Sandy Springs Fire Department Improves ISO Rating

SANDY SPRINGS, GA -- Initiatives undertaken by the Sandy Springs Fire Department to improve service have garnered the city with a new ISO (Insurance Service Office) rating.

The new Class 2 rating could result in potential savings in fire insurance premiums for city homeowners.

Sandy Springs officials were notified last week by ISO that the agency obtained the improved rating for the city's fire suppression delivery system.

The new ranking places Sandy Springs among the top 2 percent of the fire departments graded by ISO. Sandy Springs is one of 1,060 fire departments in the U.S. and one of 36 in Georgia to receive an ISO rating of 2.

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“The new rating reflects numerous improvements initiated by the department and much hard work by the men and women in the organization," said Fire Chief Keith Sanders. "This accomplishment is indicative of the superior team we have in place, as well as the strong support we receive from our elected officials, citizens and businesses."

The ISO rating plays an important role in the underwriting process and pricing structure used by insurance companies. ISO is the leading supplier of data and analytics for the property/casualty insurance industry. Most insurers use ISO’s Public Protection Classification (PPC) number for underwriting and calculating premiums for residential, commercial and industrial properties.

ISO evaluates each community according to a uniform set of criteria as defined in the nationally recognized standards developed by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the American Water Works Association. A community’s PPC number depends on several factors:

• Emergency Communications: How well the department receives and dispatches fire alarms.
• Fire Department: The distribution of fire companies throughout the area; how well the department tests its pumps regularly and inventories each engine and ladder company’s equipment.
• Water Supply: Is there sufficient water supply for fire suppression beyond daily maximum consumption.
• Community Risk Reduction: Recognizes communities that employ effective fire prevention practices.

Sandy Springs was last audited by ISO in 2011, and receiving a 3 rating at the conclusion of that process. The program provides fire departments with an objective, countrywide standard which aides in planning and budgeting for facilities, equipment and training.

As fire insurance premiums for are lower for communities with better public protection, the PPC program also provides incentives and rewards for those communities which work to improve their firefighting services.

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Image via city of Sandy Springs