The Capital
ANNAPOLIS, Md. — A new rating for the city fire department could lead to lower fire insurance premiums for property owners.
Because of recent improvements to operations, the Insurance Services Office, a national agency that provides underwriting and claims information for fire departments, issued the city a Class 2 rating on a scale of one to 10, elevating it from a Class 3.
City officials said this is the first time Annapolis has received that high a designation. Maryland does not currently have any Class 1 departments, and only three other departments statewide are Class 2.
City fire Chief David Stokes said with the help of the local firefighters’ union, the department zeroed in on areas to improve. The agency developed a training record management system to increase drills and nighttime training.
Half of the ISO’s rating comes from the number of fire engine crews and the amount of water a community needs to fight a fire. The agency also reviews the geographical distribution of fire stations and how often the department tests its pumps and gear, including hoses, nozzles and breathing equipment.
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