THE CCVFC IS AN ISO CLASS THREE FIRE COMPANY
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ISO’s Public Protection Classification Program (PPC) evaluates communities according to a uniform set of criteria defined in the Fire Suppression Rate Schedule (FSRS). This criterion incorporates nationally recognized standards developed by the National Fire Protection Association and the American Water Works Association.
Using the FSRS, ISO objectively reviews the fire suppression capabilities of a community and assigns a Public Protection Classification – a number from 1 to 10. Class 1 represents exemplary fire protection and Class 10 indicates that the area’s fire suppression program does not meet minimum recognition criteria.
Fire alarms
Ten percent of the overall grading is based on how well the fire department receives fire alarms and dispatches its firefighting resources. ISO field representatives evaluate the communications center, looking at the number of operators at the center; the telephone service, including the number of telephone lines coming into the center; and the listing of emergency numbers in the telephone book. Field representatives also look at the dispatch circuits and how the center notifies firefighters about the location of the emergency.
Using the FSRS, ISO objectively reviews the fire suppression capabilities of a community and assigns a Public Protection Classification – a number from 1 to 10. Class 1 represents exemplary fire protection and Class 10 indicates that the area’s fire suppression program does not meet minimum recognition criteria.
Fire alarms
Ten percent of the overall grading is based on how well the fire department receives fire alarms and dispatches its firefighting resources. ISO field representatives evaluate the communications center, looking at the number of operators at the center; the telephone service, including the number of telephone lines coming into the center; and the listing of emergency numbers in the telephone book. Field representatives also look at the dispatch circuits and how the center notifies firefighters about the location of the emergency.
Engine companies
Fifty percent of the overall grading is based on the number of engine companies and the amount of water a community needs to fight a fire. ISO reviews the distribution of fire companies throughout the area and checks that the fire department tests its pumps regularly and inventories each engine company's nozzles, hoses, breathing apparatus, and other equipment.
ISO also reviews the fire-company records to determine:
Fifty percent of the overall grading is based on the number of engine companies and the amount of water a community needs to fight a fire. ISO reviews the distribution of fire companies throughout the area and checks that the fire department tests its pumps regularly and inventories each engine company's nozzles, hoses, breathing apparatus, and other equipment.
ISO also reviews the fire-company records to determine:
- · type and extent of training provided to fire company personnel
· number of people who participate in training
· firefighter response to emergencies
· maintenance and testing of the fire department's equipment
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Water supply
Forty percent of the grading is based on the community's water supply. This part of the survey focuses on whether the community has sufficient water supply for fire suppression beyond daily maximum consumption. ISO surveys all components of the water supply system, including pumps, storage, and filtration. To determine the rate of flow the water mains provide, we observe fire-flow tests at representative locations in the community. Finally, we evaluate the distribution of fire hydrants.
For more information on ISO's public-protection ratings, read ISO's PPC Program: Helping to Build Effective Fire-Protection Services.
Forty percent of the grading is based on the community's water supply. This part of the survey focuses on whether the community has sufficient water supply for fire suppression beyond daily maximum consumption. ISO surveys all components of the water supply system, including pumps, storage, and filtration. To determine the rate of flow the water mains provide, we observe fire-flow tests at representative locations in the community. Finally, we evaluate the distribution of fire hydrants.
For more information on ISO's public-protection ratings, read ISO's PPC Program: Helping to Build Effective Fire-Protection Services.
Minimum Criteria for Class 8 or Better
To receive a Public Protection Classification (PPCTM) of Class 8 or better, a community must first have the minimum facilities and practices needed to get a PPC rating and must earn a score of at least 20 points when evaluated according to the criteria in the Fire Suppression Rating Schedule. In addition, the community must have these additional minimum facilities:
- There must be a minimum water supply of 250 gpm for a two-hour duration for fire protection in the area.
- If the fire department delivers the 250 gpm through tanker shuttle, large-diameter hose, or other alternative water supply, the water must be available within five minutes of the arrival of the first due apparatus, and the department must maintain the flow, without interruption, for the two-hour duration.
- The fire department must have at least one piece of suitably equipped apparatus with a pump of at least 250-gpm capacity rated at 150 psi.
http://www.isomitigation.com/ppc/2000/ppc2005.html
http://www.burlington-wi.gov/Departments/Fire/iso_class_3.htm
http://www.ci.la-vista.ne.us/index.asp?nid=283