TERRELL, Texas — The Terrell Fire Department announced an improved Insurance Service Office (ISO) rating and, with it, possible insurance benefits and savings.
TERRELL, Texas — The Terrell Fire Department announced an improved Insurance Service Office (ISO) rating and, with it, possible insurance benefits and savings.
In August 2017, the Terrell Fire Department received notification their prior Class 6 ISO Rating had been improved to a Class 2 ISO rating which will go into effect on January 1, 2018.
Only 907 departments across the country have achieved an ISO Class 2 Rating, according to 2015 statistics from the State Fire Marshal’s Office of Public Protection Classification (PPC) Oversight.
A communities ISO rating is based on many factors including the Fire Suppression Rating Schedule which grades the communities fire department equipment and manpower, fire alarm facilities and the department’s ability to receive and handle fire alarms, and the community's water supply and distribution systems — all factors which may impact your residential insurance rates.
“With the Terrell Fire Department improving its grading from a 6 to a 2, Terrell residents should benefit and expect to receive a significant savings on both residential and commercial insurance premiums,” stated interim Fire Chief and Fire Marshal Tom Cooper.
Any insurance savings would be recognized after the new rating takes effect in January 2018. Residents and business owners also may have to contact their insurance providers to discuss their rates and the new rating.
Last month, the Terrell City Council adopted a new city ordinance to begin conducting free single-family residential life safety surveys in an effort to decrease the amount of residential fire loss and potential loss of life. The survey will be triggered by a change in occupancy and/or a change in the utility account.
Over the last year the City of Terrell Fire Marshal’s Office began analyzing historical data on insurable loss fires within the City of Terrell.
From August 1, 2015, to August 1, 2017, the Terrell Fire Department responded to a total of 24 property-loss structure fires and, of those fires, 75 percent were to single-family residential units.
The surveys will begin January 1, 2018.
The Terrell Fire Department is also installing free smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors for eligible residents, while supplies last.
An informational meeting will be held on November 17, 2017, at 11 a.m. at City Hall to discuss, among other things, the new safety survey program and the free smoke detector and carbon monoxide installation program.
Additionally, interested persons can contact the Terrell Fire Marshal’s Office at (972) 551-6600.
