San Rafael Fire Department recently participated in a comprehensive evaluation of fire protection services and capabilities conducted by the Insurance Services Office (ISO).
As a result of the evaluation, the City has was advised that effective April 1, 2016, their ISO Public Protection Classification (PPC) will be upgraded from a Class 3 to Class 1.
The ISO evaluates fire protection capabilities in cities and districts throughout the country using the Fire Suppression Rating Schedule (FSRS). The ISO grades agencies on a scale of 1–10, with 1 being the best. Of the nearly 49,000 communities that the ISO rates, only 132 were graded Class 1 in 2015.
This is a significant achievement and acknowledgement of San Rafael’s long term effort toward maintaining and upgrading fire protection capabilities. Adjustments and improvements in response capability, equipment, dispatch, water system, shared services and fire prevention, all played a role in the new classification.
The ISO’s PPC recognizes the efforts of communities to provide fire protection services for citizens and property owners. A community’s investment in fire protection and mitigation is a proven and reliable predicator of future fire losses.
The ratings are calculated on multiple factors and a community’s PPC depends on:
- The fire department, including equipment, staffing, training, and geographic deployment of fire companies
- The water supply system, including the inspection and flow testing of hydrants and a careful evaluation of the amount of available water compared with the amount needed to suppress fires
- Emergency communications systems, including facilities for the public to report fires, staffing, training, certification of tele communicators, and facilities for dispatching fire departments
- Community efforts to reduce the risk of fire, including fire prevention codes and enforcement, public fire safety education, and fire investigation programs
The new Class 1 rating demonstrates to all San Rafael residents, businesses and visitors that their Fire Department is able to provide a high level of fire suppression and community risk reduction and according to the ISO, may also reduce their property insurance costs.
Congratulations to the men and women of San Rafael Fire Department that made this distinction possible.