Indiana daily times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1914-1922, 1920-12-02

already should have done to enjoy third
class rating.
No ASSURANCE
ON FOUR POINTS
The improvements for which the board
said it could not give the underwriters
definite enough assurance TO claim the
1913 points involved were:
1. Establishment Of properly
equipped repair shop In a building
separate from any of the present FIRE
houses.
2. Increase in the number Of fire
alarm circuits and extension OF tho
underground cable system as soon
as possible
8. More drastic building laws.
4. More drastic ordinances relative
10 the handling and storage OF ex-
plosives and infammables.
At the same time that the underwriters
offered their criticism OF the purchase
Of more motor apparatus than is actually
needed, to the estimated extent OF $40 900,
which was at the Tuesday afternoon con-
ference, they recommended that three
present fire houses be abandoned instead
Of two new ones added as the board Of
safety contemplates.
Felix NJ. McWhirt member Of the
board OF safety, today argued that the
new Ere houses are badly needed, citing
the fact that from Jan. 7, 1918, to date
permits for building to a total valuation
Of $50. 227. 200 have been issued In Indi-
annapolis. The estimated value Of the
contents OF the buildings erected Is
double that Of the structures themselves.
he said, so that the total FIRE hazard
valuation. Of the city must have been
raised S1o0O00,0oO since Jan. Z 1918.
WHAT BOARD SAYS
IT CAN Do.
The improvements which the board Of
safety agreed are practicable at this time
and which, if fully put into effect would
reduce the city's dement's TO 1928, are
are follows:
Strict conformation by the Indianapolis
Water Company to the standards Of the
valves, etc.
appointment OF master mechanic
ALREADY In effect)
Increase IN number OF battalion chiefs
to provide four on duty, both day and
night
Establishment Of department training
school for all fremen.
Increase Of membership Of department
TO PA day shift and 294 night shift when
two platoon system goes into effect.
Motorization OF department. discontin-
uance OF four companies aud provision
for eight pieces Of reserve apparatus
tMotorlzatiOn now in progress, but to
greater extent that underwriters deem
wise at this time.)
Strict conformity to underwriters
standards for hose, principal require
ment OF which is that every hose wagon
be equipped With at least 200 feet Of
three-inch hose.
Department purchase 5000 feet Of hose
annually and test same frequently.
That in the operation Of the depart
ment methods outlined by underwriters
be more strictly adhered 10.
That arrangement for companies to
respond to alarms be changed so that
less be required to make runs than at
be so great as TO injure efficiency.
Better yentilating system for fire alarm
headquarters IN city hall, and improve
ments in equipment for same.
Increase number Of fire alarm boxes
and indicate same with red paint for
day and red lights for night
Test all fire alarm boxes monthly and
after every electrical storm, and Increase
the force OF linemen.
Make the ordinance prohibiting wooden
shingle roofs on new buildings or In case
Of repairs more effective.
The board could not claim the full
number of credits allowed for accom-
plishment OF many Of the above improve
ments because IL could not see At to
promise to 90 the full length recon-
mended by the insurance men, In some
cases however, the board demonstrated
to the satisfaction Of the underwriters
that they have done. or VIII do, as much
or more than is desired.