Grayslake Fire District's Rating Improves

An evaluation of fire suppression capabilities within the Grayslake Fire Protection District has shown significant improvement according to a report released by the Insurance Services Office (ISO) following an Oct. 2012 inspection.

The ISO’s Public Protection Classification report is used nationally to help establish fair premiums for residential and commercial fire insurance.

Fire Chief John Christian said the ISO rating has been adjusted to show several areas of improvement following the last evaluation that occurred in 2004.

Those improvements have included upgrades in fire district operations and response capabilities, along with the emergency communications system and water distribution systems.

As a result, the Grayslake Fire District’s new rating has improved from a 4 to a 3, placing the District in the top 6 percent of fire departments in Illinois.

“This new reduced rating is a direct effort of the entire staff of the district” said Christian. “Through planning and analysis our personnel worked hard to ensure success during this recent evaluation that will ultimately benefit our taxpayers.”

The improved rating could mean a reduction in insurance rates, according to Christian. Residents may see a reduction, and most commercial properties will likely see a reduction in insurance rates.

Christian advises property owners to contact their insurance agents to determine if their rates will be reduced due to the improved classification that will take effect April 1.

A community's investment in fire mitigation is a proven predictor of future losses, according to the rationale used by the ISO in its evaluation process.

ISO analyzes relevant data and assigns a public protection classification rating from 1 to 10. Class 1 is exemplary, while a 10 indicates the fire suppression program does not meet ISO's minimum criteria.

A public protection classification score is assessed based on three elements: The fire alarm and communications system; the fire department; and the water distribution systems of the municipalities and county area protected by the district.

Aside from the ratings, one of the most significant benefits of an ISO evaluation is that it allows the fire district and community to take a close look at all aspects of fire suppression and make improvements as needed. The result is a significant positive impact on public safety.

Submitted by the Grayslake Fire Protection District