I.S.O. which stands for Insurance Services Organization collects information on municipal fire-protection efforts in communities throughout the United States. In each of those communities, ISO analyzes the relevant data using our Fire Suppression Rating Schedule (FSRS). We then assign a Public Protection Classification from 1 to 10.  Class 1 generally represents superior property fire protection, and Class 10 indicates that the area’s fire-suppression program doesn’t meet ISO’s minimum criteria.  By classifying communities’ ability to suppress fires, ISO helps the communities evaluate their public fire-protection services.  The program provides an objective, countrywide standard that helps fire departments in planning and budgeting for facilities, equipment, and training.  And by securing lower fire insurance premiums for communities with better public protection, the PPC program provides incentives and rewards for communities that choose to improve their firefighting services.

The I.S.O. inspects fire protection in cities and counties across the United States.

The inspection is divided into three areas:
50% of the score is for the fire department (response times, personnel training, how many firefighters on duty and respond to incidents);

40% of the score is for the water supply system (fire hydrant locations, is there sufficient water to put out a fire);

10% of the score is for the communication system (how 9-1-1 calls are received, reliable radio systems, can the public easily notify the fire department of a fire).

When the totals in each area are combined, the final score is placed on a Class Scale of 1 to 10. A Class 10 means there is no fire protection available.  The lower ISO the score, the better the fire protection.  A Class 1 is the best you can achieve. Insurance companies use the ISO rating to calculate your homeowners
or business insurance premium.