What's Happening in Stow, OH…

Insurance Services Office (ISO) has handed the Stow Fire Department a Class 1 Public Protection Classification (PPC), the highest possible rating.

There are only 60 communities in the United States that hold this rating out of nearly 50,000. PPC ratings run from 1 to 10, with 1 being the highest.

ISO evaluates communities for their flood risk, fire protection, and building code enforcement so that, using the information gathered, the communities can mitigate and manage risk. Fire protection is evaluated through ISO's Public Protection Classification (PPC™) program. The effectiveness of a fire protection effort is a reliable, proven way to predict losses in future fires, and insurance companies use ISO's ratings to set fair premiums for fire insurance. Residents that live in communities where the fire protection services have a high rating generally pay lower rates.

The Stow Fire Department won the commendation because of its skill, the dedication of its firefighters and employees, the support of residents, and the cooperation and respect displayed by the business community in working with the department. ISO will reevaluate Stow in five years' time.

Since the Class 1 rating directly impacts Stow residents' insurance rates, the fire department will no doubt want to let people know about this award. Officials could work with a flyer printing company to explain ISO's process, what the award means, and how it will affect insurance policies.