5-day period is specified for those items or sub -items pertaining to parts of the system that
might be out of service for 5 days, the 3 -day period is specified for that item pertainirg to parts of the system that might be
out of service for 3 days, arid the 2 -day period for those items pertaining to parts of the system that might be out of service
for 2 days as a result of maintenance and repair work, an emergency, or unusual condition considered.. Periods in excess
of 5, 3, or 2 days may have to be used where experience indicates outages in excess of those periods have occurred_
2
Gravity Systems arid Pumping Systems. A gravity system delivering supply from the source directly to the
municipality without the use of pumps is advantageous from a fire protection standpoint because of its reliability, but the
reliability of a pumping system can be developed to such a high degree that no distinction is made between the two types.
Storage. in general, storage reduces the requirements of those parts of the system through which supply has
already passed, Sirice storage usually fluctuates, the total normal daily minimum maintained' is the amount that shall be
considered as available. Because of the decrease in pressure when water is drawn down in standpipes, only the portion
of this normal daily minimum storage that can be delivered at the required residual pressure at the point of use shall be
considered as available.
In determining the credit that can be allowed for storage it is necessary to calculate the rate of delivery from
storage during a specified period; although the amount of storage may be relatively large, the rate of delivery may be
limited,
Multiple Sources or Supply Works. Where a system is supplied from two or more sources or supply works,
the deficiency in each item shall be based upon the combined protection provided from all sources or supply works.
Two Systems or Services in One Area. Where there are two or more systems (including high pressure fire
systems) or services supplying the same general area, application shall be made on the basis of the joint protection
provided by all systems or services available;
Consideration of Suction Sources. Where there is a recognized water supply system, and bays, rivers,
canal's, streams, ponds, wells, cisterns, or other similar sources are available as suction supply for fire department
pumpers within the same area the suction supply may be considered with respect to its ability, including accessibility,
availability, during freezing weather, floods droughts, or other adverse conditions, to offset the deficiency in the various
items that it would affect, generally only Items 6 and 11. The credit given for any delivery from a suction supply shall not
exceed the pumper capacity available. Where there is no recognized water supply system, such suction supply shall not
be graded under Water Supply, and the full deficiency of 1,950 points shall be assigned; the availability of such suction
supplies may be considered in estimating the value of pumper capacity and hose under Fire Department,
Unprotected Areas. If part of the:builton area of a community is not protected by a recognized water system,
the following procedure may be used, Based upon the size and importance of the unprotected area apply a percentage
(A%) of 1,950 points. Grade the protected part of the community, and multiply the deficiency points obtained by (100% -
A %) The points thus determined for each part are added to obtain the total for the municipality:
Emergency Supplies. The ability to utilize emergency supplies through connections from other systems or
from separate sources, storage, or equipment not normally used shall be considered in determining the deficiencies in the
system under consideration, and credit shall be given for the emergency supplies available at such pressures as may be
required. Credit for such supplies, shall be given only where their use is approved by the health authorities having
jurisdiction.
These emergency supplies are divided into two groups as follows:;
1, Emergency Supplies Under Control of the Utility. These supplies include those owned by the utility or
under its control by virtue of a written agreement providing for their use by the utility employees.
Where the emergency supplies come in automatically or where definite arrangements have been made for
drawing promptly from the emergency supplies, with detailed plans on file showing the locations of all pertinent facilities
including pipe lines and valves, full credit may be given under Items 2 -5 inclusive, 7 and 8' full credit may also be given
under Items 1 and 6 if the emergency supplies come in automatically or if sufficient supply and /or storage is available on
the system being graded to maintain the total rate credited (including the rate available from the emergency supply) during
the period that would elapse before delivery from the emergency supplies is possible.
Where no definite arrangements have been made for use of the emergency supplies and no detailed plans are
on file, or where other factors might cause considerable delay before emergency supplies could be effectively used no
credit shall be given under Items 1 and 6, but partial credit may be given under Items 2 -5 inclusive, 7 and 8. such credit
3
shall not exceed 14 the points by which the emergency supplies decrease the deficiency under each item.
2, Emergency Supplies Under Outside Control These supplies mclude those under outside ownership
that could be used but concerning which no written agreement has been made providing for their use by employees of
the utility; Partial credit may be given for such emergency supplies under Items 2-5 inclusive, 7 and 8, not exceeding 1/3
the points by which the emergency supplies decrease the deficiency under each item.
Consumption. The average daily consumption is the average of the total amount of water used each day
during a one-year period, This average, considered as a rate for a 24-hour period, is the average daily consumption rate,
The maximum daily consumption is the maximum total amount used during any 24 hour period (in determining this figure
records for a least the past 3 years should be studied, but high consumption that will not occur again due to changes in
the system or that was caused by unusual operations, such as refilling of a reservoir after cleaning, should not be
considered). This maximum, considered as a rate over a 24-hour period, is the maximum daily consumption rate; it is the
average rate of consumption on the maximum day,
In each case the actual corisumotion shall be used; where no figure for maximum daily consumption is available,
it shall be estimated on the basis of consumption in other cities of similar character and climate but such estimates shall
be at least 50 per cent greater than the average daily consumption. The consumption rate considered shall be the tote
maximum daily consumption rate that passes through the pumps, filters, mains or other facilities being considered under
any particular item, Where a system is M two or more services, consumption in these services shall be considered under
the appropriate items,
Required Fire Flow, The required fire flow is the rate of flow needed for fire fighting purposes to confine a major
fire to the buildings within a block or other group complex. The determination of this flow depends upon the size,
construction, occupancy, and exposure of buildings within and surrounding the block or group complex: consideration may
be given to automatic sprinkler protection,
A required fire flow shall be determined at appropriate locations le each district or section of the municipality. The
minimum fire flow requirement is 500 gpm and the maximum for a single fire is '12,000 grim. Where local conditions
indicate that consideration must be given to simultaneous fires, and additional 2,000 to 8,000 gpm Will be required. Table
4 gives the required duration for fire flow,
Basic Fire Flow. The basic fire flow used in grading Items 1-8 inclusive, 7 and 8 shall be a fire flow indicative of
the quantities needed for handling fires in important districts. The adequacy of the supply works for the required fire flows
that may be higher than this basic fire flow, because of conditions that are abnormal when compared to the remainder of
the municipality, shall be considered under Item 10, All required fire flows shalt be considered under item 6.
Distribution System, The supply mains shall be of adequate size and have property arranged connections to
the arterial mains which shall extend throughout the system and have numerous connections to the secondary feeders
that supply the minor distributors..
Main Sizes. The minor distributors supplying residential districts shall consist of mains at least 6-inches M size
arranged so that they form a good gridiron in all areas of the distribution system. Where long lengths of pipe are
necessary, 8-inch or larger mains should be used In new construction 8-inch or larger pipe shall be used where dead
ends and a poor gridiron are likely to exist for a considerable period or where the layout of the streets and the topography
are not well adapted to a good gridiron,
In commercial districts, the minimum size main shall be 8Anch, with 8-inch or larger intersecting mains in each
street; 12-inch or larger mains shall be used on the principal streets and for all long lines that are not connected to other
mains at intervals close enough for mutual support.
Arrangements using very small mains, designed for domestic service only and incapable of providing fire
protection, supplied by larger mains in a gridiron too wide to provide good fire protection are considered unsatisfactory.
The use of dead-ended 6-inch. and smaller mains to provide fire protection shall be avoided,
Pressure. In grading a water supply the principal requirement considered is the ability to deliver water at
sufficient rates to permit fire department pumpers to obtain an adequate supply from hydrants, To overcome friction loss in
the hydrant branch, hydrant, and suction hose, a minimum residual water pressure of 20 psi * is required during flow,
4
Higher sustained pressure is of value in permitting direct supply to automatic sprinkler systems and building
standpipe and hose systems, and in maintaining conditions such that no portion of the protected area is without water.
'A residual pressure of 10 psi may be used if acceptable to the health authority having jurisdiction where there S no
deficiency under Item 11 and no deficiency for size of hydrant or street connection under Item 12, where all hydrants are
provided with at least one nominal 4 outlet, and where the large outlet is normally used by the fire department.
Higher pressure may also be of value in enabling the fire department to use satisfactory hose streams directly from
hydrants, provided the required fire flow is available at a residual pressure of not less than 75 psi and hydrant spacing will
permit the use of short hose lines,
Administration. The water utility shall be well administered and have adequate plans for development to keep
pace with the growth of the municipality.
Supervisory personnel shall be qualified to perform their duties efficiently and shall have competent assistants,
Frequent changes in key personnel are unsatisfactory_
„ ADEQUACY OF SUPPLY WORKS.
The normal ability of the source of supply, including impounding reservoirs, and of each part of the supply works,
including certain supply piping, to maintain the maximum daily consumption rate plus the basic fire flow shall be
considered, (See Table 4).
The absolute minimum supply available from water sources under extreme dry weather conditions should not be
taken as the measure of the normal ability of the source of supply. The normal sustained flow of surface supplies should
be used as the normal capacity' of the source. The normal capacity of wells during the most favorable 9-month period shall
be used.
Filters may be considered as capable of operating at a reasonable overload capacity based on records and
experience; in general, credit for overload capacity will not exceed 25 per cent, but may be higher in well designed plants
operating under favorable conditions.
In considering the source of supply, application for intermittent shortages, dry weather conditions, or overhauling
of a well should be made under Item 2.
The deficiency of each part of the supply works shall be determined, and the largest per cent deficiency used
For deficiency in maximum daily consumption rate plus the basic fire flow:
Use 11/2 Deficiency Scale,
2. RELIABILITY OF SOURCE OF SUPPLY,
The effect on adequacy shall be considered for such factors as frequency, severity and duration of droughts;
physical condition of dams and intakes, danger from earthquakes , floods, forest fires, and ice dams or other ice
formations: silting-up or shifting of channels; possibility of arc dental contamination on the watershed; absence of
watchmen where needed; and injury by physical means.
Where supply is from wells, consideration shall be given to the absolute minimum capacity of the wells under the
most unfavorable conditions; also to the length of time that the supply from the wells would be below the maximum daily
consumption rate. and the likelihood. of this condition occurring every year or only at infrequent intervals. It should be
recognized that some water is generally available from wells and that the most extreme conditions are not as serious as a
total interruption of the supply, as would be the case in the breaking of a dam or the shifting of a channel. The possibility of
5
clogging sollnitY and the need for Periodic cleaning and overhauling must be considered. Dependence upon a single
well even where records are favorable, may be considered a feature of unreliability.
Frequent cleaning of reservoirs and storage tanks may be considered as affecting reliability. Continuity of water
supplies obtained from systems or sources not under the control of the municipality or utility being graded shall be
considered No feature of the supply that is covered by requirements elsewhere in this schedule shall be considered
under this item*
For unreliability of source of supply
Use 1% Deficiency Scale.
3, RELIABILITY OF PUMPING CAPACITY.
The ability of the system to maintain the maximum daily consumption rate plus the basic fire flow at required
pressure with one and two pumps out of service shall be determined. The pumps considered out of service shall be those
which would cause the maximum reduction in delivery to the system, To have no deficiency, the remaining system
capacity in conjunction with storage shall be able to provide the basic fire flow for the specified duration (see Table 4) at
any time during a period of 5 days with consumption at the maximum daily rate.
