Monday, March 20, 2017
OKLAHOMA CITY – Thousands of Oklahoma City homeowners will save money on their property insurance after the Oklahoma City Fire Department received the top fire protection rating. The Class 1/4 rating goes into effect June 1.
“This is fantastic news for Oklahoma City residents,” said Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner John D. Doak. “Not only does it give them peace of mind knowing they are protected by one of the best fire departments in the country, but many of them will also see a drop in their property insurance. This is a tremendous accomplishment by the Oklahoma City Fire Department. It shows their serious commitment to community safety. We were happy to play a small role in their success.”
The Insurance Services Office’s (ISO) Public Classification program (PPC) analyzes the quality of fire protection in communities around the country. Fire departments are rated on a scale of one to 10. Class 1 represents exemplary fire protection. Many insurance companies use these classifications to help calculate premiums. Factors that go into the evaluation include equipment, staffing, training, water supply, fire investigation efforts and emergency communications.
After an extensive review, the Oklahoma City Fire Department improved from a Class 3/5 to a Class 1/4. The first number applies to properties within 1,000 feet of a fire hydrant. The second number applies to properties over 1,000 feet from a water source.
The new classification comes after the recognition of the department’s community risk reduction efforts which included fire prevention, code enforcement, public education and arson investigation. The completion of a new fire station and increased firefighter training were also factors in the improved rating. Of the approximately 48,000 U.S. fire departments with PPC classifications, only 245, or 0.5% are rated Class 1.
The Oklahoma Insurance Department works with fire departments across the state to improve their PPC ratings. ISO Field Coordinator Kevin Stoneking spent months working with the Oklahoma City Fire Department to help them prepare for the ISO review. Communities interested in similar assistance may contact Kevin at 405-522-2404.
About the Oklahoma Insurance Department
The Oklahoma Insurance Department, an agency of the State of Oklahoma, is responsible for the education and protection of the insurance-buying public and for oversight of the insurance industry in the state.
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For media inquiries contact:
Kelly Dexter
(405) 708-9976
Kelly.Dexter@oid.ok.gov