Our FO-III candidates are tasked with producing a fire protection plans for their communities, including a "standards of cover" document.  Other parts of the wiki will include helpful information (esp. the sections on statistics, consolidation, and college-level & academic research).  You should be aware of these -- in no particular order...

Tips on fire research:  http://www.usfa.fema.gov/nfa/coffee-break/infosearch_index.shtm , especially "Exploring Invisible Web Resources," parts I and II.

OFPC Academy Library's Intro to Research Methods PowerPoint here: Intro to research methods 9-15-14.pptx

College-level and academic research  

List of recommended sites for in-depth research: Handout Recommended Websites DR.pdf

IAFC/Commission on Fire Accreditation Intl. - "Standards of Cover," 5th ed., 2008.  (120p.)  In Academy Library at TH9183.C73S7  2008 or available for sale at http://publicsafetyexcellence.org/files/pdf/SOC-5th-Edition-Order-Form.pdf 

The USA Branch of the Institution of Fire Engineers "Vision 20/20" program has a useful "Community Risk Assessment Guide" http://riskassessment.strategicfire.org/  to help fire departments and other organizations to conduct a basic or more complex assessment of risks within their community. Ultimately, the results of the risk assessment can be used to develop a CRR plan. 

NFPA - NFPA 1710, 2010 edition, "Standard for the organization and deployment of fire suppression operations, emergency medical operations, and special operations to the public by career fire departments,"  http://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/document-information-pages?mode=code&code=1710

IAFF - NFPA 1710 Implementation Guide," http://www.cpf.org/go/cpf/?LinkServID=3EAD2730-E0C3-218B-07A8D711F8AFF5E0&showMeta=0

NFPA - NFPA 1720, "Standard for the organization and deployment of fire suppression operations, emergency medical operations and special operations to the public by volunteer fire departments,"http://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/document-information-pages?mode=code&code=1720

NFPA - NFPA 1201, "Standard for Providing Emergency Services to the Public." (2010, to be updated 2015 cycle)

http://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/document-information-pages?mode=code&code=1201 

National Fire Academy "Fire Risk Analysis: A Systems Approach." (1984, but still useful.  Archived at http://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=uiug.30112105179763#view=1up;seq=97 and held at the OFPC Library)

USFA/Commission on Fire Accreditation Intl. - "RHAVE: Risk, Hazard, and Value Evaluation" 2001 CD-rom with 130-page workbook.  In Academy Library at TH9183.U6R46 2001.  

No longer available from USFA, but archived as a zip file at https://web.archive.org/web/20100615000000*/http://www.minnesotafireservice.com/pubs_open/rhave152.zip  

Federal Emergency Management Agency.  Producing emergency plans: a guide for all-hazard emergency operations planning for state, territorial, local and tribal governments . Emmitsburg, MD: Federal Emergency Management Agency, 2008.  150p.

Available at http://www.fema.gov/pdf/about/divisions/npd/cpg_101_interim.pdf

"CPG 101 provides general guidelines on developing Emergency Operations Plans (EOPs). It promotes a common understanding of the fundamentals of planning and decision making to help emergency planners examine a hazard and produce integrated, coordinated, and synchronized plans. This Guide helps emergency managers in State, Territorial, Local, and Tribal governments in their efforts to develop and maintain a viable all-hazard EOP. Each jurisdiction's EOP must reflect what that community will do to protect itself from its unique hazards with the unique resources it has or can obtain."

Insurance Services Office.   Public Protection Classification program. http://www.isomitigation.com/ppc/0000/ppc0001.html

                Information on ISO's Public Protection Classification program, the current Fire Service Rating Schedule and proposed revision, full copy of "Guide for Determination of Needed Fire Flow," and more.  "This website contains a wealth of information about the PPC program and the Fire Suppression Rating Schedule (FSRS). The website can also lead you to specific information about your community's PPC code and what you can do to get a better code. Some of the technical information in the site is available to registered customers and fire officials only. Find out how to register."