Where the capacity remaining, alone or in conjunction with storage, does not equal the maximum daily
consumption rate, only such an amount as is available to required pressure may be considered* Full credit will be given for
pumps normally used for other service if capable of delivering at a pressure suitable for fire service and so connected as
to be available. The capacity of pumps shall be based on present operating conditions. The combined capacity of two or
more units operating simultaneously shall be determined from operating records, and may be limited by system
characteristics to a total less than the sum of the individual pump capacities. A pump is not to be credited with capacity
greater than that obtained when pumping against full pressure necessary to maintain the credited fire flow in conjunction
with the delivery available from storage,
In cases where adequacy and reliability of supply are dependent upon pumps, compressors, electric generators,
or other separate and distinct power units, each group performing a given function shall be considered, and the
deficiencies deterrninert. The charge shall be the sum of the maximum points for one unit out of service and the maximum
points for two units out of service, The two units considered out of service need not perform the same function. if one or
more units are normally out of service for repair or routine maintenance, these units shall not be considered as part of the
available capacity.
a. For deficiency on basis of one unit out of service:
Use Y2 Deficiency Scale,
b. For deficiency on basis of two units out of service:
Use 1 /4 Deficiency Scale
NOTE 1 In computing the deficiencies under a and b the following formulas may be used The maximum daily
consumption rate (Max Con), remaining capacity (Remaining Cap) and basic fire flow (FF) are expressed in
million gallons per day and storage in million gallons.
A factor is used in the term that expresses the rate of flow availabM from storage in formulas (2) and (4). The
value of this factor depends upon the duration specified for the basic fire flow as follows:
2 hrs.-12.0 3 hrs.--8,0 4 hrs,„-6..0
5 hrs. --4.8 6 hrs.--4,8 7 hrs.-3,4
8 hrs. ----SO 9 hrs.-2,7 hrs.,-2.4
(1) With No Storage
Max Con + FF — Remaining Car)
Deficiency = Max Con + FF
6
(2) With Remaining Capacity equal to or exceeding Maximum Consumption and with some Storage:
Max Con. + FF Rernainino Ca. - Stores - X Factor
Deficiency - Max Con + FF
(3) With Remaining Capacity less than Maximum Consumption and with Storage less than 5 times (Max Con -
Remaining Cap).
Max Con + FF Remainirig Cap - 115 Storage
Deficiency = Max Con + FF
(4) With Remaining Capacity less than Maximum Consumption and with Storage greater than 5 times (max Con --
Remaining Cap):
FE - Factor (Storage-fl (Max Con - Remaining Cap)
Deficiency = Max Con + FF
NOTE 2: Reduce pants of deficiency under b 10 percent for each 1000 gpm that the basic fire flow is below 5500gprn.
4 Reliability of Power Supply.
Electric. electric power supply shall be so arranged that a failure in any power line or the repair or replacement
of a transformer, switch, control unit, or other device will not prevent the delivery by the remaining system capacity, in
conjunction with storage, of the basic fire flow for the specified duration (See Table 4) at any tittle during a period of two
days with consumption at the maximum daily rate,
Power lines shall be underg.round from the station or substation of the power utility to water plants and pumping
stations and shall have no other consumer en route, The use of the same transmission lines by other consumers
introduces unreliability because of the possibility of interruption of power or depreciation of power characteristics.
Overhead power lines are more susceptible to damage and interruption than underground lines and introduce a
degree of unreliability that depends upon their location and construction. In connection with overhead lines, consideration
shall be given to the number and duration of lightning, wind, sleet, and snow storms in the area the type of poles or
towers and wires; the nature of the country traversed; the effect of earthquakes, forest fires, and floods; the lightning and
surge protection provided; the extent to which the system is dependent upon overhead lines; and the ease of the tacit ties
for repairs.
Numerous interruptions of service may be considered as an indication of unreliability of power supply or
transmission. The possibility of power system or network failures affecting wide areas should be considered.
Application shall be made on an overall basis considering each water plant and pumping station on which
service depends, as well as electric substations and generating plants; the maximum deficiency determined shall be used.
Steam Boilers., With 1 /4 of the entire capacity, and in any case at least one boiler out of service, steam boiler
capacity shall be sufficient to operate all machinery and pumps necessary, in conjunction with storage and other supplies,
to deliver the basic fire flow for the specified duration (see Table 4) at any time during a period of 5 days with consumption
at the maximum daily rate, Application shall be made on an overall basis considering each steam plant on which supply is
dependent, including electric generating plants; the maximum deficiency determined shall be use
Normally there shall be sufficient boiler capacity under steam with at least 'Xi required steam pressure to deliver,
in conjunction with storage and other supplies, the maximum daily consumption rate plus the basic fire flow for a period of
2 hours.
Fuel Supply. At least a 5-day supply of coal or oil for boilers, and oil or gasoline for internal-combustion engines
7
shall be provided where long hauls, condition of roads, climatic conditions, or other circumstances could cause
interruptions of delivery longer than 5 days, a greater storage shall be provided, Gas supply shall be from 2 independent
sources or from duplicate gas- producer plants with gas storage sufficient for 24 hours: Unreliability of fuel supply may be
offset in whole or in part by proper provisions for the use of an alternate fuel or power supply,
Water Power, Water for power shall be sufficient at all times to meet maximum requirements unless other
power is provided to offset any deficiency. Supply to turbines shall be reliably arranged, and proper flood, ice and surge
control shall be provided.
Miscellaneous Piping and Equipment. Steam pipng, boiler feed fines, fuel - piping (gas or oil lines to boilers as
well as gas, oil, or gasoline lines to internal-Combustion engines), and air lines to wells shall be so arranged that a failure
in any line or the repair or replacement of a valve, fuel pump, boiler -feed pump; injector, or other necessary device, will not
prevent the delivery, in conjunction with storage, of the basic fire flow for the specified duration (see Table 4) at any time
during a period of 2 days with consumption at the maximum daily rate. Application shall be made on an overall basis
considering each station or plant on which service depends, including electric generating plants, the maximum deficiency
determined shall be used.
a, For deficiency with one electric power line, transformer, switch, control unit, or other power device
out of service; or with one steam, boiler - feed, gas, air, oil, or gasoline liner or with one valve, fuel
pump, boiler-feed pump, injector, or other necessary device out of service.
Use 1/2 Deficiency Scale.
NOTE, If several deficiencies are found, charge only for the most serious. The ease of making repairs and
the facilities available may justify a reduction not to exceed 50 per cent of the point charge if
sufficient storage and any remaining capacity are available to deliver the maximum daily
consumption rate plus the basic fire flow for a minimum of 2 hours (114 hours where the required
flow duration ins 2 hours); if storage and any remaining capacity provided are sufficient to deliver
the maximum daily consumption rate plus the basic fire flow for the specified duration (see Table
4) the reduction of the point charge may be as much as 75 per cent.
bi For overhead electric lines in proportion to unreliability of service and installation and/or for other
unreliability of power supply or transmission:
Use Y2 Deficiency Scale-
c. For deficiency in boiler capacity:
Use 1 /2 Deficiency Scale:
d. For deficiency in boilers under steam:
Use 1 4 Deficiency Scale,
e4 For unreliability of fuel supply or of water supply for power:
Use r Deficiency Scale;
NOTE t: In computing the deficiency the formulas given in the note under item 3 may be used for a, c and, e,
When used for a, replace 1/5 by '/2 in Formula (3), and 5 by 2 in Formula (4),
NOTE 2: Reduce points of deficiency under a, d and e 10 percent for each 1000 gpm that the basic fire flow is
below 5500 gpm.
5, CONDITION, ARRANGEMENT, OPERATION, AND RELIABILITY OF SYSTEM COMPONENTS.
The term system components is used in a broad sense, embracing generally the various elements of pumping
stations, treatment (or desalination) works, electric generating stations, control centers and systems, and other parts of the
water supply system not considered under Items 2. 3, 4, 7 and 8, The various forms of prime movers, such as steam or
water power units. electric motors, and internal - combustion engines, and the different' types of pumps, boilers, filters, and
8
other equipment are considered approximately equal; their dependability is largely influenced by design and construction
and by the maintenance received,
The operating force shall be competent, adequate, and available to maintain domestic and fire service,
Service records of the plants being graded and of plants of simi lar type shall be considered, and the actual
operating conditions observed. Reserve or spare equipment which has been credited under other items will be considered
as in poor condition if records are not available indicating recent satisfactory operation or test. The failure of any control
device or system shall not adversely affect fire protection.
Plants shall be well arranged to provide for effective operation, Among the features to be considered are ease of
making repairs and facilities for this work; danger of flooding because of broken piping; susceptibility to damage by water
spray; reliability of priming equipment; lack of semi-annual inspection of boilers or other pressure vessels; dependence
upon common nonsectionalizerl electric bus bars; poor arrangement of piping not applied under Item 8; poor condition or
lack of regular inspections of important valves; and factors affecting the operation of valves or other devices necessary for
fire service, such as provision of power drives, location of controls, and susceptibility to damage,
This item includes reliability of the treatment works as influenced by the removal from service of at least one filter
or other treatment unit; the reduction of filter capacity by turbidity, freezing, or other conditions of the water; the need for
cleaning basins; and the dependability of power for operating valves, wash-water pumps, mixers, and other
appurtenances.
The design, operation, and maintenance of pressure regulating valves, altitude valves, air valves, and other
special valves or control devices shall be considered under this item.
Application is to be made on an overall basis considering each station or plant on which service depends,
including the electric generating station, with due consideration for storage.
For capacity affected and degree of unreliability:
Use Full Deficiency Scale.
NOTE, A deficiency may be assigned under this Item even though there is no deficiency under items 3 and 4
6. ADEQUACY OF MAINS.
Supply mains, arterial mains, secondary feeders, and minor distributors shall be of sufficient capacity to deliver
the required fire flows in all built-up parts of the municipality with consumption at the maximum daily rate. Where required
by local conditions, consideration shall be given to providing sufficient fire flow for simultaneous fires. The deficiency is to
be based upon an analysis of the system, using as a primary factor the results of fire flow tests made at selected locations
throughout the municipality. If storage provides a portion of the fire flow available at certain locations, the ability of such
storage to provide that portion of fire flow for the required duration (see Table 4) shall be considered.
ff mans have been cleaned to restore carrying capacity but no provisions have been made to maintain the
restored capacity and rapid deterioration of capacity may be expected, a deficiency may be assigned even if the present
capacity is adequate.
a. For deficiency in commercial districts:
Use 3 Deficiency Scale.
b. For deficiency in residential districts:
Use Full Deficiency Scale.
