Batavia Fire Department receives highest ISO rating

The Batavia Fire Department has achieved an ISO Class 1 rating. ISO, Insurance Services Office, creates ratings for fire departments that calculate how well-equipped fire departments are to put out fires in the community they service. The Class 1 rating places Batavia's department among the top 500 in the U.S.

ISO ratings are based on data analysis of a fire department's emergency communication systems, personnel capabilities, training and equipment, water supply, and community risk reduction. Criteria are assigned a score and a rating of 1-10 is issued, with 1 being the highest.

ISO's Public Protection Classification Program plays an important role in the underwriting process at insurance companies. Most U.S. insurers - including the largest ones - use ISO's classification program information as part of their decision-making when offering insurance coverage and prices for personal or commercial property insurance. Communities with a high ISO classification may receive lower insurance prices

The ISO classification also provides fire departments with a valuable tool for planning and budgeting.