Mount Holly Fire Department recognized by state

Businesses and some homeowners in Mount Holly might soon catch a break on their insurance premiums thanks to efforts made by firefighters.

North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey's office said last week the Mount Holly Fire Department improved its response rating from Class 5 to Class 2, following an inspection earlier this year.

The North Carolina Department of Insurance's rating scale is essentially an attempt to gauge the effectiveness of a community's fire mitigation efforts. Insurance companies generally use that information to offer lower premiums in towns and city's with better protection, according to the agency.

Out of the state's more than 1,500 fire districts, just 2.5 percent have earned a Class 2 rating, according to Causey's office. Only 1,673 fire districts nationwide hold a comparable rating.

"Commercial, industrial and manufacturing businesses are more likely to be in line for these reductions," the Mount Holly Fire Department said on social media. "Homeowners and businesses should contact their insurance companies. This possible premium reduction will depend on the insurance carrier."

Causey also visited multiple fire departments in Gaston and Cleveland counties last week, delivering smoke detectors and personal protective equipment like masks for use by firefighters.

The smoke alarms will help departments prepare for Smoke Alarm Saturday next month, an event in its third year, which Causey said he launched after the state recorded nearly 140 fire-related deaths in a single year.

"We have had more than 50 (fire-related deaths) this year," Causey said Wednesday. "We hope the worst is behind us."

Residents will be able to apply for smoke alarms and departments will be able to hold a Saturday event, sometime between June and September, to install them.

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