7. RELIABILITY OF MAINS,
This hem covers any and all pipe lines, aqueducts, tunnels, or conduits upon which service is depenclerit,
including intakes, suction or gravity firies to pumping stations, flow lines from reservoirs, treatment plant piping, force
mains, supply and arterial mains, etc. The adequacy of these lines under normal conditions was considered under Items 1
or 6. Consideration shall now be given to the greatest effect that a break, joint separation, or other failure could have on
the delivery of the maximum deity consumption rate plus basic fire flow at required pressure, If the remaining mains and
9
storage cannot deliver even the maximum daily consumption rate, allowance should be made for only that amount
available at required pressure. Any water transmission facility may be considered as subject to a break, separation, or
other failure. However. aqueducts, tunnels. or conduits of good design and of substantial construction, installed so as to
have no deficiency under item 5, and having no failure in their operational history, may be considered as being less
susceptible to failure, and the deficiency appropriately reduced or eliminated.
Conditions to be considered include the effect of a failure in suction or discharge headers, lack of by- passing or
the use of poorly valved by- passes or of other poorly valved or arranged piping: the length of line involved; and any other
factors that could cause or influence an interruption to service,
Under the assumption of the most serious break, joint separation or other failure, the deficiency may be
considered as offset if the remaining mains can provide the basic fire flow for the specified duration (see Table 4) at any
time during a period of 3 days with consumption at the maximum daily rate.
The effect of each individual possible failure shall be considered, and a charge made for the failure which results
in the maximum total number of points, including the increase due to length of line. Where there are one or more other
possible failures which would result in serious deficiencies, a charge may be made under kern 8.
For maximum effect of any single failure in any main on delivery of maximum daily consumption rate
plus basic fire flow:
Use 'A Deficiency Scale, and increase the points of deficiency by 1 per cent for each mile of main in
which a single break would ";produce this maximum effect For lines not under vacuum and entirely
on private right of way, decrease the above total by 1 per cent for each pound per square inch
pressure that the maximum pressure carried on the lines= is less than 50 psi. Do not exceed 125
points.
NOTE 1. In computing the deficiency the formulas given in the note under Item 3 may be used, replacing 1/5
by 1/3 in Formula (3), and 5 by 3 in Formula (4),
NOTE 2: Reduce points of deficiency 10 per cent for each 1000 gpm that the basic fire flow is below 5500
gpm.
8. INSTALLATION OF MAINS.
Mains shall be in good condition and properly installed. Pipe shall be suitable for the service intended.
Asbestos- cement, cast- and ductile -iron, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), reinforced - concrete, and steel pipe manufactured in
accordance with American Water Works Association Standards are considered satisfactory. Service records, including the
frequency and nature of leaks, breaks, joint separations, other failures, and repairs, and general conditions shall be
considered,
Mains shall be so laid as not to endanger each other, and special construction shall be provided to prevent their
failure at stream crossings, railroad crossings, bridges, and other points where required by physical conditions„ supply
mains shall be valved about once a mile and shall be equipped with air valves at high points and blow -offs at low points,
Mains shall not be buried extremely deep or be otherwise unusually difficult to repair.-
The general arrangement of important valves, of standard or special fittings; and of connections at cross - ovens,
intersections, and reservoirs, as well as at discharge and suction headers, shall be considered with respect to the time
required to isolate breaks. The need for check valves on supply or force mains and for other arrangements to prevent
flooding of stations or emptying of reservoirs at time of a break in a main shall also be considered, as well as the need for
relief valves or surge chambers. Accessibility of suitable material and equipment and ease of making repairs shall be
considered.
A valve repair that would result in reduction of supply is a deficiency, but because of, the probable infrequency of
occurrence, it might be considered as introducing only a moderate degree of unreliability even if it resulted in total
interruption. The repair of a valve normally should be accomplished in 2 days. No deficiency shall be assigned for the
repair of a; valve controlling flow in that part of a line for which a deficiency has been assigned under Item T. The increase
of pressures by more than 25 per cent for fires is considered to increase the possibility of breaks.
If supply is dependent on two or more mains and conditions do not affect all of them, application shall be made
in proportion to the reduction in the required fire protection and the degree of unreliability. A deficiency may be charged
under this item even though there is none under Item 7.
A charge may be made under this item if there are one or more possible failures, in addition to the one
considered under Item 7, that could result in serious deficiencies; the amount of such charge will depend upon the number
and seriousness of the possible failures,
NOTE: Valving on distribution mains shall be considered in Item 14,
For degree of unreliability;
Use Y2 Deficiency Scale.
9, ARRANGEMENT OF DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM.
In connection with the supply mains, arteries and secondary feeders shall extend throughout the system, shall
be properly spaced (not more than 3,000 feet apart), and looped for mutual support and reliability of service; dependence
of relatively large areas upon single mains constitutes a deficiency.
The gridiron shall be well arranged and complete, A gridiron poorly arranged because of topography, railroads,
streams, street layout, service limits, etc, scattered grouping of buildings, or large amounts of 4- and 5-inch dead-ended
mains is considered unsatisfactory;
For unsatisfactory arrangement of aNeries, secondary feeders, and minor distributors; for poor or wide
gridiron; and for effect of 4- and 6-inch dead-ended mains:
Use 1 72 Deficiency Scale.
10. ADDITIONAL FACTORS AND CONDITIONS RELATING TO SUPPLY AND DISTRIBUTION,
An adequate and reliable supply shall be available at all times in all built-up districts. Deficiencies shall apply
under this item for any inadequacy or unreliability In supply or distribution not covered elsewhere.
Deficiencies in adequacy and reliability of supply facilities she be determined as they apply to the delivery of
those required fire flows considered under Item S which are greater than the basic fire flow considered in Item 1. in
deterrnMing these deficiencies the procedures outlined in Item 1-5 inclusive, 7 and 8 shall be used
If there is more than one service or more than one system, deficiencies in adequacy and reliability of supply
facilities for the services or systems not previously considered shall be determined using the procedures outlined in Items
1-5 inclusive, 7 and 8.
Other factors to be considered shall include but are not limited to peak consumption due to adverse weather;
occasional periods of unusually low levels of storage; occasional excessive hourly domestic demand when pressures are
reduced to the point that fire protection is adversely affected; depletion of water in hill areas during fires in other districts'
and unusual operations required in some districts to give adequate fire supply
For seriousness of conditions on basis of size and importance of districts affected:
Use Full Deficiency Scale.
11 „ DISTRIBUTION OF HYDRANTS
For individual commercial buildings, distribution of hydrants shall be based upon the required fire flow. Refer to
the Fire Code Appendix,
as In commercial districts:
Use 11/4 Deficiency Scale,
11
For residential areas, use a requirement of 160,000 square feet per hydrant (400 foot spacing on a grid basis)
b. In residential districts:
Use 3 4 Deficiency Scale,
12, HYDRANTS — SIZE, TYPE, AND INSTALLATION
Hydrants shall conform to American Water Works Association Standard for Dry Barrel Fire Hydrants (ASAANA
C502). In mild climates well designed wet-barrel hydrants may be used. Hydrants shall have at least 2 outlets;
one outlet shall be a pumper outlet and other outlets shall be a least 214-inch nominal size. Street connection
shall be not less than 6 inches in diameter, Hose threads on outlets preferably should conform to National
Standard dimensions, A valve shall be provided on connections between hydrants and street mains. Hydrants
that operate in a direction opposite to that of the majority shall be considered unsatisfactory, Flush hydrants are
considered undesirable because of delay in getting into operation; this delay is more serious in areas subject to
heavy snow storms or where portable chucks are use Cisterns are considered unsatisfactory,
Apply on basis of hydrants of inadequate size, with 4-inch connection to main, inadequate number of
outlets, leek of a valve in the branch connection, or athenelse inadequate or unsatisfactory
For unsatisfactory hydrants:
Use 3/4 Deficiency Scale.
13. HYDRANTS — INSPECTION AND CONDITION,
Inspections: 60% Maximum Deficiency
FREQUENCY DEFICIENCY
Twice Per Year 0%
Annual 20%
2 years 36%
3 years 45%
4 years 55%
5 years or more 60%
Other 40% Maximum Deficiency
Pressure test Static pressure recorded, check for leaks 10%
Lack of flow test in last 5 years 5%
Condition e Includes overall appearance, age,
ability to turn valve stem and caps, location 25%
For inadequate inspection and/or unsatisfactory condition:
Use Y2 Deficiency Scale,
14, MISCELLANEOUS FACTORS AND CONDITIONS
This item covers any pertinent factors or conditions not considered elsewhere as follows:
Plans and Records. Complete, up-to-date plans and records essential for the proper operation and
maintenance of the system shall be available in convenient form, suitably indexed and safely filed. These should include
plans of the source as well as records of its yield and a reliable estimate of the safe yield; plans of the supply works
including dams, intakes, wells, pipe lines, treatment plants. pumping stations, storage reservoirs and tanks; and a map of
12
the distribution system showing mains, valves, and hydrants. Plans and maps shall be in duplicate.
Detailed distribution systern records in a form suitable for field use shall be available for maintenance crews.
Records of consumption pressures, storage levels, pipes, valves, and hydrants, and of the operatkins of the supply works
and distributieri system, including valve and hydrant inspections and repairs, shall be maintained.
Emergency Senrice: Emergency crews, provided with suitable transportation, tools, and equipment shall be
on duty in the larger systems and be readily available upon call in other systems. Spare pipe and fittings and construction
equipment shall be readily available, Alarms for fires in buildings shall be received by the utility at a suitable location where
someone is always on duty who can take appropriate action as required, such as placing additional equipment in
operation, operating emergency or special valves, or adjusting pressL. res, Receipt of Warns 'y 'e by fire alamit circuit,
radio, outside alerting device, or telephorie„ but where special operations are required. the alarm service shall be
equivalent to that needed for a fire station,
Response of an emergency crew shall be IT to multiple alarms (or vi f of fire to assist the fire
department in making the most efficient use of the water system, and to maintain the best possible service in the event of
a vvater mairi break car other emergency.
Valves. A sufficient number of valves shall be installed so that a break or other failure will not affect more than
mile of arterial mains, 500 feet of mains in commercial districts, or 800 feet of mains re residential districts. Valves shall
be maintained in good Operating condition; the recommended inspedion frequency is once a year and more frequeritly for
larger valves.
Buildings and Other Utility Structures. Pumping statiOrIS, treatment plants control centers and other
important structures shall be located, constructed, arranged, and protected so that damage by tire, flooding, or other
causes wili be held to a minimum They shall contain no combustible material in their construction, and„ if hazards, are
created by equipment or materials located within the same structure, the hazardous section shall be suitably separated by
fireresistive partitions or fire vitas,
Buildings and structures should have no exposures., but if exposures exist, suitable protection shall be provided.
Electrical wiring and equipment shall be installed in accordance with the National Electrical Code. All internal hazards all
be properly safeguarded.
Private fire protection shall be provided as needed, Public fire department protection should not be mere than
1% Miles travel clistarice.
Other Factors or Conditions. tinquahfied sutiervisory personnel, frequent changes in personnel, inadequate
security provisions, improper design and construction practices, and any other factors or conditions not covered
elsewhere that have an adverse effect on the system or its operation shall also be considered.
a. Use Deficiency Scale
tt. Use Y4 Deficiency Scale
c. Use Vz Deficiency Seale
d. Use Deficiency Scale
e. Use 1/2 Deficiency Scale
13
FIRE DEPARTMENT
The basic responsibility of a fire department is to protect life and property from fire,
In order to provide reasonable protection, I is necessary that the department have competent leadership; that an
adequate number of engine and ladder companies be established and properly located; that these companies be well manned
and suitably equipped; and that members be properly trained so they are able to perform their duties effectively An inadequacy
in one or more of these elements adversely affects efficiency and the departments capability in fire suppression.
