New Canaan Earns Improved Fire Safety Rating

Information via the town of New Canaan

NEW CANAAN, CT — Town officials announced this week New Canaan earned a positive fire safety rating following a recent Insurance Service Office evaluation.

In a news release provided by the town, Fire Chief Albert Bassett said the evaluation of New Canaan's fire suppression capabilities resulted in a full-point improvement in the public protection classification for the town.

New Canaan now has a fire safety rating of "Class 3" on a scale of 1 to 10, where "Class 1" represents the best-rated fire suppression program, Bassett said.

"New Canaan residents and property owners should be very pleased and proud of the improved fire protection rating, as I am," First Selectman Dionna Carlson said in a news release. "It is a testament to Chief Bassett and the entire Fire Department’s abilities and professionalism. We appreciate their tireless efforts."

The ISO Public Protection Classification is an independent rating used nationally by insurance companies to evaluate the fire risk in a community, town officials said.

In general, the pricing of property insurance in a community with a good fire safety rating is lower than in a community with a poor grade. New Canaan property owners are encouraged to contact their insurance company to make sure it is using the current PPC “3/3Y” rating when it sets prices for New Canaan properties, town officials said.

New Canaan Fire Department’s capabilities were evaluated for response to a first alarm structure fire in the areas of readiness of equipment, training of firefighters, water supply availability, and support from neighboring communities. The evaluation also reflects dedication to preventing fires through fire code enforcement and public education, according to Chief Bassett.

"The town invests significantly and our department members work continuously to provide the best fire protection possible for the citizens whom we are sworn to protect," Bassett said in a news release. "The new rating may save a few dollars on property insurance, but the path we take to achieve it proactively benefits every life in our community."