11/04/2025
Did you know that a citizen's accessibility to fire services has a direct connection to how much they are charged for homeowner's insurance?
The Insurance Services Office (or ISO) evaluates local fire departments and community fire protection services and assigns communities a Public Protection Classification, or PPC from 1 - 10, with 1 being the best fire protection (lowest risk) and 10 being minimal or no recognized fire protection (highest risk).
The score is based on:
- Fire department quality (equipment, staffing, training)
- Water supply systems (hydrant availability, water flow)
- Emergency communications systems (911 and dispatch reliability)
- Community risk reduction (fire prevention, code enforcement)
Insurers use ISO PPC ratings as one factor in determining fire risk, which affects property insurance premiums.
- Lower ISO score (1–4): Indicates excellent fire protection, often resulting in lower premiums.
- Middle ISO score (5–7): Average protection; moderate insurance rates.
- Higher ISO score (8–10): Limited or no fire protection; higher premiums because of greater risk of total loss.
The difference between ISO Classes can mean hundreds of dollars in annual premium changes for homeowners or businesses.
Insurers use ISO PPC ratings as one factor in determining fire risk, which affects property insurance premiums.
The City of Circleville is currently ranked as a Class 4, which was a reduction from a Class 5 which we were for years, indicating excellent fire protection. If the staffing is drastically cut through the loss of a levy and as equipment ages, our class likely will increase resulting in higher premium costs to homeowners.
VOTE YES NOV 4 to protect our safety services AND your bottom dollar!
