Rochester Hills Fire Department Rating May Lower Insurance Rates

Rochester Hills Fire Department Rating One of Michigan’s Best

The Fire Department of the City of Rochester Hills has received an improved insurance classification from the Insurance Services Office (ISO), a leading independent source of information about property/casualty insurance risk. The ISO’s Public Protection Classification (PPC) program helps to establish fire insurance premiums for residential and commercial properties by analyzing relevant fire suppression capabilities within communities.

Rochester Hills joins just seven other cities in Michigan with a Class 2 rating. The Class 2 rating may lower insurance rates for residential and commercial property owners. Insurance policy holders can contact their provider to determine how the new classification may effect premiums. The new rating takes effect on July 1, 2018. The City previously held a Class 4 rating, awarded in 2011.

The improved classification comes on the heels of a significant investment in the City’s fire stations, equipment, staff, and training. A charter amendment passed in 2014, along with strategic budgeting practices, funded an increase in staffing, apparatus and upgrades to each of the City’s five fire stations over the past several years. Station #4 on Walton Blvd. is the final station to benefit from an update, with renovations expected to be completed this fall.

Rochester Hills Mayor Bryan K. Barnett stated, “This is a tremendous achievement for our City. Only .45% of communities in the state and fewer than 5% of communities nationwide have received this classification. I’m incredibly proud of the accomplishments of Chief Sean Canto and his staff and the priority our City Council has placed on fire and emergency services.”

The Mayor continued, “The improved rating not only speaks to the City’s ability to suppress fires, it has a tangible benefit for Rochester Hills residents and business owners. Effective July 1, 2018, they all have the opportunity to reduce their insurance premiums.”

Sean Canto, Chief of Fire and Emergency Services, commented, “We’re committed to continuous improvement and building the best department in our region and beyond. This new classification proves that we’re moving in the right direction. I’m thrilled with the commitment and progress of this team.”

According to the ISO, “a community’s investment in fire mitigation is a proven and reliable predictor of future fire losses.” The analysis conducted by the ISO is based on a combination of a fire department’s first alarm response, including factors like personal, apparatus and training, the water supply system, to determine the adequacy for fire suppression purposes, and emergency communications capabilities. “Insurance companies use PPC information for marketing, underwriting and to help establish fair premiums for homeowners and commercial fire insurance.”