Community Bradenton Fire Department Earns ISO Rating Improvement

BRADENTON -- The City of Bradenton Fire Department (BFD) has received official notification from the Insurance Services Office (ISO) of an improvement in the department's Public Protection Classification (PPC). The department's new Class 3/9 rating goes into effect on August 1, 2012. Previously rated as a Class 4/9 for more than 10 years, this improvement demonstrates the department and City's commitment to the proficient and prudent provision of emergency services. The Bradenton Fire Department is now considered to be in the top 6% of all fire departments, nationwide!

ISO rates nearly 49,000 fire protection areas across the country, all on a scale of 1 to 10 with "1" representing an exemplary fire suppression program and "10" indicating that fire suppression does not meet minimum criteria. The BFD's split rating of 3/9 means that all properties in the City which are within five road miles of a fire station and 1,000 feet of a fire hydrant are considered to have PPC of 3, whereas parcels in the City which are within five road miles of fire station but beyond 1,000 feet of a hydrant are considered to have a PPC of 9. It should be noted that ALL existing buildings within the City of Bradenton meet the criteria for a PPC of 3, and a PPC of 9 only applies to undeveloped land areas.

This rating is used by insurance companies to determine fire insurance premiums for those within each fire department's jurisdiction. ISO has found that statistical data on insurance losses is evident that better quality fire protection results in lower fire losses, thus as a result of the BFD's rating improvement, insurance policy holders may soon see real savings in their insurance premiums.

After a department self-assessment, not unlike that done for the accreditation process, an ISO representative conducted an on-site visit in January 2012.  During that visit, the representative met with department personnel, as well as representatives at the City's dispatch center and Public Works and Utilities Department. Credit was given in criteria pertaining to needed fire flows, receiving and handling fire alarms, the water supply system, and the fire department's apparatus, resource location, personnel, and training.

The BFD, an internationally accredited fire department since 2004, has a demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement and will continue to take steps towards improving its ISO rating for the benefit of all those within its jurisdiction.

More information about ISO's PPC Program can be found at www.isomitigation.com/ppc