Reducing ISO rating
Clinton H. Smoke, Jr.
Fire Science Program Head
Northern Virginia Community College
Annandale, Virginia
In the first paragraph of “Fire Suppression Rating Schedule” in the June 1995 issue, Dale Perry suggests departments might look at ways to reduce their ISO rating and, in turn, reduce the costs of fire insurance to citizens. Such actions seem worthwhile, yet efforts to improve the department`s rating may call for activities that will result in a higher fire department budget and in turn a slightly higher tax for citizens.
I have wondered about the economic aspects of this undertaking and question if there is some way to determine the point at which the best mix of insurance premium and tax money results in the lowest total cost for fire protection. I ask anyone who has had experience in such an analysis or, better yet, who has implemented such changes in their departments to share their experiences.
