The Fire Department has received the second highest possible rating from the Insurance Services Office (ISO), a distinction that may qualify homeowners and businesses for lower property insurance premiums. Effective March 1, 2016, James City County Fire Department has received a Class 2/2Y rating in ISO’s Public Protection Classification Program.
- Class 2 applies to properties within 5 road miles of a recognized fire station and within 1,000 feet of fire hydrant or alternate water supply
- Class 2Y applies to properties beyond 1,000 feet of a fire hydrant but within 5 road miles of a recognized fire station
The rating improvement is primarily from a change in the grading system which now includes credit for community risk reduction programs. The score is based on a comprehensive evaluation of the fire department in relation to national standards; community risk reduction including fire prevention education and fire code enforcement; water supply capacity and maintenance for firefighting purposes; and emergency communications system infrastructure, response protocols and emergency communications officer training.
James City County Fire Department previously held a Class 4 rating. The improved rating could help reduce individual costs for property insurance because insurance companies use ISO or similar classification systems to establish their rates. Insurance companies have found a correlation between a community’s investment in fire protection and future fire loses. In general, that means property owners in areas with better ISO ratings represent a lower risk and therefore qualify for lower insurance rates. Properties more than five road miles from a recognized fire station remain rated Class 10.
For more information, contact James City County Fire Department at 757-220-0626.
Media Contact: Ryan T. Ashe, Fire Chief 757-565-7604; ryan.ashe@jamescitycountyva.gov