The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1915-05-27
URGE STRONGER PROTECTION
Inspectors Point Out Some Fifty Ways
in Which Kenosha Can Better It's
Fire Protection and Get Higher Rat
ing From Insurance Companies.

After many weeks of waiting the
Wisconsin Inspection Bureau which
made many tests along fire protection
lines in Kenosha, has filed it's report
with the city clerk and the chief of
the fire department. The report is a
lengthy one and suggests a rebuilding
of the city in order to get reduction
in classification which may bring a
reduced insurance rate. The report is
one which is of interest to the officials
Of the city as it is a mirror in which
is shown the city s short comings. Ke-
nosha is now rated as "37a" city and
the bureau suggests things that may
be done to advance it to the "3' class,
the "27a" class and the "2" class.
In order to reach the $50" class this
first demand is that the intake capa-
city be increased to at least 5000 gal
Ions per minute and that the mains be
arranged so as to be able to deliver
5000 gallons per minute, irrespective
of domestic consumption.
To realize classification of "20
the report suggests pumping capa-
city of 100000 gallons of water daily
and the intake and principal mains to
be duplicate, the boiler feed pumps and
steam mains to pumps to be in dupli-
cate, the membership in the fire de-
partent to be increased, hose wagons to
be equipped with turrent MOBILES, in
stallation of automobile pumping APP
paratus in the various fire stations, and
the pumps at the water station to be
capable of giving high pressure under
heavy service or the fire department
to be equipped with automobile pump
ing apparatus. In addition to these
things the city must comply with all
suggestions of the bureau numbered
from one to forty-seven. These include
a fire proof isolated pumping station,
an intake of not less than forty-two
inches discharging into two separate
wells, an additional high pressure pump
with 100000 gallon capacity, high
pressure boilers, strengthening of the
distributing system, with the alterna-
tive Of the automobile pumping appara-
tus, elimination Of dead ends of water
mains wherever practicable.
Under supervision the demand is for
frequent flushing of the water mains,
and the presence of an agent of the
water company with the fire depart
ment at all fires.
The report recommends the installa-
ton of meters as rapidly as possible
for all private consumers of water and
the limiting Of water not sold by me-
tiers for use for fire fighting only.
The report suggests system of gate
valves to protect the mains against
breakage and the necessity of shut
offs for repairs. It suggests yearly
operation of all gate valves to keep
them in order.
It suggests the installation of 5A
valve opening hydrants for the fire de-
partment. It suggests additional hyd-
rants until the distance between hyd-
rants shall not exceed 800 feet.
The recommendations for the fire de-
partment include the completion and
equipment Of a fourth fire station as
soon as possible, and some provision
for an emergency department.
Along the line Oh equipment it sug-
gests "cellar pipe water proof
covers for salvage work, recording
water pressure guage for station No.
8 and the removal of the fire alarm
central station to fire proof room in
the city hall.
It suggests lightning arresters for
the switch board, two sets of fuses for
each circuit, competent electrician TO
have charge of the fire alarm system at
all times and many changes in the
electrical equipment. The present
boxes should be replaced with those
of more modern type and the installa-
ton of new boxes so that every bust
ness building will not be in excess Of
400 feet from fire alarm station.
The report demands the Improvement
of street crossings on unpaved streets
so as to make trips to fires easy.
Many ordinances are suggested for
passage by the council These include
a modern building ordinance such as is
proposed by the National Board of
Fire Underwriters, the appointment of
building inspector with power to en-
force such an ordinance, strict and i'm
partial enforcement of the present fire
limits ordinance, the safeguarding Of
room coverings in all parts of the
city in the future.
The report suggests the Immediate
adoption Of the national electrical code
to govern all electrical work done in
the city and the taking Of immediate
steps to correct defects in electric
work in various sections. Other ordi-
nances suggested as necessary are:
Regulating the storage and keeping
of petroleum and other volatile and
inf1ammable substances.
Regulating automobile garages.