THE ISO PUBLIC PROTECTION CLASSIFICATION (PPC) PROGRAM
ISO's PPC program evaluates communities according to a uniform set of criteria defined in the Fire Suppression Rating Schedule (FSRS). This criteria incorporates nationally recognized standards developed by the National Fire Protection Association and the American Water Works Association.
Using the FSRS, ISO objectively reviews the fire suppression capabilities of a community and assigns a Public Protection Classification - a number from 1 to 10. Class 1 represents exemplary fire protection, and Class 10 indicates that the area's fire suppression program does not meet minimum recognition criteria.
The FSRS allocates credit by evaluating the following three major features:
Fire alarm and communication system. This review accounts for 10% of the total classification which centers upon a community's facilities and support for handling and dispatching fire alarms.
Fire department. This review accounts for 50% of the total classification which focuses upon items such as engine companies, ladder or service companies, distribution of fire stations and fire companies, equipment carried on apparatus, pumping capacity, reserve apparatus, department manning, and training.
Water supply system. This review accounts for 40% of the total classification highlighting the water supply a community uses for fire suppression, including hydrant size, type, and installation, as well as the inspection frequency and condition of fire hydrants.
When ISO develops a single classification for a community, all of the community's properties receive that classification. (This is how Broadview Heights is classified) In many communities, ISO develops a split classification (for example, 5/9). Generally, the first class, (Class 5 in the example) applies to properties within a defined distance (5-road miles in most states) of a fire station and within 1000 feet of a fire hydrant. The second class (Class 9 in the example) applies to properties beyond 1000 feet of a hydrant but within the defined distance of a fire station. ISO generally assigns Class 10 to properties beyond the defined distance of a fire station.
The Chart below shows how fire departments across the country rate
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