Superior fire department improves ISO rating

SUPERIOR - The Superior Volunteer Fire Department is pleased to announce that the department’s ISO ratings have improved. ISO has revamped their rating system somewhat, but both changes are an improvement that should mean better insurance rates. 

For homes and businesses located within 1,000 feet of a hydrant, the ISO rating has improved from six to five.

For homes and businesses more than 1,000 feet from a hydrant but within 5 miles of our fire station, the rating has changed from an 8B to a 5Y.   

A number of factors play into this change, not the least of which is the community’s support for the new fire hall. Firefighter training is a factor and the roll of the new building training room plays in the department’s ability to conduct training is one of the many factors considered in the ISO ratings. 

The building exists, of course, only because the community supported our bond levy. The resulting bond was financed by the United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development program. 

Upgrades to the water and hydrant system also played a role. These improvements were possible because of the mayor, council and clerk/treasurers careful management of the funds as well as federal stimulus funding for the upgrades. Improvements to the County’s 911 system are also a part of this rating. 

A major factor is the dedication of department volunteers. ISO looks at the number of volunteers responding to alarms and attending training. 

Without the dedication of the Superior volunteers, this rating improvement and the resulting savings to homeowners and businesses would not have been possible. We continue to need volunteers to keep these ratings in place. 

Rate reductions should appear in your next annual insurance bill. If you do not notice an improvement, you should contact your agent or company and make sure you are getting credit for this change. 

Each insurance company makes its own decision about rates so it is impossible to say what impact these improvements might have on individual policies. 

The Superior Volunteer Fire Department does still need volunteers. All training is provided. Members are needed and accepted from all areas covered as well as adjacent areas not covered by other departments.