The Seattle star. [volume] (Seattle, Wash.) 1899-1947, 1925-10-05

New York is the best, but even IL is not gem
era ordinance in that it applies only to particular
classes of buildings and certain parts of other
buildings, while its enforcement is weak and in-
complete. Some of our municipalities have
passed ordinances on this subject not requiring
the use of the sprinkler system, but declaring
that if installed by the voluntary act Of the
owner, they shall be in strict conformity with
the rules of the National Board of Fire Under
writer's step in the right direction to be sure,
but lacking in completeness and weak in that II
does not go far enough. And practically the
same statements are pertinent with respect to
laws requiring the use of gas shut-off valves.
The civic authorities should pay especial at
tention to the passage Of laws establishing n
system of frequent and thorough inspection both
of private and public buildings and dwelling
houses. measure OF this nature is OF the
highest Importance. II will insure a greater
degree of carefulness and caution on the part Of
the owner or occupant, and prove of great value
rs a means of instruction TO housewives and
their servants in the multiplied arts Of fire pre-
venton.
Let any state enact general building laws and
enforce their observance, looking towards the
proper laying of foundations, construction Of
walls building Of chimneys laying of floors.
placing OF starways and elevators protection of
windows and floor openings, guarding of heating
plants and lighting fixtures. and penalizng
ana at the same time enact special laws, and
likewise enforce their observance controlling the
erection OF mills, factories. school houses thea
tres, moving picture shows, and other structures
where people usually congregate, and that state
WIN not only prove pioneer in economic and
ite-saying legislation. but viii become n leader
to all American commemorative in the important
item of fire prevention and low premium cost
regular nnd experienced eorpv Of ,n,psetors b.
rf nj
also committed 10 daily detail Of ren.p iron, ~,
companies reporting 10 head1uarfsr. ,brough h
several captains Duties OF character imposed upor the
hrcmsa would give them knowledge m 10 what
constitute hazards and The presence structural de-
fec and how eliminate ns well as TO giving better
knowledge of the pccuarcs buildings In which ,hey
may be called 70 fight fires In word tho educational
advantages OF inspection frcmcn budors ana general
residents OF cities can hardly be ovcrcsilmaied
Through untrnr efforts Of insurance oompanss sew
era states have adopted specially books on tho
subject OF Insurance including tho their
prevention. for use In tho schools n movement
which r. rapidly spreading throughout entire nation
md which being supplemented by the OF chairs
In the leading colleges covering the entire insurance
and It's cognae branch or the construction OF build
nEs and the quality OF he used therein beat
adapted TO prcyen' and resist the contngion Of fire
In further desire 10 be Of public benefit
the insurance through National Board OF Fire
Underwriters scnd every city throughout tho ma
ton for tho purpose of giving advice and
counsel TO tho authorities OF such cities looking towards the
reduction OF the fire hazard and cssenn OF tho
premium charge.
Through tho OF fire insurance companies rating
bureaus hayo been established purpose of nccns
Ing premium rates and thereby adding TO tho burdens
Insured eydcncing compact trust" M IN some
timer unjustly and scnselesy declared
Insurance Code OF tho state Of Washington to be public in
character and FOR the purpose of estimating odu
able rates for insurance. md 10 furnish municipalities
owners Of property insurance companies agents soctor
or brokers information and advice 10 DO
adopted tho hazards on property within
this state, and lcsscning tho Of insurance
There be question but that tho final solution OF this
stupondous problem OF fire prevention more largely
tho individual citizen, and his active cooperation than
other known factor Laws may be adequate poor
construction and faulty material be largely eliminated