 By Ed Fry January 02, 2007
Understanding the ISO: The Insurance Services Organization rates the ability of fire departments to protect property from fire based on many factors, including the equipment, water supplies and personnel in a department's district. This rating is used by some insurance companies as a base for homeowner's insurance. An ISO rating of 10 is the worst, where no fire protection is available, while a rating of 1 is the best. Simply adding a third does not automatically change the rating; in fact there is a lot that has to be done to meet a rating and bring a rating up to a different classification. To better understand this, check out the rating system at: http://www.isomitigation.com/ppc/0000/ppc0001.html or call them at 1-800-444-4554. Understanding the response to a fire; North Tongass VFD is well equipped and trained, but in order to do a fast attack on a fire, the department must follow a federal mandate of 2 in 2 out rule. Under the mandate, there must be a minimum of 4 certified firefighters (NFPA 1001 requirements) on scene before an interior attack can commence. Keep in mind that when a fire starts, it grows exponentially and doubles in size every 10 minutes. Coupling that with the federal rule 2 in 2 out rule; it could be argued that the fire will cause significant if not a total loss to the property before 4 certified firefighters arrive. The best way to knock a fire down before the department arrives is retro installation of home fire protection systems http://www.homefiresprinkler.org/hfsc.html. Salary structure is too high. The current median salary for a Firefighter/Paramedic nationally is $35,000 to $55,000 depending on education and prior experience. This position is nearly double the national average with an EMT-II certification, not a Paramedic (MICP) license. WOW! In closing, the proposal is a little premature for us at the north end. We should do some more number crunching as well as a feasibility study to see if and in fact there is a benefited need for our area. Additionally, residents should be told the entire process of the ISO, it is just not a "poof" and the rating comes up, the process involves an inspection and interview of the department. It begs the question, are you getting more service with doubled fees? Sincerely, Ed Fry About: "firefighter with over 25 years of career and volunteer urban and rural experience" Related Article:
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