City News
Fire Dept Receives Upgraded ISO Classification
The Tullahoma Fire Department received notification from the Insurance Services Office, Inc. (ISO), an independent rating organization, that it has been upgraded to a "3" rating as a result of a recent Public Protection Classification (PPC) field visit and survey. The Tullahoma Fire Department's previous classification was "4". The ISO assigns a Public Protection Classification number to more than 46,000 fire districts in the United States. These classes range in score from 1 to 10. The lower the number, the better the rating. For example, Class 1 represents exemplary fire protection, and Class 10 indicates that a community’s fire suppression program does not meet minimum criteria.
This classification places the Tullahoma Fire Department in the top 4% of Fire Departments in Tennessee and the United States. Tullahoma Fire Chief Richard Shasteen stated: "The ISO rating reflects the results of an independent evaluation of our fire-fighting and life-saving capabilities." He added: "This new classification is good news not only for our Fire Department but the residents and business owners of Tullahoma, as insurance companies use ISO’s Public Protection Classifications in pricing homeowners and commercial property insurance. In general, communities with a good PPC may enjoy lower insurance rates than a community with a poor PPC."
The ISO analysis was based on four major factors:
- Receiving and Handling Fire Alarms - ranks communications center performance
- Fire Department - ranks equipment, personnel and training
- Water Supply - ranks water supply system, hydrants inspection and condition
- A divergence factor for the community (Difference between fire suppression capabilities and the water supply).
Mayor Lane Curlee stated: "This new rating is a testament to the professional management of our city and fire department as well as the commitment of our Board of Mayor and Aldermen and citizens in providing the necessary resources for the provision of an effective and efficient fire service. This new rating also reflects well on the Tullahoma Utilities Board and their management of our water supply that provides not only plentiful potable water but required fire flows."
