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Chimayo Volunteer Fire District Improves ISO Rating, Possibly Lowering Area Insurance Rates

The Santa Fe County, Chimayo Volunteer Fire District recently completed their Insurance Services Office (ISO) audit and improved their Public Protection Classification (PPC) rating to a 04/4Y, which should have a very positive effect on area resident’s insurance rates. This improvement places the Chimayo Volunteer Fire District within the top 25% of nearly 50,000 Fire Districts or Departments rated nationally by ISO.

Many insurance companies use PPC information for marketing, underwriting, and to help establish fair premiums for homeowners and commercial fire insurance rates. This means the price of fire insurance in a community with a lower PPC grade can be substantially lower than a community with a higher PPC grade.

The ISO’s PPC program evaluates communities according to the following set of criteria utilizing nationally recognized standards developed by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the American Water Works Association (AWWA): Needed Fire Flows; Emergency Communications; Fire Department; and Water Supply.

“The installation and expansion of the community water system played a major role in the Chimayo Fire District’s improved rating. Along with the hard work and commitment the District volunteers have shown with record keeping and by attending regular meetings and training,” said County Fire Chief David Sperling.

For more information on the Chimayo Volunteer Fire District or district PPCs, visit the Santa Fe County Fire Department web page at www.santafecountynm.gov/fire.