Minimum Recognized Fire Department In order to be recognized for grading purposes, a fire department must
meet the followbg minimum requirements:
1.. Organization. The department shall be organized on a sound, permanent basis under applicable state and/or
local laws. The organization shall include one person (usually with title of chief) responsible for operation of the department.
2. Membership, The department shall have an active membership which provides a response of at least 4
members to alarms.
3. Training. Training shall be conducted for all active members.
4. Apparatus.. Response to any alarm of fire shall be with at least one piece of apparatus suitably designed and
equipped for fire service, Provisions shall be made for the housing and maintenance of apparatus.
5 Alarm Notification. Means shall be provided for 24 hour receipt of alarms and immediate notification of
members.
Any department which cannot meet these minimum requirements shall not be graded, and a deficiency of 1,950
points shall be assigned.
Administration. The department shall be administered by qualified and progressive leadership with adequate
authority. Complete rules and regulatioris, kept up to date and distributed to each member, shall govern administration and
operations. Discipline shall be properly maintained.
Ali appointments and promotions shalt be made under requirements which will assure the selection of the best
qualified persons. These requirements include medical, oral, and competitive written examinations, Suitable physical standards
for appointment, and consideration of seniority, record, and experience for promotions shall be prescribed. Personnel shall be
removed from their positions only for cause.
Determination of Companies Required. The number of engine and ladder companies shall be sufficient to provide
reasonable protection to the municipality.
In determining the number of companies required, consideration shall be given to the distribution needed to provide
adequate coverage of the municipality, the overall fire potential, the population and total area served, and any other factors
which may have an effect on protection requirements.
Engine and ladder companies shall be located so that the travel distances for the first due and first alarm companies
shown in Table 6 for the respective required fire flows are not exceeded The maximum number of companies needed for the
respective required fire flows shall be orated so as to meet the recommended travel distances.
Structural conditions and hazards within the municipality may call for more companies than are determined by the
foregoing in order to Permit proper handling of multiple alarms. The number of engine and ladder companies shall be at le
equal to the number specified in Table 6 for the basic fire flow used in Water Supply Item 1, In instances where there are
comparatively few locations where the fire potential is greater than that indicated by this basic fire flow, companies in excess of
those determined above may not be required, but consideration shall be given to these higher fire flow requirements under
Item 3, Distribution of Companies and Type of Apparatus, and Item 4. Pumper Capacity, and to the probable inability to handle
serious fires at these locations under Item 15b, Fire Operations.
The distances shown in Table 6 shall be reduced if a severe life hazard exists; if traffic routing and congestion,
topographical features, mart-made barriers such as railroad and highway structures, or other local conditions hinder response
or if other circumstances peculiar to the municipality or particular district indicate that such a reduction is needed.
The probability of simultaneous fires, the number and extent of runs, and the need for placing additional companies in
service or relocating companies during periods of high frequency of alarms shall be considered, Consideration should be given
to providing some protection for all areas during multiple alarms or simultaneous fire which require the response of all or a
large portion of the companies regularly in service.
TABLE 6.
Number of Engine and Ladder Companies Needed
within Travel Distance of Required Fire Flow
Fire Flow First Due First Alarm Maximum
Multiple Alarm
Eng, Lad. Eng, Lad. Eno. Lad.
00m
No Mi. No Mi. No Mi. No, Mi. No Mi. No Mi.
less than 2,000 1 1%+ '1 2++ **2 4 *1 2++ **2 4 *1 2++
2,000 1 114+ *1 2++ 2 21,1 *1 2++ 2 21/ *1 2++
2,500 1 1 /2 1 2 2 21/2 *1 2 2 2 *1 2
3,000 1 114 *1 2 2 21/2 1 2 3 3 *1 2
3,500 1 1 *1 2 2 2 *1 2 3 3 *1 2
4000 1 1/2 1 2 2 21/2 1 2 4 3½ 1 2
4,500 1 1% 1 2 2 2% 1 2 4 3"/i 1 2
5,000 1 'I 1 11/2 . 2 2 1 1 5 3½ 2 2%
5,500 1 1 1 1% 2 2 1 1% 5 3 2 2%
8,000 1 II 1 1 2 2 1 1% 6 4 2 2%
6;600 1 1 1 11/i 2 2 1 1 6 ---- 4 2 2%
7,000 1 1 1 11/ 2 1 1 1% 7 4 3 314
7,500 1 1 1 1% 2 1 1% 8 4% 3 3%
8.000 1 1 1 1% 2 1% 1 1% 9 4% 3 3%
8,500 1 1 1 1% 2 1% '1 1% 9 4% 3 3
9,000 1 % 1 1 3 1% 2 2 10 4% 4 4
10,000 1 % 1 1 , 3 1% 2 2 12 5 I 5 4%
11,000 1 % 1 1 3 . 1% 2 2 14 5 6 5
12,000 1 4 1*. 1 1 3 11/ 2 2 15 5 7 5
* Where there are less than 5 buildings of a height corresponding to 3 or more stories, a ladder company may not be
needed to provide ladder SerVice.
** Same as first due where only one engine company is required in the municipality,
+ May be increased to 2 miles for residential districts of 1- and 2-family dwellings, and to 4 miles where such dwellings have
an average separation of 100 feel or more
++ May be increased to 3 miles for residential districts of 1-and 2 fami ly dwellings, and to 4 miles where such dwellings have
an average separation of 100 feet or more
Where protection is furnished to territory outside the corporate limits, additional companies may be required,
depending upon the size of the area served, the number and extent of runs to that territory, the amount of service provided,
and contractual or other agreements that have been made. Where the number of companies is sufficient but excessive outside
response results in a serious reduction in protection to the municipality being graded, application may be made under Item 15,
Fire Operations,
Apparatus,. The criteria contained in National Fire Protection Association Standard No, 19, Automotive Fire
Apparatus, shall be used as a guide for determining the suitability of pumpers, ladder trucks, and other fire apparatus.
Tools and Appliances. Tools and appliances shall be sufficient in number and distributed on apparatus deemed
necessary to be in service for proper protection of the municipality being graded. NFPA Standard No 19, Automot ive Fire
Apparatus, shall be used as a guide to determine the equipment needed, Appropriate consideration may be g Nen to major
tools and appliances on reserve apparatus or kept in fire stations or elsewhere, provided such tools and appliances are readily
available when needed.
2
1. Pumpers.
The number of pumpers in service and regularly responding to alarms shall be sufficient to properly protect the
municipality.
Each required engine company shall be provided with a pumper, except that in those areas where effective fire
streams may be obtained directly from hydrants, hose trucks may be used. The number of pumpers credited Under Sub -itern
(a) may not exceed the number of existing engine companies,
A pumper - ladder truck (an apparatus carrying pumper equipment, including 1200 feet of 214-inch or larger hose, and
ladder truck equipment, including an adequate complement of ground ladders) shall be credited as follows:
When regularly operated as a pumper- ladder truck, credit as a pumper in this item and as Y2 a ladder truck in Item 2.
or as 1 /2 a pumper in this item and as a ladder truck in item 2n
When regularly operated as a ladder truck, credit only as a ladder truck in Item 2.
When regularly operated as a pumper, credit only as a pumper in this item,
Reserve Pumpers. To maintain the required number of companies in service, there shall be in reserve at least one
pumper for every 8 pumpers or major fraction thereof required to be in service, but not less than one.
Fully equipped pumpers in reserve (normally unmanned), properly distributed, and manned by specifically designated
off -shift or volunteer members may be considered as increasing the number of pumpers in service when needed to decrease
the deficiency; specific arrangement for manning by designated members of the off -shift, suitable provisions for notification of
these off -shift members, and requirements for them to be available for response to alarms shall be definitely established. The
credit allowed for each such pumper shall depend upon the degree of compliance with the above and my equal up to one in-
service pumper if placed in service on first alarms or up to 1 /2 an in- service pumper if placed in service on second alarms (or
equivalent), or on third or subsequent alarms (or equivalent) in departments having a total of 8 or more engine companies. The
actual number of such pumpers credited shall not exceed 1/3 the number of pumpers required to be in service.
Where the above provisions have not been made but where fully equipped outriders are maintained for general use
of such off -shift men responding to a second or subsequent alarm, the number of pumpers so maintained may be credited of
the same basis as outside aid.
Automatic Aid. Pumpers from outside the municipality, and within 5 miles travel distance of the municipal limits„
operating under an automatic aid plan may be credited; travel distances specified in Table 6 shall be considered, The total
number of such pumpers credited shall be not more than 1/3 the number of pumpers required in the municipality being graded.
To be considered as automatic aid, all fire departments participating in the plan shall operate essentially as one
department; the total number of companies in service shall be at least equal to the number required for the total territory served
by the plan, and shall be reasonably well distributed and equipped. Each department shall receive and record alarms for
locations to which one or more of its companies respond on first alarms or to which one or more of its companies are
designated for response to multiple alarms; and shall dispatch companies, according to their scheduled assignments, on first
and/or multiple alarms depending upon the response pattern. Inter- departmental training and the ability to communicate with
automatic' aid companies, especially on the fire ground, shall be considered,' The credit allowed shall depend upon the degree
of compliance with the above, including travel distances, and the effectiveness of the plan but may not reduce the point charge
by more than 75 per cent,
Where the above criteria is met, and in addition, there is a central communication center that receives all alarms and
dispatches all companies, the reduction in the point charge may be increased up to 90 per cent.
Outside Aid. Pumpers available within 15 miles travel distance of the municipal limits which would respond, if called,
to the municipality being graded, may be allowed as outside -aid credit, the amount to depend upon the type of agreement and
provisions for response, The ability to communicate with outside -aid companies, especially on the fire ground , shall be
considered. Credit shall not reduce the point charge remaining after automatic aid credit has been applied by more Man 33 per
cent.
a. For inadequate number of pumpers in service:
Use Full Deficiency Scale.
b. For inadequate number of reserve pumpers:
Use 1/5 Deficiency Scale.
NOTE: Reduce points of deficiency under b 10 percent for each 1 000 gpm that the basic fire flow is below 5500 gpm.
2,, LADDER TRUCKS.
The number of ladder trucks in service and regularly responding to alarms shall be sufficient to properly protect the
municipality.
Each required ladder company shall be provided with a ladder truck, preferably equipped with an aerial ladder or
elevating platform. The number of ladder trucks credited under Sub-item (a) may not exceed the number of existing ladder
companies.
In those districts of the municipality having no buildings 3 or more stones in height and not considered to require a
standard ladder truck, adequate ladder truck equipment and sufficient ladders to reach the roofs of buildings shall be carried on
pumpers or special apparatus.
Pumper-ladder trucks. See Item 1.
