Following a recent analysis by the Insurance Services Office, Red Bank Fire Department has been awarded a Public Protection Classification 3 rating, an improvement from the Classification 4 rating it previously held.
"It shows Red Bank has made improvements in their fire service," said Red Bank Fire Chief Mark Matthews, crediting improvements in firefighter training, new equipment and the consolidation of Hamilton County and Red Bank dispatch services for the improved rating. "With these improvements and a lower rating, it could mean some savings on your homeowners insurance."
He suggests Red Bank residents call their insurance agents to see if the new ISO rating causes any change in their homeowners insurance policy.
Factors ISO considers when grading a department include dispatching, fire alarms, personnel, training, equipment and water supply. The department is assigned a Public Protection Classification rating ranging from 1-10, with 1 being the highest level of protection.
In addition to possibly lowering rates for homeowners insurance, the new ISO rating signifies an increase in citizen safety and helps attract businesses to the city, said Matthews.
"Commercial developers look at these things," he said.