After an extensive evaluation, Stafford County Fire and Rescue (SCFR) is pleased to announce it has earned an improved rating from the Insurance Services Office (ISO). Effective December 1, 2022, Stafford County’s ISO rating will be Class 3. The classification, known as the Public Protection Classification (PPC) program, assesses a community’s fire protection efforts. This improved score may help residents and businesses within the county lower their insurance costs. Stafford County’s previous rating was Class 4.
ISO conducts field visits in order to collect information on municipal fire protection efforts in communities throughout the United States and then analyzes the relevant data using its Fire Suppression Rating Schedule (FSRS). The rating is based on four factors: a fire department’s ability to receive and respond to fire alarms; review of a fire department’s equipment, personnel, and training; the water supply system; and community risk reduction efforts. ISO then assigns a Public Protection Classification from 1 to 10.
Class 1 represents superior property fire protection and Class 10 indicates the area’s fire suppression program doesn’t meet ISO’s minimum criteria. Insurance companies then use this ISO rating for underwriting and calculating premiums for residential, commercial, and industrial properties. ISO evaluates more than 39,000 fire protection districts across the United States. Of those jurisdictions, only 14 percent earn a Class 3 designation or better.
This improved ISO rating reflects the investment in public safety within Stafford County since the department was last evaluated in 2014.
“We are being strategic in ensuring we can meet the fire protection needs of our growing community,” said Chairman of the Board of Supervisors Crystal Vanuch, Rock Hill District. “I am pleased that our efforts at excellence with our fire protection may provide insurance savings to our residents as well.”
Fire Chief Joseph Cardello said, “This rating improvement recognizes the commitment and dedication of Stafford County Firefighters to provide quality fire protection services to our community, and it also recognizes the tremendous support we’ve received from the Board of Supervisors. This rating is a validation of the outstanding services that Stafford County Fire & Rescue provides.”
Property owners are encouraged to contact their insurance company regarding this new ISO rating. A copy of the official letter from ISO is on the Stafford County website at the link below.ISO Letter