Reserve Ladder Trucks. To maintain the required number of companies in service, th hall be in re ri e at least
one ladder truck for every 5 ladder trucks or major fraction thereof required to be in service, but not less than one
Fully equipped ladder trucks in reserve (normally unmanned), properly distributed, and manned by specifically
designated off-shift or volunteer members may be considered as increasing the number of ladder trucks in service when
needed to decrease the deficiency, specific arrangements for manning by designated members of the off-shift, Su itable
provisions for notification of these off-shift members, and requirements for them to be available for response to alarms shall be
definitely established. The credit allowed for each such ladder truck shall depend upon the degree of compliance vitith the
above and may equal up to one in-sew ice ladder truck if placed in service on first alarms or up to an in-service ladder truck if
placed n service on second alarms (or equivalent). or on third or subsequent alarms (or equivalent) in departments having a
total of 5 or more ladder companies. The actual number of such ladder trucks credited shall not exceed 1/3 the number of
ladder trucks required to be in service.
Where the above provisions have not been made but where fully equipped ladder trucks are maintained for general
use of such off-shift members responding to a second or subsequent alarm, the number of ladder trucks so maintained may be
credited on the same basis as outside aid.
Automatic Aid and Outside Aid, Credit may be albwed for automatic-aid and outside aid ladder truck as is
permitted for pumpers under Item 1,
a. For inadequate number of ladder trucks In service:
Use Y2 Deficiency Scale,
b. For inadequate number of reserve ladder trucks.
Use 1110 Deficiency Scale.
c, For inadequate ladder service in districts not requiring standard ladder trucks:
Use 'A Deficiency Scale,
NOTE: Reduce points of deficiency under b 10 percent for each 1000 gpm that the basic fire flow is below 5500 gpm
DISTRIBUTION OF COMPANIES AND TYPE OF APPARATUS.
Companies shall be distributed as outlined in Determination of Companies Required, Table 6, lf additional apparatus
is required under Items la and 2a and such additional apparatus would be sufficient to provide proper local distribution,
application shall not be made under this item.
Engine-ladder companies may be considered as providing both engine and ladder company protection under this
item when operated to furnish both classes of Service
Automatic aid companies shall be considered in this item,
A ladder company serving a district having at least 5 buildings 4 or more stones in height shall be provided with a
suitable aerial ladder or elevating platform truck. See Item 9 concerning requirements for elevated stream service where aerial
ladder trucks or elevating piatforrri trucks are not required.
Where a company is properly located to give protection to the territory included in is running district but is not
provided with apparatus of proper size or type, for instance, is equipped with a hose truck where a pumper is needed, or has
no aerial ladder or elevating platform where one is needed, a deficiency it chargeable under this item.
For improper distribution of existing companies andior improper type of apparatus: Use Full Deficiency Scale,
4
4. PUMPER CAPACITY.
There shall be provided a total pumper capacity of not less than the basic fire flow considered' in Water Supply Item 1
Additional capacity may be needed when there are individual; buildings or groups of buildings requiring a higher fire flow.
In those cities where simultaneous fires are probable, pumper capacity provided shall be not less than the sum of the
fire flow requirements for the simultaneous fires.
Where fire streams are available from a high-pressure fire system with residual pressures of 150 psi., the delivery
she be counted as pumper capacity in the area covered by the high - pressure system.
In determining total pumper capacity, the capacity of reserve pumpers and of pumps on other apparatus not credited
under Item 't may be included if available for immediate service when needed. One -half capacity on pumps on pumper-ladder
trucks without elevated stream devices given full credit as ladder trucks under Item 2 may also be included. Where fireboats
can be used to help meet the required fire flow, up to 1 4 their actual capacity may be credited; delay in getting into service shall
be considered
The credit allowed for the capacity of reserve pumpers, pumps on other apparatus, and fireboats she not exc .. 1/3
the total pumper capacity required.
Use as capacity of pumpers the results obtained by tests at their rated pressure, but allow no credit for excess over
rated capacity indicated by purchase specifications. Certification of performance by a recognized testing authority will be
satisfactory evidence of rate pumping capacity. Credit may be limited to not more than 80 per cent of the rated capacity of a
pumper if no acceptable data on test capacity is available.
Direct Hydrant Streams. The capacity of the domestic water supply system in the area considered, in excess of the
available pumper capacity, at residual pressures of 75 to 150 psi, may be credited up to 100 per cent of the points by which
this capacity decreases the deficiency in total pumper capacity. Consideration shall be given to hydrant spacing and heights of
buildings in the area when determining the per cent of credit to be allowed.
Automatic Aid, The capacity of pumpers credited or creditable as automatic aid under Item 1 shall not reduce the
point charge remaining after direct hydrant stream credit has been applied by more than 75 or 90 per cent as may be
applicable.
Outside Aid. Credit for the capacity of pumpers credited or creditable as outside aid under Item 1 shall not reduce
the point charge remaining after direct hydrant stream and automatic -aid credit has been applied by more than 33 per cent.
Reserve Pumper Capacity. The total pumper capacity, including reserve pumpers, with one for each 8 required
pumpers or major fraction thereof (but not less than one and including the largest) out of service shall be sufficient to maintain
the total pumper capacity required.
a. For inadequate pumper capacity:
Use pull Deficiency Scale.
Fur inadequate reserve pumper rapacity:
Use 1110 Deficiency Scale.
NOTE: Reduce points of deficiency under b 10 percent for each 1000 gpm that the basic fire flow is below 5500
5., DESIGN, MAINTENANCE, AND CONDITION OF APPARATUS.
Apparatus shall be of suitable design and shall be maintained in good condition;
Regular facilities, preferably departmental, shall be adequate to properly service all apparatus, and an adequate
number of personnel trained in fire apparatus maintenance shall be provided_, Spare parts shah be on hand or readily available,
and suitable test facilities shall be provided. A suitable preventive maintenance program shall be in effect; this shall include
service tests of pumpers and an inspection and test of aerial ladders and elevating platforms annually and after major repairs;
The age and obsolescence of apparatus shall be considered ` in determining condition and reliability.
For unsatisfactory design, inadequate repair facilities and preventive maintenance program, and
unsatisfactory condition of apparatus:
Use % Deficiency Scale.
6. NUMBER OF OFFICERS.
There shah be a chief officer in charge of the department. For more than 2 companies there shall also be an assistant
chef, or other competent officer above company rank, who shall be in charge in the absence of the chief, The chief (assistant
chief or other officer when in charge in the absence of the chief) shah be on duty at all times but need not sleep at a fire station
.
to be considered on duty provided means for notification of alarms are adequate.
For over B companies there shall be in add lion to the chief and assistant chief, sufficient battalion or district chiefs to
provide one on duty in a fire station at alt times for each it companies or major fraction thereof required. For 12 or less
companies, the assistant chief may serve as a battalion chief. Chief officers shall not be credited in the company strength.
There shall be sufficient company officers to provide one on duty at all times with each required engine, hose or
ladder company. Company officers shah be credited in company strength,
Two call officers, that is, officers who receive some pay for services but who do not devote their entire time to fire
department duty, or two active volunteer officers may be considered equivalent to one full paid officer, up to Yi the number of
paid officers required,
a. For inadequate number of chief officers:
Use 1 /4 Deficiency Scale,
b. For inadequate number of company officer Use 1 /4 Deficiency Scale.
DEPARTMENT STAFFING.
There shah be 6 members on duty for each of the required engine and ladder companies. (See Note B.) Ore
member less need be provided for each hose company considered creditable in lieu of an engine company, Drivers or
operators may be needed for special apparatus referenced imitern 9.
Note A. On-Duty Strength, The total number of members on duty shall be taken as that normal during vacation
periods less average details and sick leaves, but not the absolute minimum that may occur on only one or two days a year
Chiefs aides may be included in department strength if they partidpate in actual fire fighting operations.
Members on apparatus not credit under hems 1 and 2 that regularly respond to alarms to aid other companies may
be included in this hem as increasing total department strength Members on fireboats shall be considered only in Item 16,
Personnel manning ambulances or other units Sery ing the general public may be credited, the amount depending
upon the extent to which they are available and are used for response to fire aMrms to perform fire duty.
Note S. Cab and Volunteer Members. In departments having call or volunteer members, 3 call or volunteer
members, on the basis of the average number responding to alarms, may be considered as equivalent to one full-paid
member on duty, but the number of such equivalent full-paid members shall not exceed V2 the required strength of existing
companies or required companies, whichever is the smaller. If fully satisfactory records of response are not kept, such credit
may be limited to one paid member for each 6 claimed to respond. Call or volunteer members sleeping at fire stations may be
considered as equivalent to on-duty members in determining night strength, provided they are available for response to alarms
for at least 9 hours during the night,
Consideration shall be given to periods when the response of call or volunteer members is below average,
Off-shift paid members responding voluntarily on first alarms may be credited on the same basis as call and volunteer
members,
Note C. Automatic Aid, The strength of those companies with apparatus credited or creditable as automatic aid
under items 1 and 2 may be considered as the combined least number of full-paid members normally responding with these
companies, If these companies are manned by volunteers, 3 volunteers may be considered equivalent to one full-paid
member, and the strength may be taken as the combined least number of equivalent full-paid members responding with these
companies, but the total of these equivalent members and those considered under Note 13 shall not exceed 'A the required
strength of the department receiving aid. Credit shall depend upon effect ye operation of the aid than but shall not reduce the
point charge by more than 75 or 90 per cent, as may be applicable.
Note D. Off-Shift Response. Credit may be given, on the bass of 3 off-duty paid members considered equivalent to
one on-duty member, for the number of paid members off duty who are required by regulations to respond when called,
provided means and arrangements far notification are satisfactory Past off-shift response experience, including the time taker
to return to duty, shall be considered in determining the number of members to be allowed, Credit shall not reduce the point
charge remaining after automatic-aid credit has been applied by more than 75 percent
6
Note E. Outside Aid, The strength of those companies credited or creditable as outside aid under items 1 and 2
may be credited as the combined least number of full paid members or equivalent normally responding with these companies.
If these companies are manned by call or volunteer members, 3 such members may be considered equivalent to one full -paid
member, but the total of these equivalent members and those considered under Notes Ei and C shall not exceed 1 1 / 2 the
required strength of the department receiving aid. Credit shall depend upon effective operation of the aid plan but shall not
reduce the point charge remaining after automatic -aid and off -shift response credit has been applied by more than 33 per cent.
Note F, Computation of Deficiency. Determine the total number of members available for each shift (or day and
night strength where applicable) by applying, Notes A and 8. Compute deficiency separately for Shift 1 (or day shift) and Shift 2
(or night shift). Where a department is on a 3 -shift or multiple group basis, the normal number of members on duty with two
typical shifts may be used Apply Notes C, D and E.
a For deficiency in normal minimum strength of Shift 1) or day shift)
Use Full Deficiency Scale.
btr For deficiency in normal minimum strength of Shift 2 for night shift):
Use Full Deficiency Scale.
8. ENGINE AND LADDER COMPANY UNIT STAFFING.
The unit, manning strength for engine and ladder companies shall be determined by considering only those
companies with apparatus in service in the department being graded, credited in Items 1 and 2, The amount by which the
required membership of these companies exceeds the on -duty strength of these companies as determined in Item 7, divided
by the number of these companies equals the average deficiency per company.
