The Springfield Township Fire Department has earned the Insurance Services Office (ISO) Public Protection Classification (PPC) rating of Class 2, a distinction achieved by fewer than 7% of fire departments nationwide.
Of the approximately 37,000 fire departments evaluated across the country, only about 2,600 have earned a Class 1 or Class 2 rating.
Fire Departments across the nation are rated by the ISO to determine a PPC for each community. This rating is used by insurance companies to help establish property insurance premiums. Ratings are assigned on a scale from 1 to 10, with Class 1 representing the highest level of fire protection and Class 10 indicating that a community does not meet minimum recognized standards.
To determine a department’s classification, ISO uses the Fire Suppression Rating Schedule (FSRS), a comprehensive evaluation system based on nationally recognized standards developed by organizations such as the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the American Water Works Association (AWWA), and the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International.
The FSRS considers 3 main areas of a community's fire protection capabilities including emergency communications, fire department operations, and water supply. It also includes a Community Risk Reduction section that recognizes proactive efforts in fire prevention, public fire safety education, and fire investigation.
The Springfield Township Fire Department's improved PPC Classification is a reflection of Springfield Township’s commitment to provide quality public safety services to its citizens.
“This accomplishment is a direct result of the hard work, dedication, and professionalism of every member of our team,” said Chief Randy Miller.