Note: the ISO Fire Suppression Rating Schedule was completely revised in 2012.  Fire chiefs and some other official may register for free access at http://www.isomitigation.com/ppc/ppc-order-form.html 

International Association of Fire Chiefs/Emergency Services Education & Consulting Group.    Matrix to determine your present position in meeting N.F.P.A. 1720, "Standard for the Organization and Deployment of Fire Suppression Operations, Emergency Medical Operations, and Special Operations to the Public by Volunteer Fire Departments" .  https://secure.glatfelters.com/vfis/vfisshopcart.nsf/DownLoadTOC?OpenForm&cat=NFPA+1720+Matrix

National Volunteer Fire Council.  Cost savings calculator. 2005.  

http://www.nvfc.org/hot-topics/cost-savings-calculators

Also includes PowerPoint® template that can be customized for your presentation. To complete the template, use the numbers from the cost savings calculator, and add other information as it pertains to your situation.

                "The cost savings calculator tool will enable you to determine the local cost savings of your volunteer department. It will help you educate your city/town council, fire department boards, local groups, and others about the value that the department brings to the community. The cost savings figures will also help make the case for the need for local, state and federal investments in the volunteer fire service."

Wallace, Mark - "Fire Department Strategic Planning: Creating Future Excellence," (2006, avail. from OFPC Library.  More general goal-setting than specific techniques.) 

Public Entity Risk Institute.  Evaluating community emergency services. https://www.riskinstitute.org/peri/component/option,com_bookmarks/Itemid,44/catid,29/navstart,0/task,detail/mode,0/id,125/search,*/

                "In September 2002, PERI conducted a Virtual Symposium entitled "Evaluating Community Emergency Service". The goal of the Program was to stimulate municipal officials, fire-rescue administrators, and concerned citizens interested in assessing and improving their fire protection, technical rescue, and emergency medical systems. Many are confused about what variables make a difference. NFPA Standard 1710, while stimulating discussion (much negative) concerning local protection goals and admitting that “equivalencies” are possible, provides no clues to alternate – or even basic – assessment methodologies...To view/download a paper, click on the title."

Public Entity Risk Institute.  Fire department integrated risk analysis and management. https://www.riskinstitute.org/peri/component/option,com_bookmarks/Itemid,44/catid,29/navstart,0/task,detail/mode,0/id,134/search,*/

                "In recent years, fire departments have begun to employ an operational approach aimed at improving community safety while reducing firefighter injuries. The approach is known as integrated risk analysis and management. This was the subject of a PERI Symposium held Nov. 7-11, 2005, which brought together authors and experts from the U.S. and U.K. ... To view/download a paper, click on the title."

Public Entity Risk Institute.  Risk assessment and planning for volunteer fire departments. https://www.riskinstitute.org/peri/component/option,com_bookmarks/Itemid,44/catid,29/navstart,0/task,detail/mode,0/id,134/search,*/

                PERI conducted a Virtual Symposium entitled "Risk Assessment and Planning for Volunteer Fire Departments" in May 2004... To view/download a paper, click on the title."

Volunteer Firemens Insurance Services (VFIS).  Volunteer fire company planning processes: new techniques to better manage your organization's resources. 2005 https://secure.glatfelters.com/vfis/vfisshopcart.nsf/(Web+Downloads+by+Category)/5BC3353DFDC0356585256F10004DB6D9/$FILE/Vol+FC+Planning.pdf

                "Most businesses want to improve their operations and enhance the product or service they provide to the customer. The techniques described herein are no different. They are quality of service enhancement techniques. Techniques that, if applied, will help you better organize your department and serve your "customers". These techniques have been proven in both business and emergency services to improve the service delivery system for the future. "Standards of Response Cover", "Risk Assessment" and "Strategic Planning" are three techniques you can use within an emergency service organization (ESO) to respond to the ever changing environment of your organization. Read on to learn more about their application to volunteer emergency service organizations"

Buckman, John M. III et al.  The white ribbon report.  Managing the business of the fire department: keeping the lights on, the trucks running and the volunteers responding. N.p.: International Association of Fire Chiefs, Volunteer and Combination Officers Section, 2006.  46p.

 Available at http://www.vcos.org/PDF%202006/White%20Ribbon%20Report%20VCOS.pdf

"A new fire chief usually will pay more attention to the quality of services delivered than the business management of the fire department because that is what is comfortable. However, as the department’s leader, you are in charge of the responses, the oversight of the volunteers and the administrative duties. If the system that you inherited does not have the appropriate business practices in place, then you have some work to do. Because you are the chief, you have the responsibility to set up a management system that takes care of the volunteers and their personal needs. Most fire departments dismiss this responsibility as something for career departments to do. However, volunteer firefighters are considered employees in most states and therefore have the same employer/ employee relationship as any paid profession. Mismanagement of volunteers and their personal needs will contribute to a reduced retention rate. Ignoring federal mandates can expose the department to serious legal issues. This is the time to show your ability to delegate and recruit. Ask for help if you need it. Consider appointing a volunteer business manager to help fix your issues and bring credibility to your department. Your goal is to be a good partner in local government."

