The City of Sandy Springs received the highest classification from the Insurance Services Office (ISO) for its fire protection capabilities, a rating that insurance companies use when setting premiums.
The city’s new rating of 1 will take effect on June 1, according to a news release by the city.
The release indicated that the price of fire insurance in a community with a good ISO rating is substantially lower than in a community with a poor grade.
“This is a tremendous accomplishment that reflects the tireless commitment and dedication of the Sandy Springs Fire Department,” Mayor Rusty Paul said in the release. “Sandy Springs is proud to receive this recognition, and it is a testament to the City’s commitment to public safety.”
The city’s rating has progressively risen. In 2011, the fire department’s ISO rating was 3. In 2016, it was increased to a rating of 2.
The Public Protection Classification (PPC) program evaluates fire protection capabilities based on factors such as fire department operations, water supply, emergency communications, and community risk reduction efforts. The ISO analyzes the data and assigns a PPC grade – a number from 1 to 10.
Sandy Springs is one of 24 fire departments in Georgia and 503 nationwide with the highest rating.
The ISO is an independent company that serves insurance companies, communities, fire departments, insurance regulators, and others by providing risk information. ISO’s expert staff collects information about municipal fire suppression efforts in communities throughout the United States.
