Class 4
Areas within 5 miles of a fire station.
Class 10
Areas more than 5 miles away from a fire station.
Fire Departments and Fire Service Areas are inspected by Insurance Services Office (ISO) to determine its public protection classification (PPC). The classification plays an important role in the underwriting process at insurance companies. In fact, most U.S. insurers use the classification as part of their decision-making when deciding what business to write, coverages to offer or prices to charge for homeowner or commercial property insurance.
Classification ratings are Class 1 through 10, with 1 being the best rated. Class 10 is considered “unprotected”, either due to the lack of a fire department covering the property or excessive distance from a fire station. Steese Volunteer Fire Department is rated a Class 4 in those areas within 5 miles of a fire station. Steese Volunteer Fire Department has automatic aid agreements with all of the surrounding fire departments in the Fairbanks North Star Borough.
The classification program is important to communities and fire departments as well. Communities whose classification rating is lower may also get lower insurance rates. The classification also provides fire agencies with a valuable benchmark tool when planning and budgeting. The most significant benefit of the ISO rating is its effect on losses. Data on insurance losses bears out that excellent fire protection means low fire losses.
The ISO inspection and review process includes the following components: Emergency communications system, firefighting capability, water supply systems including the fire department’s water tender system, and community risk reduction programs.
Please see the attached letter from the ISO, which details our most recent rating evaluations. These letters can be utilized to provide to your insurance agents/companies for fire protection information.