Scott, Gary et al.  Lighting the path of evolution: the red ribbon report. Leading the transition in volunteer and combination departments. N.p.: International Association of Fire Chiefs, Volunteer and Combination Officers Section, 2005.  44p.

 Available at http://www.vcos.org/Red_Rib_REV_FINAL05-1.pdf

"The Red Ribbon Report was researched and written by fire officers who have experienced transitions in their communities and fire departments in the United States. The report details the evolution of the volunteer fire service and the need for some departments to transition to a combination volunteer/paid department. The report covers the need for organizational change; the role of strategic planning; and how to design a combination system. The addendum includes several forms and checklists, including employee expectations; an officer evaluation form; and a sample career employee evaluation form."

Scott, Gary et al.  Lighting the path of evolution: the red ribbon report. Leading the transition in volunteer and combination departments. N.p.: International Association of Fire Chiefs, Volunteer and Combination Officers Section, 2005.  44p.

 Available at http://www.vcos.org/Red_Rib_REV_FINAL05-1.pdf

"The Red Ribbon Report was researched and written by fire officers who have experienced transitions in their communities and fire departments in the United States. The report details the evolution of the volunteer fire service and the need for some departments to transition to a combination volunteer/paid department. The report covers the need for organizational change; the role of strategic planning; and how to design a combination system. The addendum includes several forms and checklists, including employee expectations; an officer evaluation form; and a sample career employee evaluation form."

New York State Firefighting and Code Enforcement Standards and Education Commission.  Minimum standards for firefighting personnel: NYCRR Part 426. Albany, NY : the Commission, 2008.  41p.

Available at http://www.dhses.ny.gov/ofpc/documents/standards/Part426LawBook.pdf 

New York State Firefighting and Code Enforcement Standards and Education Commission.  Minimum standards for firefighting personnel: administrative procedures.  NYCRR Part 427. Albany, NY : the Commission, 2008.  4p.

Available at http://www.dhses.ny.gov/ofpc/documents/standards/Part427LawBook.pdf

New York State Archives & Records Administration - General information and guidance at http://www.archives.nysed.gov/aindex.shtml .  Rules on records retention for fire districts at http://www.archives.nysed.gov/a/records/mr_pub_mu1.shtml

Hickey, Harry E.  Water supply systems and evaluation methods. Emmitsburg, MD: United States Fire Administration, 2008.  Vol.I (153p.); Vol.II (187p.).

Available at http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/research/dsn/dsn_waterstudy.shtm

Contents: Fundamental considerations; Processed water for domestic consumption; Water quality standards; Water distribution system design concepts; Consumer consumption and needed fire flow; Alternative water supplies; Impacts of fire flow on distribution system water quality, design and operation; Dual water systems; Water supply and effective fire protection; Separate water systems and emergency water supplies

"The issues of interoperability and critical infrastructure protection, both key areas of interest within the Department of Homeland Security, were incorporated into this initiative. The issues of backup and redundant water supply systems for fire protection were also examined. From this study two reports were developed: Volume I – Water Supply Systems Concepts discusses water system anatomy, water distribution system design concepts, water quality, consumer consumption and needed fire flow, alternative water supply systems, fire department water supply officer, water supply and effective fire protection, and emergency water supplies. Volume 2 – Water Supply System Evaluation Methods covers the evaluation of municipal water supply systems, water system hydraulics, storage capacity, water supply system computer modeling, and establishing a community program to document effective water supplies for fire protection. This research is of value to fire protection and fire safety related efforts in the prevention of large loss fires and supports USFA's goal to reduce the loss of life from fire."

New York State Commission on Local Government Efficiency and Competitiveness. 

http://www.nyslocalgov.org/

                Includes link to "21st Century Local Government: Report of the New York State Commission on Local Government Efficiency Competitiveness, April 2008"and list of local initiatives by type underway in New York State, information on available grant funding, etc.

US Dept of Homeland Security/US EPA/Univ. of Texas at Dallas.

https://erplan.net/eplan/login.htm