NFD receives improved fire protection classification rating

The Nevada Fire Department is proud to announce a change in their fire protection class rating, by the Insurance Services Office (ISO). The Fire Department has improved their fire protection rating from a Class 5 to a Class 4, which is going to mean a potential savings to the citizens and businesses located in Nevada.

The rating was effective Feb. 1, 2009.

Those citizens and businesses located outside the city limits receive a split rating of 4/9. Those outside the city but within 1,000 feet of a city hydrant will have the rating of 4. Those beyond 1,000 feet of a city hydrant but within 6 miles of the fire station will receive a rating of 9.

The Insurance Services Office is a nationwide service that evaluates and rates fire departments and then reports that rating-to numerous insurance companies across the country. Homeowner's insurance rates are based on the rating their fire department has with the ISO. Homeowners and businesses should see an improvement in their homeowners' insurance over the next year as this rating is put into effect with insurance companies. Typical savings information provided by local insurance companies range from $50-$175, dependent on amount of coverage and company.

To come up with this ISO rating, three different areas are considered.

1. The fire department is evaluated on apparatus, equipment carried, staffing, training, station location and response.

2. The water supply and capabilities are evaluated.

3. The 911 communications capabilities are evaluated. The three areas are rated and then given a final total rating by the ISO on a scale of 1-10.

The lower the number, the better the rating. A 10 usually indicates the there are probably no fire hydrants readily available and the fire department may be more than 5 miles from that location, such as a very remote farm area. A rating of 1 usually indicates a fire department with numerous stations and equipment, an excellent water supply and an excellent communications center.

Large cities like New York, Los Angeles or St. Louis are where one would usually find a fire department with a rating of a 1.

City Manager Harlan Moore reports that the ratings obtained are a direct result of hard work and dedication of Nevada City employees to provide a much needed service to our citizens. Moore further reported that the last time the Fire Department and services relating to an ISO rating were evaluated was 1994.