As summer approaches, fire departments face heightened demands — from increased call volumes and intense training schedules to higher fire risks across their communities. These seasonal pressures affect personnel and also put added strain on firehouses and training grounds, making pre-summer facility inspections a vital part of operational readiness.

Insurance agents play a critical role in helping departments prepare for the season by guiding them through facility assessments and aligning their fire department insurance policies to meet emerging property risks. Proactive maintenance and strategic coverage updates prevent costly interruptions when busy fire departments can’t afford an avoidable disruption.

Key Areas To Inspect in Firehouses Before Summer

Summer heat and increased operational use can expose property vulnerabilities in vital systems and structural elements.

HVAC and Electrical Systems

• Inspect air conditioning units and ventilation systems for functionality and signs of stress.
• Check for faulty or outdated wiring, overloaded circuits, and heat-sensitive electrical hazards.

Roofing, Doors, and Windows

• Evaluate roofs and seals for storm damage, warping, or deterioration.
• Confirm that doors and windows are weather-tight to protect against heat intrusion and severe weather.

Backup Generators and Alarm Systems

• Test emergency power sources to prevent downtime during power outages.
• Verify the functionality of smoke and fire alarm systems, including battery backups and monitoring integrations.

Risk Management for Training Grounds and Outdoor Assets

Fire department training grounds are especially active during the summer, often involving outdoor drills and fuel-based exercises.

Grounds Maintenance and Fuel Storage

• Maintain defensible space around structures and fuel containers.
• Store flammable materials used for training in ventilated, code-compliant enclosures.

Structure and Surface Safety

• Inspect training towers, modular buildings, climbing walls, and paved surfaces for cracks, corrosion, or trip hazards
• Repair or reinforce any structures used for simulated emergencies or high-stress drills

Equipment Storage and Security

• Review security for outdoor sheds, gear lockers, and mobile equipment trailers.
• Install or test surveillance and access control systems to deter theft and vandalism.

The more property maintenance completed prior to the peak summer season, the better prepared the department will be.

Aligning Property Coverage With Facility Risks

Summer prep isn’t complete without revisiting insurance coverage. Firehouses and training grounds evolve, and so should the policies that protect them.

Ensuring Replacement Cost Valuations are Current

• Review existing limits to account for inflation, equipment upgrades, and facility expansions.
• Align policy values with current reconstruction and replacement costs.

Adding Riders or Endorsements for Specialized Structures

• Recommend endorsements for training props, burn buildings, modular classrooms, and any custom-built structures.
• Check if policies exclude or limit coverage for non-traditional or temporary facilities.

Business Interruption and Contingency Planning

• Consider business income coverage or loss of use protection.
• Build in contingency coverage to avoid operational setbacks if a training facility or firehouse becomes temporarily unusable.

Enhancing Facility Resilience Through Proactive Coverage and Inspection

With hotter weather, busier schedules, and greater exposures on the horizon, now is the time to help your fire department clients prepare. Encourage them to conduct detailed inspections and revisit their property insurance to avoid surprises during high-risk months.

As an agent, you can add value by identifying vulnerabilities, offering seasonal coverage reviews, and recommending endorsements that protect both people and property.

Contact us to learn how Provident FirePlus supports agents with the tools, policies, and expertise to keep firehouses and training grounds protected all year long.

About Provident FirePlus

Founded in 1902, our rich history involves the creation of custom firefighter insurance benefits in 1928. Today, Provident FirePlus continues to be a pioneer in developing insurance programs for firefighters, EMS providers, municipal entities, and law enforcement. In addition, we provide Special Risks insurance for various volunteer and nonprofit groups. Give us a call today at (855) 201-8880 to speak with one of our representatives.