Members covered by Note 8s Item 7, may be credited here if response is to first alarms. Members responding to
alarms on apparatus not credited under Items 1 and 2 may be considered in this item, but credit allowed shall o exceed one
member per company.
For deficiency in engine and ladder company unit staffing strength: C
Average 1 member deficient: Deficiency 10 points
2 members 20
3 m-
4 members 80
5 members 160
6 members 320
MASTER AND SPECIAL STREAM DEVICES.
Turrets, large spray nozzles, distributing nozzles, foam equipment, and siamese= connections shall be provided.
Elevated stream devices shall be provided for each of the aerial ladder trucks or elevating platform trucks in service,; Where
aerial ladder or elevating platform trucks are not required or are not provided, elevated stream service needed to handle fires in
large area buildings shall be provided by special apparatus.
For deficiency in master and special stream devices:
Use 1/4 Deficiency Scale,
NOTE; Reduce points of deficiency 10 percent for each 1000 gpm that the basic fire flow is below 5500 gprn.
10* EQUIPMENT FOR PUMPERS AND LADDER TRUCKS.
This been shall consider equipment for existing pumpers and ladder trucks except for that considered in Items 9
and 11,
For deficiency in equiprnerat:
Use 1 /2 Deficiency Scale.
11. HOSE,
Reptiired on apparatus
The amount of hose on each pumping apparatus should be as follows:
Sire Pumper
of Hose 5 750 GPM >750 GPAI
LDH 600 600*
600' BOO'
400' 400'
Booster Line 200 200*
Required in reserve
The amount of hose in reserve for each pumping apparatus should be as follows:
Size Pu -r
of Hose : GPfd >750GPM
LDH 300' 300'
2 300' 400'
1 200" 200'
Notes.
Note 1, LDH = Large Diameter Hose. Large Diameter Hose is supply hose of 3 /2-iriches or greater in diameter.
Note 2, Excess 1 or 1 pm-connect can serve in lieu of booster line.
Note 3. Excess 2 2 or 3 inch hose can serve as supply hose if an inadequate amount of LDH is provided.
The amount of hose credited as supply line considers a dual lay. A suction siamese shall be
provided to credit as a dual lay.
Note 4. Reserve hose can be carried on pumping apparatus,
Note 5, Excess hose in the fire station can serve as reserve hose for 2 apparatus if needed. This hose should
be regularly tested and ready to use
a: For deficiency in total amount and for improper distribution of 21/4-inch (or larger) hose;
Use 215 Deficiency Scale.
b, For deficiency in total amount and for improper distribution of 1 hose:
Use 1/5 Deficiency Scale.
c. For deficiency in total amount and for improper distribution of booster hose (or equivalent larger hose)
preconnected to the pump:
Use 1/10 Deficiency Scale,
12. CONDITION OF HOSE.
This item should be evaluated as follows'
Hose Testing 60%
Age of Hose 30%
Hose Tower/Drying Rack 10%
8
HOSE TESTING,
This subitem should be evaluated as follows:
Frequency % Deficiency
Annual 0%
2 years 20%
3 years 40%
4 years 60 °%
5 years 80%
None , 100%
AGE OF HOSE
A charge of up to 30% should be made for age of hose as outlined:
Average Me of Hose % Deficiency
04 years 0 %,
3 -6 years 20%
6 -9 years 40%
9 -12 years 60%
12 *15 years 80%
+ 15 years 100%
HOSE TOWER/DRYING RACK
A charge of up to 10% should be made for lack of hose tower or drying rack.
Notes:
Note 1.` Hose should be tested according to NFPA 1662.
Not 2, Complete record keeping is mandatory to receive full credit for hose testing.
Note 3. The amount of hose required on apparatus and In reserve will be used to calculate the average age.
Additional reserve hose on hand will not be counted.
Note 4. An additional charge of up to 10% should be made for use of cotton jacket hose.
Use 2/5 Deficiency Scale.
13. TRAINING
Department training shall be commensurate with the fire potential in the municipality in order
to permit the effective and efficient handling of fires:
Facilities shall be provided, sufficient in size and number and suitably equipped, for the proper
instruction of all members. There shall be a complete, uniform training program under the
close supervision of a competent officer; the program shall include the study and development
of modern practices, including standard operational procedures. There shall be a
comprehensive schedule of regular classes and drills at the training facility and at fire stations.
Special classes for new men, officers, operators, and drivers shall be held.
Systematic and frequent inspections of buildings for pre fire planning purposes shall be made
by the fire force. Records of such inspections, including suitable notes and sketches, shall be
kept and used in company training.
9
Commentary to the Grading Schedule
Training is a very important factor in developing an effective fire fighting force. This is not
meant to imply that a well trained but poorly manned company is, able to handle all of the tasks
expected of it; however, performance in completing each individual task may be more efficient.
Considerable training can be given without complete facilities, but a training ground is a necessity before a full
program can be developed. Personnel assigned to training instruction should be competent and sufficient in
number so as to provide adequate supervision over the program.
Pre -fire planning is a very essential part of a good training program.
2005 Commentary Revision
13.1 , llocation of Grading Charges
Suggested weights for the various parts of this item . and minimum time
periods where applicable, are given below. The duality of instruction and
training should be carefully evaluated.
5% a, Supervision. Number of personnel, experience, interest in training,
technical knowledge, teaching ability and coordination of all parts of
program. The training officer should have 10 years of direct IC experience
at a rank of captain or better. The size of the fire department may require
that the training officer be a full - time paid position. NFPA 1041 :Standar°d for
Fire Service Instructor Professional Qualifications is to be considered when
evaluating.
30% b. Company training at fire stations by company officer. Minimum of
20 hours per member per month, This amount can be reduced by 25% if
firefighters are FF1 certified and by 0% if firefighters are F - alfi - ..
Reductions are based on the recognition of competency based certifications
as the baseline for firefighter skills. Company based training would normally
be conducted by the company based officers for the firefighters assigned to
that company or fire station and should be related to structural firefighting
and related topics. Off -site specialized training may be credited as company,
training if relevant and not credited under any other item. Emergency
Medical Services (EMS) training is not credited. Percentages of
participation by company members will be used in the proration of this item.
40% c. Training by training officer (or equivalent) at training center.
Minimum of eight half -day sessions per year at training facilities, including 2
drills at night for all company members. These should include single and
multiple company evolutions and reflect the anticipated fire suppression and
rescue activities needed by the community, Individual and company
evaluations should be completed and documented.
Training Center should provide the following facilities:
Drill Tower f30 ° °1 : The height of the drill tower should be at least
three stories or 35 feet in height. If the community is required a
ladder truck, the drill tower should be four stories or 40 feet in height
10
minimum.._
• Fire Building 130%1: Fire resistive structure to support five fire
simulation including interior fire attack, SCBA manipulative drills
involving smoke, rescue and ventilation.
• Combustible Liquid Pit [1Q %1: Area should be approximately 20 feet
in radius and accessible from all directions to simulate combustible
liquid spill fires.
• Training Aids 110%1: A dedicated library with training manuals and
multimedia materials covering various fire training subjects.
• Training Areas 120%1: A paved area of at least 2 acres suitable for
multi- company operations should be provided, The training ground
should facilitate fire hydrant and hose evolution drills, including
corresponding driver training.
Calculation of sub -item c, shall involve the multiplication of the percent of
actual training hours by the percentage lculated for training facilities,
NFPA 1402: Guide to Building Fire Service Training Centers is to be
when evaluating this sub-item.
5% d. Officer classes. Minimum of 2 days per year (Q hours) for all officers.
These classes should focus on incident command and leadership skills. Any
company or chief officer responsible for fireground command duties should
participate in officer classes. NFPA '1021: Standard for Fire Officer
Professional Qualifications should be considered in the evaluation of this
item. Percentage of participation by department officers will be used in the
proration of this item.
5% e;` Classe
Professional Qualifications should be considered in the evaluation of this item.
Percentage of participation by company members will be used in the
proration of this item.
5% _ ti Recruits. New members should receive a minimum of 240 hours or
equivalent of recruit training during their first year of membership leading to
the FF1 designation. Recruits need to complete entire program before
responding on fire apparatus to emergency calls. Recruit training should be
implemented independently of regular company and training center training.
A formal evaluation program should be used to critique recruits, NFPA
1001: Standard for Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications should' be used in
the evaluation of this item.
f0%, g. Pre-Fire Planning. An annual inspection and diagram of each
commercial building for maximum credit Records should include complete
and up -to -date notes and sketches. Use of inspection data and records
should be integrated into company training.- Pre -fire information should be
readily available on each responding apparatus and/or available digitally via
the communication center. NFPA 1620: Recommended Practice for Pre-
Incident Planning should be considered when evaluating.
13,2 Special Schools and Courses
Attendance at State and other fire schools, or participation in courses pertaining to fire
11
protection and related activities will be considered.
1 3. 3 Overall Effectiveness of Training
The final charge may be adjusted to reflect the overall effectiveness of training, with
emphasis on quality, whether the best use is made of the facilities provided, and
whether training has been developed to be commensurate with the fire potential in the
municipality. Factors to be considered in arriving at this final charge are the quality of
drill evolutions witnessed during the survey and the quality of any fire ground
operations that may be observed.
For inadequate training facilities and program, including pre-fire planning inspections:
Use 1i/ Deficiency Scale,
14. RESPONSE TO ALARMS. (Use '4 Deficiency Scale)
Adequate response schedules or running cards shall be established, providing for response to first and multiple
alarms and for covering the municipality during second or greater alarms, (see Table 6), An excessive movement of
companies is objectionable, Response shall be the same irrespective of the type of alarm, whether box, telephone, automatic
fire alarm, or sprinkler water flow, except that where an alarm by telephone or other means indicates definitely an automobile
fire or other minor fire not in or involving a building, the response may be only one engine or ladder company,
Response to ail first alarms, except for known minor fires, shall include a chief officer and shall be commensurate
with the normal hazard of the district, but not less than as follows:
Commercial Districts, Where the required fire flow is less than 2,000 gpm . 2 engine companies (one engine
company if only one such company is required in the municipality) and such ladder Sery ice as may be needed.
Where the required fire flow is 2,000 gpm or more but less than 4,000 gpm, not less than 2 engine companies and
generally one ladder company,
Where the required fire t ow is 4,000 gpm jar more but less than 9,000 gpm, not less than 2 3ngirie companies and
one ladder company.
Where the required fire flow is 98,000 gpm or more, not less than 3 engine companies and 2 ladder companies,
In densely built sections, where buildings consist of tenement houses, apartments, hotels: or similar occupancies, the
response should be commensurate with the life hazard and fire potential irivolved.
Residential Districts. Nat less than 2 engine companies (one engine company if only one such company is required
in the municipality) and adequate ladder equipment.
