Better fire-protection rating could reduce some Harrison County insurance rates

Sept. 18--Two fire districts in Harrison County have had their safety ratings improve in the past few months -- which means better fire protection and the possibility of lower home insurance rates for residents of those areas.

The fire protection ratings are determined by the Mississippi State Rating Bureau using factors like available water systems, the manpower of local fire departments and response times.

The Canal District, which runs east of Canal Road, south of Highway 53, north of Landon Road and with an eastern boundary slightly west of Highway 49, was upgraded to a Class 6 rating.

The West Harrison District, running from the western county line east to the Wolf River, was upgraded to a 7. The best rating is a 1.

"Protecting lives and property is the bottom line," said Harrison County Fire Chief Pat Sullivan of the ratings reduction. "But the secondary is working to get people to recognize Harrison County as somewhere they want to live, bring family and open businesses."

Sullivan said the Harrison County Fire Department is continuing to try to improve fire ratings by formalizing mutual response partnerships with other area agencies. He would also like the ability to hire additional full-time firefighters, which are worth more points on the ratings scale than part-time, increase the amount of time each fire station is staffed and extend the water systems. But until there is enough money to do the latter, improving partnerships will be key to increased fire protection, officials said.

Officials also said homeowners should contact their insurance companies to see if the improved ratings can drive down their insurance rates.

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