STANDARDS OF COVER

By Michael Ayers

A brief explanation of the Standards of Cover document and my intent in my prioritzing of this issue.

One major issue that the fire service has struggled with in the past decade is defining levels of service. These definitions impact such things as staffing, numbers and locations of stations, and response to alarms. The Standards of Cover document uses a "systems" approach to deployment, rather than a "one size fits all" perscriptive formula.

The Standards of Cover is a document that matches local need (risks and expectations) with the costs of various levels of service... it is the foundational cornerstone for a healthy and effective fire service organization. A Standards of Cover document will provide empirical evidence necessary to promote rational discussion, leading to effective and informed policy changes... such as fiscally responsible seismic safety through retrofit versus rebuilding. It will allow for and support informed and responsible decision making in the best interests of our community.