How is there water ready to go at every fire hydrant in the country? What keeps it pressurized? How does this complex system work? Please include links.
Rescue Engine/ Rescue Pumper A Rescue pumper or Rescue engine Is a purpose-built unit of fire apparatus beyond a typical National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Class A rated engine company. The original concept was to marry the pumping capabilities of a heavy rescue squad and that of a class A rated pumper, that is to add 1000 gpm fire pump or greater and 500 gallons of water. This is a newer concept that first began in the late 1980s early 1990s. This first design did not include all the supply hose that is usually carried on a typical engine company, but had the tool carrying capacity of a heavy squad, including extrication equipment and the specialized rescue tools not carried on ladder trucks or engine companies. The first unit designed by Darley equipment in 1989, for small departments, was never built but other manufacturers (e.g. Pierce), who originally did not want to build a new specialty unit, did finally build one in 1991. Current design: The current design is more like a typical fire engine than a true rescue pumper. Todays Rescue Engine differs from the original unit concept,Rescue Pumper designed by Fire Chief S E Politano, which was simply to add more initial fire fighting (on board water and pumping capacity)capabilities to a heavy rescue squad, not bring heavy rescue squad capabilities to an engine company. Some fire departments that protect a body of water, such as a major city harbor or coastline, may utilise fireboats to combat fires on watercraft and waterfront areas. Such fireboats pump water from under them, so they can theoretically provide water indefinitely. Fire companies may also employ airplanes and helicopters to attack fire from the air. Such aircraft are fitted with large tanks that drop water or fire retardant chemicals onto the fire.
Let your insurance company handle it. Companies are getting very good at sniffing out bogus and inflated claims, and have experience and resources that you don't, so let them do their work. If your company does pay out anything, your premium may go up because of it, but they may have a first accident forgiveness feature; ask your agent. A $10 increase is not bad, considering how much prices in general have gone up for the things insurance pays formedical costs, parts, labor.
If you know of a quicker way then stop kvetching and tell someone. I do agree with you on the water loss. Since the surface of the earth is only 75% water and since water is only the number one substance available on the earths surface then we are in real danger of running out soon. So we must stop this wanton water wasting. Lets also outlaw swimming pools, car washes, crop irrigation, bathing and evaporation in an effort to save this scarce resource.
