Insurance Insights ~ June 1999

The National Fire Protection Association

During the next few months we will be featuring an ongoing article about the National Fire Protection Association. This month will be a bit of history and an introduction to NFPA’s codes and standards.

Just before the turn of the century, fire was a large concern for many major cities. Fire death rates and property loss from fire were six times today's levels.

The absence of a uniform sprinkler installation practice was a growing concern to a small group of New England fire insurance leaders and sprinkler system manufacturers. When a small number of them met in Boston in 1895, they recognized the need for one formal set of standards.

Shortly after, a small group began drafting sprinkler rules, and by March of 1896, the draft rules were complete and a committee began organizing. By November 6, 1896, the fledgling National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) was created. The twenty original members were:

• New York Board of Fire Underwriters
• South-Eastern Tariff Association
• Boston Board of Fire Underwriters
• Underwriters Association of the Middle Department
• Suburban Underwriters Association
• Philadelphia Fire Underwriters Association
• Insurance Association of Providence
• Board of Underwriters Allegheny County
• Middle States Inspection Bureau
• Underwriters Bureau Middle & Southern States
• Western Factory Insurance Association
• New Hampshire Board of Fire Underwriters
• Improved Risk Commission, Chicago
• Canadian Fire Underwriters Association
• Underwriters Bureau of New England
• Chicago Underwriters Association
• Factory Insurance Association
• Cleveland Board of Underwriters
• New England Insurance Exchange
• St. Louis Board of Underwriters

NFPA's many duties are centered around fire safety and education, and technological advancement in fire protection.

The original objectives of the organization:

"Promote the science and improve the methods of fire protection, to obtain and circulate information on this subject, and to secure cooperation in matters of common interest."

From an original 20 member group, NFPA's membership has grown to 68,000 people and more than 100 organizations in the United States, Canada and 70 other countries: The insurance industry now accounts for only 6% of the total membership. More than 5,300 volunteer members of 205 Technical Committees develop more than 300 codes and standards known collectively as the National Fire Codes®.

NFPA's staff includes some 300 employees. The organization is principally financed by sales of fire safety materials, membership dues, income from seminars, research grants and contributions. The annual expense budget is approximately $45 million.

NFPA produces a wide range of literature, from handbooks and films, brochures, codes and standards, to computer software, which are available for purchase.

Since 1896, NFPA has been collecting fire loss data. Today NFPA has one of the worlds most extensive fire experience databases.

NFPA Codes and Standards

At the turn of the last century, standards-making was a fairly simple process. A small group of people -- often from the same industry -- would decide that a standard was needed and would sit down to write one. When NFPA published its first standard on automatic sprinklers in 1896, many of today's concerns about standards-writing -- balancing interests in the committee, public involvement, and a mechanism for appeals -- did not exist. Like other NFPA activities, standards-writing evolved over time.

Until 1938, NFPA standards were only available individually. That year NFPA issued the first volume of what is now known as the National Fire Codes®. While publishing standards in groups began as an experiment, NFPA codes and standards are available today in various forms -- as the 12-volume National Fire Codes, as more than 300 individual documents, or on floppy diskette; almost 22,000 individuals and organizations currently subscribe to the National Fire Codes.

NFPA codes and standards are used worldwide. The most widely applied NFPA codes and standards include the National Electrical Code® (NFPA 70), the Life Safety Code® (NFPA 101), the Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code (NFPA 30), the Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems (NFPA 13), the Standard for the Storage and Handling of Liquefied Petroleum Gases (NFPA 58), and the Standard for Health Care Facilities (NFPA 99).

Motorcycle Checklist

It's that time of year again! The snow is gone, the first hint of spring is in the air, and you're ready to pull your motorcycle out of storage and hit the road! You're anticipating the feel of the wind in your hair, hugging the curves, and the feeling of freedom that riding a motorcycle can give you. To ensure that your ride ends with a smile and happy memories, we suggest take a few minutes before you head out to prepare your motorcycle and avoid the inconvenience of a breakdown or an equipment malfunction. The following tips should help get you on the road safely:

• Check tires for wear and tear and correct air pressure
• Check spokes and replace any missing ones
• Clean battery terminals and check that they are properly connected
• Make sure your headlight is working and aimed correctly
• Test all lights and reflectors
• Check for cracked or frayed wires, cables, and hoses
• Work the throttle and levers for correct operation
• Check all fluids; oil, brakes, coolant, clutch and gas
• Check chain or belt for correct tension and lubrication. Also check for wear
• Check forks and shocks for proper function and adjustment
• Check the condition of the frame
• Check all seals, bearings, cotter pins, bolts, and fasteners
• Check condition of helmets for cracks or wear

Now that you've completed this checklist, you can enjoy the thrill of the road.

We can cover your fun! We have a rate for nearly every rider and motorcycle! Call us for the right policy with some of the most competitive rates available. Happy riding!

Safe Driving For Seniors

Driving a car is a key to personal freedom, for drivers of all ages. While senior drivers certainly have gained valuable experience behind the wheel, they encounter different factors, such as declines in vision, hearing, reflexes, and flexibility. Below are some tips that can keep you driving confidently, and safely.

1. Maintain a regular exercise program to maintain flexibility, and improve your physical and mental fitness.
2. Get your vision and hearing checked regularly.
3. Be aware of interactions between different medications, and also that of alcohol and drugs.
4. Make sure your car is equipped with a right-side mirror
5. The top of your steering wheel should be no higher than your shoulders
6. Don't sit closer than 12 inches, the air bag can hit you at 200 mph in an accident!

Finally, here is an excellent way to pick up driving tips, AND save money on your insurance premiums! Enroll in one of the "Safe Driving for Mature Operators" courses offered. By taking this course, you can learn about age-related changes that may effect your driving. These are useful tips, such as the recommended distance to follow another car, and which medications could cause problems on the road. These courses not only outline potential trouble areas, but also provide ways to compensate for most limitations. Course materials are based on information obtained through research to help seniors update driver knowledge and skills. And, word is that you actually have fun during this class!

If you have not attended one of these classes yet, now is the time! Information can be obtained through local Senior Adult Activity Center Bulletin Boards, or try the Internet under the heading "55 Alive/Mature Driving."

A free pamphlet is available by mail on A Flexibility Training Package for Improving Older Driver Performance. Send a self-addressed, stamped business envelope to: AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, 1440 New York Ave., NW, Suite 201, Washington, DC 20005.

INSURANCE INSIGHTS is an electronic newsletter published monthly by G. C. Weimer Associates, Inc. Information contained herein is accurate to the best of our knowledge and belief as of 6/1/99. If you have a topic of interest for a future issue, e-mail us at info@gcwinsure.com.