Winslow Fire Chief James Hernandez addressed the City Council during their meeting last week. Hernandez read from a letter written by City Manager Steve Pauken explaining that the Insurance Service Office (ISO) rating for the city has improved.
“Earlier in the year,” Hernandez read, “we reported that our classification had not changed and that we felt the scores were inaccurate in a couple of categories. This prompted us to appeal the original classification.”
The previous rating was a five out of a possible 10, with one being the best. Now the rating has improved to four. The ISO rating can determine insurance rates for citizens as well as businesses in Winslow. Ratings are based on many aspects, including public safety. Criteria for the evaluation include, but are not limited to, distance between fire hydrants, training of fire fighters, communications and overall water delivery systems for fighting fires. Communications Supervisor Michael Jones added, “Advances in our communications and improvement in our 9-1-1 system contributed to the improved ISO rating.”
Hernandez said, “Moving from a class five to a class four is a significant improvement.” He added, “It is also an indication that the improvements we’ve been making over the last four years have paid off.” Insurance companies ultimately determine the rates charged but, as Hernandez said, “Citizens are encouraged to let their insurance companies know; it would be in their best interest.”
