The 20 thousand dollar Fire Underwriter’s Survey will determine the effectiveness of the fire department based on the condition of equipment, distance of homes and businesses from fire halls, and the availability of hydrant systems.
The last time a full-scale study was completed was in 1991, and it was just for the former Town of Kincardine.
The Underwriter’s Survey’s are used by home and fire insurance companies to determine the premiums charged to policy holders.
Mayor Larry Kraemer says many improvements have been made which could mean positive ratings for the fire department and possibly lower insurance rates for residents.
He says those improvements include hydrant systems in communities along the Lake Huron shore and in Tiverton.
He says a full assessment of the reliability of firefighting equipment will also help council decide if replacements are needed.
Kraemer says a new pumper that has been recommended for purchase costs close to half a million dollars.
He says the survey will determine if the vehicle should be replaced or simply rebuilt.
The survey process allows for firefighting equipment to undergo third party testing to find out it’s reliability.
Kraemer says now that Tiverton has a fire hydrant system, whatever the Underwriter’s Survey finds could end up saving residents of the community hundreds of dollars on fire insurance premiums.
The Underwriter’s Survey rates various aspects of a local fire department on a scale of one to ten, with one being the highest score.
In 2000, the area served by the hydrant system in the actual town of Kincardine received a rating of five. The rating outside of town was nine.
The ability for dwellings in the town received a rating of two in 2000 because a new fire truck and station were commissioned that year.
