A yearlong evaluation of Marion County Fire Rescue’s service, delivery and professionalism ranks the agency among the nation’s top 10 percent of fire departments.
That’s according to the Insurance Services Office, which conducts evaluations of fire departments and their operations nationwide at no cost. The results of these official surveys can be used by residents within five road miles of ranked fire stations to request review for lower homeowner insurance rates.
Marion County Fire Rescue’s focus to improve its rating, commonly known as a public protection class (PPC), resulted in nearly 16 points of improvement from the firm’s 2011 survey.
The comprehensive study assigns a risk rating based on in-depth reviews of equipment, staffing, stations, training, water supply and community outreach, to name a few. Most insurance companies use the resulting PPC rating to evaluate risk and calculate premiums for homeowner insurance policies.
Marion County Fire Rescue provides fire rescue services to many different population areas, including urban, suburban and rural communities. The county’s firefighters, paramedics and emergency medical technicians protect more than 1,640 square miles every day – an area larger than the state of Rhode Island.
The department’s new PPC classification goes into effect on Sept. 1. On an eight-point scale, where one is the best possible rating, Marion County Fire Rescue achieved a 3/3Y.
Communities with lower PPC ratings typically benefit from premium reductions, though the amount of savings possible is determined by insurance providers. Homeowners living within five road miles of Marion County Fire Rescue’s stations may qualify for a reduction in their annual insurance premiums and are encouraged to consult their carriers after the ranking goes into effect Sept. 1.
For more information, contact Marion County Fire Rescue’s Prevention Division at 352-291-8000.