Stanhope fire district improves response rating

Nov. 13--SPRING HOPE -- Residents of the Stanhope fire district in southern Nash County may see a decrease in homeowners' insurance rates now that the Stanhope Community Volunteer Fire Department's lower fire district rating has taken effect.

The N.C. Department of Insurance's Office of the State Fire Marshal recently awarded new district ratings after completing routine inspections in August. Stanhope's new rating became effective on Nov. 1.

The Stanhope department's rating of 6 in the 9E category improves upon a previous score of 9 dating back to May 2011. The 9E category is reserved for fire districts that meet certification requirements, but contain properties within their jurisdiction that are between five and six road miles from a responding fire station.

"I'd like to congratulate Chief Jordan for the department's performance and for the hard work of all the department members," Mike Causey, the state insurance commissioner and state fire marshal, said in a written statement. "The citizens... should rest easy knowing they have a fine group of firefighters protecting them and their property in case of an emergency."

The North Carolina Response Rating System ranges from the highest ranking of 1 to the lowest of 10, which is not recognized as certified fire department by the state.

Inspectors check for proper staffing levels, sufficient equipment, proper maintenance of equipment, communications capabilities and availability of a water source. Additionally, departments should maintain at least 15 firefighters on their roster, and each firefighter must attend at least 36 hours of training per year in the areas of fire prevention, fire suppression or protection of life and property. The fire chief must also complete a class on department operations and records management approved by the State Fire and Rescue Commission.

Fire departments that serve districts with a population of fewer than 100,000 residents must undergo OFSM inspections as required by state law. The majority of North Carolina's districts fall within this category.

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