Today, the challenges that face individuals and communities are numerous, magnified by a global pandemic in its second year. Whether the issue is financial, educational or health related, our focus must be on finding solutions that have positive results. Below are just a few examples of local actions that positively impact our community.
Improving insurance rating to positively affect commercial insurance rates: In September, the Claremont Fire Department completed testing of 425 city-owned fire hydrants. This action was the result of a budgetary discussion that took place about 2 ½ years ago on how to improve the city’s Insurance Services Office (ISO) rating, often used to determine commercial insurance rates.
The ISO rating is based on several categories, including staffing and equipment. Each category is scored using a point system. Scoring for categories related to manpower and vehicles is directly tied to a community’s funding capacity. Scoring for other categories, such as hydrant flow, is based on a department’s quality control and maintenance efforts.
The last time that the Claremont FD conducted testing of city-owned hydrants was in 1990. Every five years the ISO rating is reviewed. The last review occurred in 2017 and resulted in an overall rating that included a score of zero out of nine points for hydrant flow. The department’s action to test all 425 hydrants will have a positive impact when the ISO rating is next reviewed in 2022.
Improving access to educational tools: Utilizing ARPA funding through the New Hampshire State Library, Claremont’s Fiske Free Library is now offering online tutoring through Brainfuse HelpNow. This service provides homework tutoring for students K-12, as well as resources for adult learners. It is available through the library’s catalog page, bit.ly/fiskefree, accessible and free to patrons with a Fiske Free library card.
The library also has a collection of Launchpad educational tablets that cover a variety of subjects for different grade levels. Patrons with a Fiske Free library card can check these devices out. Because the tablets operate independently from the internet, they are an excellent option for families with no or limited internet access. Having access to both the online tutoring and tablets will help learners of all ages achieve their educational goals.
Raising suicide prevention awareness: On Oct. 16, Claremont will host its first “Out of the Darkness Walk” to raise suicide prevention awareness. For many of you reading this now, the walk will already have taken place. However, it is important to note that this event was generated by a Claremont individual who works in the mental health field and recognized the need to raise awareness.
Suicide is the second leading cause of death for people ages 10-44 in New Hampshire, and we have lost community members to it. Organizing and participating in this walk demonstrates our desire to change this statistic. If you or a loved one is struggling with suicidal thoughts, resources are available at West Central Behavioral Health, TLC and the Veterans Administration.
Charlene Lovett is the mayor of Claremont and welcomes your feedback. Please email questions, comments or concerns to her at [email protected]
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