Santa Monica Fire Department Awarded Class 1 Rating

SMFD is 1 of only 474 departments to receive this rating

The Santa Monica Fire Department has again been awarded a Class One Rating by the Insurance Services Office (ISO). Of the 27,182 fire departments in the U.S. and Santa Monica Fire is 1 of only 474 departments to receive this rating.

Through the Public Protection Classification (PPC) Program, the Insurance Service Office evaluates municipal fire protection efforts in communities throughout the United States. The ISO is a nationwide rating service used by insurance companies to help establish local business and residential property insurance rates. The Class One rating is the highest possible rating that can be given to any fire department nationwide.

The ratings process involves a periodic, detailed analysis of all fire department operations, the city's water system, and emergency 911 communications system. The program provides an objective, countrywide standard that helps fire departments in planning and budgeting for facilities, equipment, and training. During the recent evaluation, the SMFD received 94.3 out of 105.1 possible points, the highest the Department has ever achieved.

Insurance companies use the Insurance Services Office information to help establish fair premiums for fire insurance — generally offering lower premiums in communities with better protection. By offering economic benefits for communities that invest in their firefighting services, the program provides a real incentive for improving and maintaining public fire protection.

In addition to the ISO rating, there is many factors Insurance company's use to establish the premiums they charge to policy holders. Residents and business owners can contact their insurance providers to ensure they benefit from our Fire Departments Class One rating.