One of only two departments in Rhode Island to earn the distinguished Class 1 rating, the PFD has demonstrated best practices in fire suppression and community fire preparedness
Providence, RI– Mayor Jorge Elorza and Commissioner of Public Safety Steven M. Paré announce today that following a review by the Insurance Services Office (ISO) that the Providence Fire Department has improved from a Public Protection Classification (PPC) 2 to a Classification 1.
The Class 1 rating will go into effect on July 1st and was achieved through the diligence of the department and its members to take the necessary steps to improve fire prevention, public safety education and other firefighting capabilities in the field. Class 1 is the highest available fire suppression rating, attained by only a handful of fire departments throughout New England and approximately 300 across the country.
“The ratings increase is a testament to the dedicated service professionals of the Providence Fire Department,” said Mayor Elorza. “Thanks to the efforts of these men and women, the Providence Fire Department has made our City safer and can now count itself among the most elite units in the country.”
To determine the PPC, the ISO collects information on fire-protection efforts in communities throughout the United States. ISO analyzes the relevant data using its Fire Suppression Rating Schedule (FSRS) and then assigns a PPC ranging from 1 to 10. Class 1 represents superior property fire protection and Class 10 indicates that the area’s fire-suppression program does not meet minimum standards. Scores are based 10% on communication, 40% on water supply and 50% on fire department operations, focusing on first alarm response and the strategies that firefighters utilize when responding to emergency situations to minimize potential loss.
This classification rating is an accomplishment that the department has worked at for years by improving firefighting skills and training.
“The elevation to a Classification 1 rating is an accomplishment that every member of the Providence Fire Department should be proud of,” said Commissioner Paré. “Firefighters embraced the updates and changes that were made to our policies and training and through their exemplary work this achievement was made possible.”
By classifying the ability to suppress fires, ISO helps communities evaluate their public fire-protection services. The program provides an objective, countrywide standard that helps fire departments with planning and budgeting for facilities, equipment and training. There are also lower fire insurance premiums for communities with better public protection and the PPC program provides incentives and rewards for communities that choose to improve their firefighting services.
ISO is a leading source of information, products and services about property and liability risk. ISO provides statistical, actuarial, underwriting, claims, and related information and analyses to insurers, reinsurers, agents, insurance regulators, and other government agencies. To learn more about ISO mitigation, please visit their website.