For this week’s forum, here are a few facts you need to know:

• Wade Gardens, FL is a fictional city located on the Atlantic coast.
• You are the Fire Chief of Wade Gardens, FL .

Background on Wade Gardens, FL:   Wade Gardens, FL  used to be a sleepy southern town near the beach with a population of less than 5,000.  People first started to move to Wade Gardens during the 1970s as an economical vacation spot.  As the infrastructure expanded and more residents began to call Wade Gardens home, the population during the 1980s grew to about 10,000.  At this time Wade Gardens still had a volunteer fire department, and did not have a prevention division nor did the department do any type of inspections or code enforcement. However, the City of Wade Gardens did adopt local fire codes as early as 1965.  It just did not do a good job of enforcing the codes that were on the books.

During this 1990s the economy was good and the word got out about Wade Gardens .  The population exploded to over 35,000 by the year 2000.  In 2001 the Wade Gardens Volunteer Fire Department changed to a career department with 35 firefighters and a prevention division.  The prevention division began aggressively doing preplans, code enforcement and inspections on a large number of commercial structures that had been built during the 1990s, since theses inspections had never been done previously.

In 2003, a routine inspection of The Sea Pines Apartment Complex uncovered that the facility did not have any type of fire alarm system.  The Wade Gardens Fire Department cited The Sea Pines Apartments for the lack of a fire alarm system, and instituted a fine of $250 per day until the facility was upgraded to include a fire alarm system including central station monitoring.The fire alarm system should have been installed when the facility was originally built according to the adopted code requirements.  However, the city did not catch this omission for a number of years.

Discuss how you, as the Fire Chief, would handle the situation at the Sea Pines Apartments regarding the fire alarm system.  Assume the owner of the Sea Pines Apartments does not want to comply because of the cost of installing and maintaining the fire alarm system.

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#1

With Wade Garden starting out so small you think that they would have brought in an outside town to do the inspections to make sure the homes were up too fire code. It shouldn’t take a town growing to over 35,000 to get a fire department in there to know what was going on. When a home is built it has to be inspected. So, this makes you wonder if home were being built without the proper inspections being done. I know they were different back then but still the safety of people we’re at hand. With the Sea Pines Apartment Complex not wanting to put the new fire system in they are going to be paying a $250 dollar fine a day until they get it installed. They would save money by putting it in rather than not. They need to think about the safety of the people that live in the complex. As a Fire Chief I feel a deadline should be meant before people would have leave the building because it would become a liability issue for the owner and the fire chief because they knew what was going on and if something was too happen they would be at fault it seems. Do you think that people would care that the building wasn’t up too code? Too me it would make me as a resident want to look further into the building to make sure the rest was up to code to be living in it. If they don’t have fire code good, they may not have the building code up too standards. To have the alarm systems it would be cheaper than paying the fines. You would be paying more in fines than in having the system that would protect everyone. As a chief you can’t allow someone to put others at risk.

#2

In regards to Sea Pines Apartment Complex, with a thorough investigation of what standards the building should have been built to, it is the recommendation of Wade Gardens fire department to levy a fine of $250 a day until the building is up to code.  Seventy nine percent of fire fatalities happen within the family dwelling and apartment complexes are the number two type of family dwelling that these happen in.  Though it is also understood that this can be a lengthy and expensive process it is in the best interest of the building owner and its occupants to be protected and covered with an internal fire alarm system.  This system shall be designed to not only notify the occupants of where the fire started but also the remaining occupants of the complex itself. Furthermore, the alarm system should be tied into the central dispatch system for Wade Gardens in order to have around the clock coverage. The Fire department agrees to work with the Sea Pines Apartment Complex management to ensure knowledge of the standards are known and to review any plans of correcting the issue to prevent any further discrepancies with the apartment complex. National Fire Protection Association 72-National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code will be the main focus on what is expected in order to bring the building up to code.  This code identifies and explains what signaling devices are required and where, as well as where not to have them install in order to limit the amount of false responses. Lastly the $250 levy may be waived if the building has no occupants dwelling inside until the renovations are completed.

ReferencesNational Fire Protection Association. (2109). National Fire Protection Association 72 National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code. Quincy.

Section 1 (250 words): I have attached a document titled “Social Media and the Medical Profession”. The task is to have read and reviewed this presentation. Then using each of the scenarios discussed, refer to the UC Stude​‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌​nt Conduct Rules 2018, and the MRPBA Code of Conduct, and consider which sections of these codes could potentially be transgressed if the scenarios were true. Note: I attached the UC Student Conduct Rules 2018, and the MRPBA Code of Conduct. Section 2: (300 words) Please provide a brief summary of the main points of the presentation “Social Media and the Medical Profession” (about 300 words)​‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌​.

