The Daviess County Fire Department announced Monday that it has achieved an improvement in its Insurance Services Office (ISO) rating, a critical measure of fire protection quality that directly affects homeowners’ insurance premiums.
The ISO evaluates fire protection in communities nationwide, assigning a Public Protection Classification (PPC) score on a scale from 1 to 10. A score of 1 indicates superior fire protection, while 10 signifies failure to meet minimum standards. Insurance companies use the PPC rating to determine premiums, making it a vital metric for residents and businesses alike.
DCFD Fire Chief Jeremy Smith shared the update, emphasizing the collaborative effort that led to the improved rating.
“We’re here today to let the public know our recent ISO rating,” Smith said. “We were able to decrease it as a county-wide project this time. We approached this differently, recognizing the efforts of our 10 volunteer fire departments and incorporating the two career stations.”
Previously, Daviess County had varying PPC scores across its 10 volunteer districts and two career stations, ranging in scores from 4 to 5. Following the latest evaluation, the county now holds a uniform rating of 4 and 4X, marking the best scores in the department’s history.
The new ratings mean homes within 5 miles of a fire station and 1,000 feet of a fire hydrant receive a 4 rating, while those beyond the hydrant range are classified as 4X.
DCFD Fire Inspector/Investigator Keith Hurm explained the technical aspects of the new ratings.
“The ISO rating reflects how insurance companies view the fire department,” Hurm said. “It involves multiple entities: water districts, emergency communications, and fire departments. Points are allocated for training, response times, water supply, and more. The lower the number, the better the rating.”
Hurm encouraged residents to monitor their insurance renewals in the coming year, as the improved rating could lead to lower premiums.
“Once you get that renewal, if you don’t see a change, reach out to your insurance company,” Hurm advised. “Our ISO rating plays a significant role in your premium, though other factors come into play as well.”
The improved score results from various initiatives, including an ongoing project to install nearly 100 new fire hydrants throughout the county. These hydrants, distributed across five water districts, aim to improve water availability and further enhance fire protection.
Additionally, the potential construction of a new fire station and safety building is expected to positively impact future ISO evaluations.
The fire department’s collective approach to ISO evaluation sets a precedent for future assessments. Smith noted that the decision to evaluate the county as a whole followed examples from other states. He also credited the department’s around-the-clock staffing and the commitment of volunteer stations for the improved rating.
“With us being manned 24/7, that’s a huge asset for our county,” Smith said. “Our volunteer stations were incredible in gathering data, and Keith ensured everything was in place for this rating. This was a comprehensive effort. We all came together, and the results speak for themselves.”
Daviess County is served by a career department and 10 volunteer stations. Paramedics are certified for Advanced Life Support (ALS) and respond to medical calls throughout the county. The Airport Station serves as the Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) facility for Owensboro-Daviess County Regional Airport.
For more information on the new ISO rating and how it may affect your insurance premiums, contact your insurance provider.
