Carteret, NJ – Mayor Dan Reiman and Fire Committee Chairman Randy Krum have announced that Carteret has received an upgraded fire protection rating following a Public Protection Classification (PPC) survey conducted by the national Insurance Agency, “Insurance Service Organization” (ISO).
The rating is an upgrade to level 3 from the level 4 classification previously given to the Borough, and is the highest PPC safety ranking in the town’s history.
The ISO conducts surveys analyzing fire suppression services provided by local emergency service departments throughout the United States. Class ratings are measured on a 1-10 point scale, with “1” being the highest or best ranking, and “10” the lowest. Among the 566 municipalities in the State of New Jersey, only one community has a classification of 1. Ten have a Class 2 rating, and only 52 communities have a classification of 3.
According to ISO representatives, the organization’s Public Protection Classification Program can play an important role in the underwriting process at insurance companies. Most U.S. insurers use PPC information as part of their decision-making process when choosing what property to write, the kind of coverage to offer, and prices to charge for both residential and commercial properties. Ultimately, communities who receive better ratings may see a reduction in property insurance.
“The PPC can also establish important standards for fire safety,” Councilman and Fire Commissioner Randy Krum said. “It sets a benchmark that can be used as a reference when planning, budgeting, and justifying fire protection upgrades within the department.”
“The upgraded ranking by ISO reflects our commitment to providing the residents of Carteret with the utmost level of fire protection,” Mayor Reiman said. “The Carteret Fire Department strives to meet the highest standards whether it be in the area of equipment, training or emergency response. That residents will potentially see economic relief in the form of lower insurance premiums is a welcome benefit. Our Fire Department is to be commended for this accomplishment.”
The Insurance Service Organization is the leading supplier of data and analytics for the property/casualty insurance industry. Most insurers use PPC classifications for underwriting and calculating premiums for residential, commercial, and industrial properties. Classifications are dependent on the resource levels devoted to fire protection in existence at the time of the survey.