Multiple Alartris. Engine company response to each additional alarm for the same fire shall approximate the number
of engine companies required for the first alarm. Ladder company response shall be commensurate with the hazards involved,
Rose Companies. Response of a hose company may be considered equivalent to that of an engine company where
the required fire flow is available at residual pressures suitable for direct hydrant streams, but not less than 75 psi, but at least
one engine company shall respond to all first alarms,
Engine-Ladder Companies. Credit for response of engine- adder companies shell be on the same basis as that
given for the pumper-ladder trucks assigned to these companies under Items 1 and 2,
In evaluating this item emphasis shall be placed on box alarms and telephone or other alarms for fires in buildings. A
deficiency shall be applied if there is an insufficient number of companies for a 1 e alarm response, if response is excessive
causing a portion of the municipal ty to be left unprotected: and if the number of companies in service is in excess or the
required first alarm response and the running card does not provide for response to second or subsequent alarms where
required, or for covering territory left vacant.
15. FIRE OPERATIONS,
All phases of operations at fires shall be considered, Consideration shall be given to the ability of the department to
operate effectively at fires of both small and large magnitude, including rescue work when necessary, The ability to maintain
radio communications with all companies on the fire ground, including automatic-aid or Outside -aid companies, shall be
considered, Modem fire methods shall be used Personnel shall be deployed to obtain maximum effectiveness. Appropriate
use shall be made of private fire protection systems, Ail factors that adversely or favorably affect fire operations shall be
considered, including the possible inability to handle fires at locations where the required fire flow is greater than the basic fire
flow.
a: For deficiency in operations at first alarm fires.
Use 1 /2. Deficiency Scale.
b. For - deficiency in operations at large magnitude fires:
Use 1 Deficiency Scale.
NOTE: tHes engine companies are required, this item may be graded only under b.
16 SPECIAL PROTECTION.
A fireboat, suitably manned, equipped, and maintained shall be in service where there is occupied wharf frontage
totaling at least one mile with buildings or open storage necessitating fire fighting operations from the water side. No such
frontage shall be more than 1% miles response distance from a fireboat. Individual fireboat capacities shall be not less than Y2
the required fire flow for the district protected, and preferably not less than 5,000 gpm.
For privately -owned fireboats or tugboats with fire pumps and turrets, if arrangements are made for their regular
response to waterfront alarms and their operation under the chief of the fire department, credit may be allowed up to 50 per
cent of the point charge, if such boats are not regularly tested, the maximum credit shall equal only 33 per cent of the point
charge.
Where conditions in the municipality require special fire department protection supplementary to that covered
elsewhere in this schedule, appli tion shall be made in this <item, Conditions to be considered include, but are not limited to
waterfront properties needding some special protection but not requiring a conventional fireboat; extensive brush areas;
extensive bulk oil and other hazardous storage; etc,
a, For Insufficient number, distribution, and capacity of fireboats, and for unsatisfactory condition,
manning, and equipment:
Use Full Deficiency Scale,
b. For lack of other needed special protection:
Use 1 , Deficiency Scale.
17, MISCELLANEOUS FACTORS AND CONDITIONS.
This itern covers any pertinent factors or conditions not considered elsewhere as follows:
Records. Suitable records of fires, fire operations, personnel, training, hose et at shall be kept. Use 115 Scale.
Fire Stations, All stations shall be of substantial construction, suitable for the service, and Iodated and arranged for
ease and quickness of response, Proper safeguards against internal hazards shall be provided. Unattended stations shall be
visited at least once daily. Use 1/5 Deficiency Scale.
Fuel, Good quality fuel shall be available in sufficient quantities at convenient points under municipal control,
preferably at fire stations. Storage and dispensing facilities shall be installed in accordance with appropriate standards;
Apparatus fuel tanks shall be filled outside buildings. Suitable arrangements shall be made for delivery of fuel to apparatus at
fires of long duration. Use 1110 Deficiency Scale,
Delays in Response. The possibility of delays due to poor condition of roads, including inadequate snow plowing
and sanding, steep grades, vehicle parking; traffic, railroad grade crossings, and similar features shall be considered
Use 1/2 Deficiency kale.
Other Factors or Conditions, Incompetent leadership,; unsatisfactory appointment and promotion previsions;
frequent changes in supervisory personnel; inadequate rules and regulations, authority of chief, and discipline; insufficient;
number of operators; or any other factors or conditions not covered elsewhere that have an adverse effect on the department
or its operation shall also be considered. Use 1/2 Deficiency Scale,
1 3
FIRE SERVICE COMMUNICATIONS
The total number of potential deficiency points remains 450 with the following revised point breakdown
1. Communication Center 100
2, Communication Center Equipment 480
3. Fire Department Communication Equipment 50
4, Fire Alarm Operators 120
450
COMMUNICATION CENTER
The point breakdown for this item is as follows:
A. Building Construction, Exposures & Communicating Openings 50%
B Fire Protection 30%
C. Internal Exposures 10%
0, Emergency Lighting 10%
A, Building Construction, Exposures and Communicating Openings
Type of trti.
tinge is FR NC ORDINARY
Separate Building - No exposures or exposure 0% 10% 20%
protected
Separate Building and with exposures within 150 feet 5% 15% 25%
Not in separate building and properly cutoff 10% 25% 35 %
Not in separate budding and not properly cutoff 20% 35% 50%
NOTES:
Note 1.This matrix is a guideline only, Engineering judgement may influence the given percentages,»
Note 2.FR = Fire Resistive, NC = Noncombustible
Note 3, Properly cutoff is considered separation as required in 2 -1.2.2 of NFPA 1221 (1994)
Note 4.Where the communication center has unprotected openings communicating with a poorer class of
construction, charges for the poorer construction should be used
B. Fire Protection
I: ; Portable Fire Extinguishers 30%
IL Automatic Fire Detection, Alarm and Notification 20%
Ht. Automatic Sprinkler System 30%
IV, Carbon Dioxide, Foam and/or Raton Systems 20%
NOTES;,
14
Note 1. Not less than two fire extinguishers shall be present and said extinguishers should meet NFPA 10 requirements
Note 2. Automatic Fire Detection, Alarm or Notification systems should be installed in accordance with NFPA 72 and
monitored in the operations room. Evacuation signals shall not interfere with communication operations,
Note 3 Automatic Sprinkler Systems should be installed in accordance with NFPA 13 and monitored in the operations
Mom,
Note rt. CO2, Foam andror Halon systems should be installed in accordance with the applicable NFPA standard,
C, Internal Exposures
This subliern considers the following:
Combustible materials and furnishings 25%
H. Housekeeping 25%
M. Internal exposures from adjoining spaces 25%
IV, Security 25%
NOTES:
Note 1; Conditions judgement is inherently subjective and must rely on the experience of the public protection engineer.
Note 2. Communication center interior finish materials and furnishings shalt conform to NFPA 101.
Note 3. Security provisions shall conform to sections 2-12.5 and 2-1.2.6 of NFPA 1221
D Emergency Lighting
Emergency lighting shall be immediately placed in service upon a power failure and be independent of the
normal power source. In addition, not less than one self.charging battery pack lantern that lights automatically
when power is interrupted should be provided.
COMMUNICATION CENTER EQUIPMENT 180 points
The point breakdown for this Item is as follows: Points
A. CAD (Computer Aided Dispatch) 60
B, RECORDING DEVICE 20
C, TELEPHONE SERVICE 30
D. DISPATCH CIRCUITS 30
E. EMERGENCY PROVISIONS 30
F, SUPERVISION 10
1 5
GAD: Computer Aided Dispatch 60 points
The maximum number of credit for each CAD system shall be as follows.
Class 1 CAD System 60 points
Class 2 CAD System 40 points
Class 3 CAD System 20 points
NOTES:
Note 1. Refer to NFPA 1221 for definitions of each class of CAD system
Note 2„ Proration between classes will be considered and rely on the judgement of public protection engineers.
Recording Device 20 points
The recording device should have the following features.
-- dual 24-hour recording capability
- - immediate playback provisions
record of time and Indication of origin
-- continuous call logging for 9 -1 -1 lines
NOTES:
Note V All phone line recorders should be immediately accessible to on -duty emergency operators. If devices are not, then
no credit will be given for immediate playback, record of time or indication of origin.
Note 2: Nonvoice alarms should be graphically recorded.
Note 3: All incoming lines, business and reserved, should be recorded as should each dispatch position.
Telephone Service > 30 points
Number of needed phone lines = 20 points
Review of telephone directory =1 0 points
Number of Reserved Ph a Lines Population
Fire Business
1 1 50,000.
2 2 50,000 to 100,000
3 _ 3 100,000 to 300,000>
4 3 +300,000
NOTES:
Note 1. Separate telephone lines are needed for municipalities with automatic fire alarm equipment.
Note 2. If other emergency calls are received (in addition to fire), then double the number of needed reserved lines.
Note 3. Credit for progression of business lines to fire lines should be considered if excess business lines are available;
Note 4, If fire information is transmitted through more than one communication center, then reduce credit by 50 %.
Note 5 Telephone directory listing shall be as outlined section 2- 1,13.12 of NFPA 1221.
Note 6. if the number for individual fire stations is published then reduce credit by 50%.
16
Dispatch Circuits 30 points
Dispatch Circuit
Single (3o)
Dual Circuits
Secondary Circuit
Primary Circuit
supervisior
Nottsupervision
Atitornaty Maua Automatic arival
Switch° er Switchover Switellover Switchover
Proprietary Otter Proprietary Other PC Other PC Other
Control Control
(0) ( (5) 00) (10) (15) (15) (20)
NOTES:
Note 1, Ctispatch di shall comply with section 3-1,3.2 of NFPA 1221:
Note 2, Jurisdictions receiving 600 alarms or fewer per year dci noi require a secondary circuit as per section 3-1,3,3
of NFPA 1221.
Note 3, Supervision of circuits shalt comply with section 3-2.6 of NFPA 1221.
Note 4, Switchcver a second trarsmitter shall comply with 3-4,1,2 of 'NEPA 1221
Entergency Provisions 30 points
The point breakdown for this item is as follows:
Automatic start generator 20 points
Manual Start generator 15 points
Batteries 10 points
Testing/Maintenance 5 port.
Fuel 5 points
NOTES:
Note 1 Standby storage batteries should have a 4-hour capacity,
Note 2: A manual start generator in conjunction with a 4-hour battery will receive tfile maximum 20 point credit as
applied for automatic start generator:
Note 3: Equipment testing shall be as prescribed in section 2-1.10 of NFPA 1221,
1 7
Note 4: Fuel for Generators shoulo be adequate to supply power for 72 hours.
Note 5: The maximum credit available is 30 points.
Supervision 10 points
All incoming telephone trunk lines and outgoing dispatch circuits should be automatically monitored to reveal defects or faults
that interfere with reception and/or transmission of alarms.
NOTES:
Note 1 Trouble signals shall activate an audible alarm in a constantly attended site.
Note 2: Trouble signals shall be distinct from alarm signals and be indicated by both a visual light and an audible signal
as per 3-4,4,4 in NFPA 1221.
Note 3. Supervision of the normal power supply is not considered.