I. Problem statement (The Impact of the Climate Change in Miami about housing crisis and that Miami is going to be underwater soon”): What is happening?

a. Include a brief summary of the environmental/natural resource issue and why it is important.

b. Be sure to clearly identify the attributes of the resource that make efficient allocation problematic.

c. Identify who has standing (the population impacted by this issue and those who are expected to contribute).

II. Preliminary analysis: Is there a solution?

a. If there is a policy, discuss the background and the current state of the policy including how this policy addresses or fails to address the problem at hand (hint: look at the incentive/disincentive structure imposed by the policy).

b. If there is no current regulation, discuss why that may be the case and potential for future governmental intervention or the need to avoid government intervention.

III. Describe the deliverables of this project: how will you present the relevant information?

a. Discuss how you will inform the audience about the topic either via a news article, art project or poster. Be sure to include justification for the project choice.

b. Discuss how your project will communicate economic principles/theories and/or market failure at work.

Be sure to consult the rubric regarding required components. You must collect data from at least three outside credible sources, use in-text citations and include a bibliography with all sources (separate from the two page requirement). Times New Roman, 12 point font, double spaced is preferred.

Calculate the following financial ratios. Once the ratios have been calculated, classify the ratios according to the stoplight benchmarking approach.

 

Calculate the current ratio.

Flag this QuestionQuestion 21 pts

Classify the current ratio you just calculated according to the following benchmarking procedure.

Group of answer choicesGreenYellowRed Flag this QuestionQuestion 34 pts

Calculate working capital.

Flag this QuestionQuestion 43 pts

Calculate working capital to gross revenues

Flag this QuestionQuestion 51 pts

Classify the working capital to gross revenues ratio you just calculated according to the following benchmarking procedure.

Group of answer choicesGreenYellowRed Flag this QuestionQuestion 63 pts

Calculate the debt-to-asset ratio as a percentage to the nearest hundredth (two places after the decimal).

Flag this QuestionQuestion 71 pts

Classify the debt-to-asset ratio you just calculated according to the following benchmarking procedure.

Group of answer choicesGreenYellowRed Flag this QuestionQuestion 83 pts

Calculate the equity-to-asset ratio as a percentage to the nearest hundredth (two places after the decimal).

Flag this QuestionQuestion 91 pts

Classify the equity-to-asset ratio you just calculated according to the following benchmarking procedure.

Group of answer choicesGreenYellowRed Flag this QuestionQuestion 103 pts

Calculate the debt-to-equity ratio as a percentage to the nearest hundredth (two places after the decimal).

Flag this QuestionQuestion 111 pts

Classify the debt-to-equity ratio you just calculated according to the following benchmarking procedure.

Group of answer choicesGreenYellowRed Flag this QuestionQuestion 124 pts

Calculate net farm income. Remember to include dollar signs, comma separators after thousands of dollars, and round to the nearest whole cent.

Flag this QuestionQuestion 133 pts

Calculate return on assets as a percentage to the nearest hundredth (two places to the right of the decimal).

Flag this QuestionQuestion 141 pts

Classify the return on assets ratio you just calculated according to the following benchmarking procedure.

Group of answer choicesGreenYellowRed Flag this QuestionQuestion 153 pts

Calculate return on equity as a percentage to the nearest hundredth (two places to the right of the decimal).

Flag this QuestionQuestion 161 pts

Classify the return on equity ratio you just calculated according to the following benchmarking procedure.

Group of answer choicesGreenYellowRed Flag this QuestionQuestion 173 pts

Calculate operating profit margin as a percentage to the nearest hundredth (two places to the right of the decimal).

Flag this QuestionQuestion 181 pts

Classify the return on equity ratio you just calculated according to the following benchmarking procedure.

Group of answer choicesGreenYellowRed Flag this QuestionQuestion 193 pts

Calculate asset turnover ratio as a percentage to the nearest hundredth (two places to the right of the decimal).

Flag this QuestionQuestion 201 pts

Classify the return on equity ratio you just calculated according to the following benchmarking procedure.

Group of answer choicesGreenYellowRed Flag this QuestionQuestion 213 pts

Calculate operating expense ratio as a percentage to the nearest hundredth (two places to the right of the decimal).

Flag this QuestionQuestion 221 pts

Classify the operating expense ratio you just calculated according to the following benchmarking procedure.

Group of answer choicesGreenYellowRed Flag this QuestionQuestion 233 pts

Calculate depreciation expense ratio as a percentage to the nearest hundredth (two places to the right of the decimal).

Flag this QuestionQuestion 241 pts

Classify the depreciation expense ratio you just calculated according to the following benchmarking procedure.

Group of answer choicesGreenYellowRed Flag this QuestionQuestion 253 pts

Calculate interest expense ratio as a percentage to the nearest hundredth (two places to the right of the decimal).

Flag this QuestionQuestion 261 pts

Classify the depreciation expense ratio you just calculated according to the following benchmarking procedure.

