Cleveland homeowners and businesses could get a break on their insurance, thanks to the city fire department’s new ISO rating.
Effective August 1, the Cleveland Fire Department’s Insurance Services Office (ISO) rating will improve to a Public Protection Classification (PPC) of 03/3X. Its previous ISO was 4/4.
Lower ISO ratings generally translate into lower insurance costs because it indicates good fire coverage.
“We have a dedicated group of firefighters that work hard for our community and service area. The ISO 3/3x class rating reflects that commitment,” says Cleveland Fire Chief Ricky Pruitt.
Top 15% in the nation
An ISO fire rating, also referred to as a fire score or classification, is a score ranging from 1 to 10 that indicates how well a fire department protects those it serves. On the ISO rating scale, 1 is the best possible rating. A 10 means the fire department did not meet ISO’s minimum requirements.
“In short, these rating improvements validate that our local firefighters are doing a great job and homeowners are getting a solid return on their investment,” says Cleveland Mayor Josh Turner. “This is a wonderful accomplishment that directly reflects the strong work from the entire city staff and the current vision that has been cast by the current council.”
Out of almost 40,000 communities receiving ISO ratings, only 3,583 departments have a Class 3 rating, says Cleveland City Administrator Kevin Harris. The new rating places Cleveland in the top 15% of communities nationwide.
Harris says the new classification is based on ISO’s rigorous audit of community factors, not just the fire department itself. The rating agency reviews internal department equipment, staffing, training, and proximity of the firehouse. ISO also takes into account a community’s emergency communications systems (911), water supply and building code enforcement.