FIRE DEPARTMENT COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT
50 points
The point breakdown for this item is as follows: Points
A. Alarm Receiving Equipment 20
B. Mobile Alarm Receiving Equipment 10
C. Commercial Telephones in Fire Stations 5
D. Public Reporting at Fire Stations 5
E. Emergency Power at Fire Stations 10
NOTES;
Note 1: There shall be two separate means for receiving alarms from the communication center as prescribed le NFPA 1221
At least one circuit should be supervised.
Note 2, If a municipality has a sing M paid fire station and is housed in the same building as the communication center. no
dispatch circuit is needed.
Note 3: Mobile equipment should be provided as prescribed in section 3-6 of NEPA 1221 and be evaluated as follows:
Two-way radios in emergency vehicles 50%
Separate tactical frequency 30%
Spare mobile radio units 20%
Note 4 Emergency power in fire stations shall be as prescribed in NEPA 1221. Proration of fire stations without emergency
power will be considered. When emergency power is not supplied at the communication center, then no credit
for emergency power at fire stations will be considered.
Note 5. Commercial telephone facilities shall comply with section 3-10 of NEPA 1221.
Note b Public reporting at fire stations should be provided as prescribed in section 2-2.5 of NFPA 1221.
18
FIR ALARM OPERATORS 120
Points
Training of Operators -- 40 Points
Operators should ,successfully complete >a comprehensive training program prior to active eniployrrient. The training
program should be a minimum of 480 hours and include both general and specific dispatch procedures. General
dispatch procedures should be at least 240 hogs and specific, fire dispatch procedures should also be at least 240
hours. The training program should include both OJT (On the Job Training) and classroom lectures„ In addition, at
least 40 hours of continuing education for each operator should be administered annually,
NOTES:
Nate 1: initial training of operators carries a 314 weight (30 points) while continuing education carries a 114 weight (10 paints):
Nate 2: Training may be conducted in -house or by outside agencies. General dispatch procedures are best suited for outside
agencies while specific fire procedures are best suited for in -hadse OJT
Nate 3; Training pmgrams ;stiould include on -going written evaluations and certificates upon completion.
Number of Operators 80 Points;
filo. of Galls o. of ors Required . of Sups ors
Revel Requl
0- 2 1 0
2, 500-10 000 2 0
10,000 - 50,000 3 1 +
50,000 - 100 4 1 +
100,000 - 150,000 5 1 +4
150,000.200,000 6 1 ++
200,000- 300 7 1 ++
300 - 500 8 1
+500,000 9 1 ++
NOTES:
Note 1 1: There must be a sufficient rtumber`of operator positions available to be credited.
Note 2: Call answering positions may be credited as operator positions if proper dispatch equipment is also available and call
answerers are also trained dispatchers.
bate 3: (+) Supervisor is required to be in communication canter building.
(++) Supervisor is rewired to be in dispatch room.
1
FIRE SAFETY CONTROL
The total number of potential deficiency pornts remains 650 with the following revised point breakdown.
1. Fire Inspection and Conditions 500
2, Supplemental Fire
-vent..' Activities 100
3, Building Code Enforcement 50
650
FIRE INSPECTIONS AND CONDMONS
FIRE INSPECTION
Eighty percent of this item (4)0 points) deals with the actual inspection and fire code enforcement. The percent deficiency is a
combination of inspection fregtfency and inspector qualifications. Refer to matrix on following page.
CONDITIONS
Twenty percent of this item (1)0 points) deals with the conditions present in the jurisdiction. The evaluation of these conditions
is inherently subjective and must rely on the experience of the public protection engineer. A very general percentage deficiency
guideline is as follows:
Excellent
21% 40% Very Good
41% 60% Good
61% 80% Average
81% 100% Poor
20
- if * . 4- •-:.1 - -.- ;4 4 '' '' m ' 4 ' , 4 °' 4 ' _ao . ----,- . ,
. . OF ,.. . tiit..- - .., - .4
No Inspections 100% 100% 100%
One Inspection @ 3 Years 80 75 70
One Inspection @ 2 Years 70 65 60
One Inspection @ 2 Years & Annual H Occ 60 55 50
Annual Inspection 50 45 40
.. .
Annual Inspection + H OCG Semi-Anntiai 40 35 30
Annual Inspection + H Occ Quarterly 30 25 20
Semi-Annual Inspection 20 15 10
Semi Annual Inspection + H Occ Quarterly 10 5 0
Serni-Annual Inspection + H Occ Bimonthly 5 0 o
Note 1. This matrix is a guideline only. Engineering judgment may influence the given percentages based on enforcement.
Note 2. A certified fire inspector is an individual who has passed the Uniform Fire Code certification test. The inspector should remain proficient with outside classes and follow-up UFC
examinations.
Note 3, H Occ are hazardous occupancies as defined in the Uniform Fire Code.
Note 4, In order to receive full credit for any fire inspection program. a five-year experience record is required. Pre *rams of less than 5 ears will b * • r ed *ccoroinill .
22
SUPPLEMENTAL FIRE PREVENTION ACTIVITIES
The point breakdown for this item is as follows:
Public Fire Education 50
B. Inspection of Places of Severe Life Hazard 30
C. Confidence Testing 20
100
PUBLIC FIRE EDUCATION
This subitem has increased to 50% (50 points) from 1O% (10points), The areas of focus and their relative perceritage
are as follows.
School Programs 50%
II. Adult Education 20'10
The percent deficiency is a combination of actual fire education activities and educator qualifications, Refer to the matrices
on pages 4 and 5.
III Community Loss Analysis 10%
IV Coalition Building 20%
Sections III and IV were written in large pan by Penny Hulse with only minor editing of percentages, Penny Hulse was
Chairperson of the WSAFC t ivision of Public Fire Educators:
SCHOOL PROGRAMS
NU k..,i:
PR* * S ENGINE : P i. o, TOR PUBLIC : ,"w , { TOR
0 100% 100% 100%
90 r 85 80
I I
80 75 70
III 70 65 60
IV 60 55 50
V 50 45 40
VI 40 35 30
VII 30 25 20
VIII 20 15 10
IX 15 10
0
Note 1, This matrix is a guideline only Engineering judgment may influence the given percentages based on degree of
enforcement.
Note 2, Examples of programs are as follows.
I Pre - school /Daycare Programs
II. Elementary School
III, Jr. Nigh School Safety Programs
IV, High School Safety Programs
V. Assembly Programs/Firedriils
VI. Specific Needs Programs
VII, Station Tours with Safety Message
VIII, Additional Miscellaneous School Programs
IX. Juvenile Fire- setter Intervention
X, esletter /Media Information
Note 3. Records should be kept to indicate the frequency and extent of such programs.
Note 4. In order to receive full credit for any public education program, a five -year experience record is required. Programs
of less than 5 years will be prorated accordingly,
ADULT EDUCATION
NUM . F, x.` , ENGifiE *r„ p . • . i oe e - t , i s
Ft — - A..1 #e...
0 100% 100% 100%
g0 so IIIIII
IIIIIIIIIIIIIMI 70 60 40
III 50 40 30
® 30 20 10
V 2{} 10 0
Note 1. This matrix is a guideline only. Engineering judgment may influence the given percentages based on degree of
enforcement
Note 2. Examples of Programs are as follows:
I, Senior Citizen Education
II. Business and Community Education
Ill. NewsletterlMedia Information
IV: Specific Needs such as VVildland Interface
V Additional Miscellaneous Programs
Note 3, Records should be kept to indicate the frequency and extent of such programs,,
Note 4, In order to receive full credit for any public education program, a five -year experience record is required:
Programs of less than 5 years will be prorated accordingly.
2
COMMUNITY LOSS ANALYSIS
Programs based on local fire loss experience have the greatest chance of success, The use of national loss data,
while valid., is the least effective means of determining local programming, Departments must show evidence that
their programs are based on actual loss experience The greater the effort to use local loss data the more likely
the program will succeed.
% Deficiency Loss Data Analysis
100% None
80% Use of national loss data only
60% Use of state and national loss data
40% Use of one year local loss experience
20% Use of five years of local loss experience
0% Use of ten or more years of local toss experience
Note t. This table is a guideline only,, Engineering judgment may influence the given percentages based art degree of
enforcement.
Note 2. Records should be kept to indicate the frequency and extent of such programs.
Note 3 In order to receive full credit for any public education program, a five-year experience record is required.
Programs of less than 5 years will be prorated accordingly,
COALITION BUILDING
Evidence that the fire department is working with other agencies, businesses, schools, community groups and individuals
must be documented. The more alliances the department builds with other organizations and individuals, the
greater the opportunity for successful program outcomes, Evidence shoutd include the extent to which the
department interacts with other organizations.
A good example of coalition building might be a partnership between the fire department and the local fire
extinguisher company to provide fire extinguisher training for businesses and schools,
% Deficiency Number of Outside Agencies
100% 0
80% 1
60% 2
40% 3
20% 4
0% 5 or more
3
HalohiCO2/Foarn Annually
Restaurant Hood & Vents 6 Months
Note 1. Testing procedures should be as detailed in NFPA 25, NFPA 72 NFPA 11, NFPA 13, NFPA 12A,
NFPA 128, NFPA 14 and NFPA 96,
Note 2, Records of confidence testing should be kept with fire inspection files.
Note 3. In order to receive full credit for any confidence testing program, a five-year experience record is
required. Programs of less than 5 years will be prorated accordingly.
BUILDING CODE ENFORCEMENT
Building departments in the State of Washington should adopt the current !CB° (International Conference of Building
Officials) Codes as the minimum standard. This mandated minimum will serve as a base for grading considerations and
receive the maximum of 50 deficiency points, Reductions of the 50-point base may be realized with improvements in the
following items. The point breakdown for these items is as follows:
A Inspector Certifications and Qualifications 20
B. Plan Review 10
C. Supplemental Building Code Activities 20
50
INSPECTOR CERTIFICATIONS AND QUALIFICATIONS
. ICB0 certified building inspectors 10
2. ICI30 certifications in UMC, UPC, UPC, etc. 4
3. CEO Certification for building official 2
4, +5 years active experience as a building inspector 2
5. Continuing education andior training 2
20
Note 1. Engineering judgement may influence the given numbers based on degree of enforcement
Note 2, Building inspectors and/or officials should provide proof of all certifications or experience.
Note 3, Continuing education classes or seminars should total at least 60 hours of technical training annually,
5
PLAN REVIEWER;
1. !CEO certification in Uniform Fire Cade
2. +S years active experience as =e plan reviewer
. Requirement that plans be stamped by a Licensed Fire
Protection Engineer (RE. ) ; 2
5. Continuing education and /or training
10
Neste 1. Engineering judgment may influence the given numbers based on degree of enforcement.
Neste 2. Plan reviewer should provide proof of all certifications, experience andMr training.
Nate 3, Continuing education dosses or seminars should total at least fit} hours of technical training annually,
SUPPLEMENTAL BUILDI GCODE ACTIVITIES
Amendments to ICB0 codes mandating improved fire protection 10
2. Resolutions requiring retroactive compliance to current codes 4
3. Public awareness programs for natural hazard mitigation 2
4_ Integration of fire and building departments 2
5, Other activities
20
Niue 1. Engineering judgement may influence the given numbers based can degree of enforcement.
Nate 2. Natural hazard mitigation programs should address those hazards most likely to occur_
6