Group of answer choicesGreenYellowRed Flag this QuestionQuestion 273 pts

Calculate net farm income ratio as a percentage to the nearest hundredth (two places to the right of the decimal).

Flag this QuestionQuestion 281 pts

Classify the net farm income ratio you just calculated according to the following benchmarking procedure.

Group of answer choicesGreenYellowRed

The heat release rate is the single most important variable in a fire.  Generally, the heat release rate provides fire service professionals a way to quantify and intelligently discuss the complexity of fires, including their size, potential impact, and correlation with other variables.

Once you complete the Week 2 readings, write a post to achieve the following:

1. Define heat release rate.

2. Discuss the importance for the fire service professional to understand and recognize heat release rates and its measurement.

3. Discuss two ways heat release rate is measured.

4. What did you find from your research and the readings to be the most interesting aspect of the heat release rate?

#1

In this weeks forum we were asked to define heat release rate. Heat Release Rate is best defined as the rate at which fire releases energy (NIST, 2010). Heat Release Rate is also known as power (NIST, 2010). It is imperative for firefighter to understand and be able to recognize heat release rate. The heat release rate as we learned in our reading this week causes power. The heat release rate when recognized properly can help responding firefighters to determine the size of the fire, the complexity of the fire and the potential safety impacts from the fire. Obviously if the heat release rate is lower there is less of a risk for firefighters and quickly extinguishing the fire utilizing proper fire ground tactics is a safe technique for all involved in the firefighting efforts. As we discussed in the week one forum being able to understand and recognize the heat release rate can determine how the fire is going to be suppressed wither utilizing and aggressive attack, a transitional attack or a defensive attack. I discovered in the week two lesson that there are two methods of measuring heat release rate. One way is to estimate the heat release rate by calculations. The second way to determine heat release rate is to test fuel items and measure the heat release rates. As we can see via videos in or week two lesson as well as numerous videos on line differently constructed materials release different heat release rates. I believe what I found most interesting item from this weeks lesson and the information provided in reference to heat release rate are the math calculations needed to measure different heat release rates. I have often found math to be confusing and this weeks reading proved no different. I believe that I would prefer utilizing testing methods and video reviews to determine the release rates before having to depend on math calculations.

References:

Jiahao Liu, & Mingyi Chen. (2018). A Simplified Method to Predict the Heat Release Rate of Industrial Nitrocellulose Materials. Applied Sciences, 8(6). https://doi.org/10.3390/app8060910

Zou, G., Huo, Y., Chow, W., & Chow, C. (2018). Modelling of heat release rate in upholstered furniture fire. Fire and Materials, 42(4), 374–385. https://doi.org/10.1002/fam.2502

#2

This week we are asked to define heat release rate, discuss the importance for the fire service professional to understand and recognize heat release rates and its measurement,  discuss two ways heat release rate is measured, and to expand on what we found interesting about heat release rate in this weeks reading.

Heat release rate is defined as “…a critical parameter for the evaluation of compartment fire growth that is incorporated to a wide range of fire assessment tools, ranging from simple hazard indexes to complex computational fluid dynamics modeling. Analytical formulations, empirical correlations, Zone and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) models use the HRR as an input parameter to determine almost every other quantifiable variable with respect to the fire.” (1166) According to the Calculation Methods for the Heat Release Rate of Materials of Unknown Composition  from this weeks assigned readings.

It is exceedingly important for the firefighter to understand HRR because it will shape the way we attack the fire. Additionally, it is important to understand that depending on the progression and location of the fire it might be hard to tell what types of materials are involved. That is why I found the article Calculation Methods for the Heat Release Rate of Materials of Unknown Composition so interesting, this article states there are two main ways HRR is calculated, “The most widespread techniques are based on mass balance. If the heat of combustion of the fuel is known, the measure of the mass loss allows its evaluation. If the burning material can not be identified, calorimetric principles can be used. They rely on oxygen consumption (OC) or carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide generation (CDG) measurements.” (1165)

I really found that the detail and complexity of HRR very interesting this week.  There certainly is a lot of math involved in determining the exact HHR, even more so when the material is unknown.  I think this is a very important principal to understand when attacking a fire!

References:

BITEAU, H. U. B. E. R. T., STEINHAUS, T. H. O. M. A. S., SCHEMEL, C. H. R. I. S. T. O. P. H. E. R., SIMEONI, A. L. B. E. R. T., MARLAIR, G. U. Y., BAL, N. I. C. O. L. A. S., & TORERO, J. O. S. E. L. (n.d.). Calculation Methods for the Heat Release Rate of Materials of Unknown Composition. Retrieved from https://apus.intelluslearning.com/lti/#/document/285759961/1/ce666714f46d62207473a19aad51c9c4/21dd175d7cb5163d0d42725461c4d649/browse_published_content/17930/98660/143365/5/lesson/lesson?hideClose=false&tagId=185491&external_course_id=402978&external_course_name=FSMT311 I001 Fall 19