ISO Explanation
ISO, or the Insurance Services Office, evaluates fire protection services for communities, including the South Arkansas Fire Protection District. They assign a Public Protection Classification (PPC) score ranging from 1 to 10, with 1 being the best possible rating. This score is based on several factors, which play a role in determining the overall effectiveness of our fire protection services.
Here’s what ISO looks for when assigning a community's PPC score:
- Emergency Communications: The quality of the 911 dispatch system, including call handling, dispatch protocols, and overall communication infrastructure.
- Fire Department: Evaluation of the fire department’s equipment, staffing levels, training programs, and response times. This includes the number of available fire stations, fire trucks, and the skills of the firefighters.
- Water Supply: The availability and reliability of water supply for firefighting. This includes the condition and distribution of fire hydrants, water pressure, and the volume of water available in the area.
- Community Risk Reduction: Programs aimed at fire prevention and safety, such as public education, fire inspections, and code enforcement.
A good ISO rating benefits our community by potentially lowering insurance premiums for residents and businesses. It also reflects our commitment to maintaining a high standard of fire protection services in South Arkansas. We continually work to improve these areas to ensure the safety and well-being of our community.