Intelligent Floor Washers,Smart Floor Scrubber,Household Smart Floor Scrubber,Bionic Self Cleaning Floor Scrubber,Household floor scrubber Grey Whale Intelligent Appliances (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd , https://www.szgraywhale.com
Alton FD improves ISO rating
Alton's Fire Department is making significant progress in improving its ISO rating, which could lead to lower insurance premiums for residents and businesses. According to a recent article from The Telegraph.com, the city’s Insurance Services Office (ISO) Public Protection Classification (PPC) has been upgraded from a Class 4 to a Class 3, effective October 1st.
Fire Chief Bernie Sebold shared that this improvement reflects the department’s efforts to address past shortcomings, particularly in training and staffing. “The ISO rating plays a key role in determining property insurance costs,†he explained. “It evaluates factors like dispatch capabilities, water supply systems, and overall fire department operations.â€
Sebold encouraged local residents and business owners to reach out to their insurance providers to take advantage of the rating change. He noted that when the rating dropped from Class 3 to 4, some homeowners saw an increase of around $85 to $100 annually in their premiums. Now, with the upgrade, there's potential for cost savings.
In Illinois, only 144 fire departments hold a Class 3 rating out of 2,408 total. Nationally, the numbers are even more impressive—only 1,998 departments across the U.S. have a Class 3 rating, with just 61 at the top-tier Class 1 level.
To achieve this improvement, the Alton Fire Department made two major changes: increasing officer training and conducting multi-company drills, as well as having East Alton respond to all structure fires in Alton. These steps helped strengthen the department’s response capabilities and meet ISO standards.
Manpower was another key issue. With only 48 firefighters on staff, Sebold partnered with the East Alton Fire Department to ensure better coverage during emergencies. This collaboration increased the number of available responders and improved overall efficiency.
Sebold also mentioned that ISO typically reviews cities every 10 years, but the last evaluation in Alton had been over a decade prior. In 2008, the city was downgraded due to concerns about staffing and training. When he became chief in 2012, one of his main goals was to reverse that trend. After submitting a year of updated data, ISO agreed to re-evaluate the department in May 2013, leading to the current improvement.
This update not only highlights the hard work of the Alton Fire Department but also shows how proactive measures can lead to tangible benefits for the community. Residents are now encouraged to check with their insurers to see if they qualify for lower rates based on the new rating.
Thanks Chris.