In August 2013, many Benbrook homeowners became eligible for lowered insurance premiums. The Insurance Services Office (ISO), an organization providing statistical information on risk, announced in a letter from the State Fire Marshall that Benbrook’s fire suppression efforts are paying off. Potential insurance savings are estimated at nearly $400,000 for Benbrook property owners.

Benbrook Fire Chief, Tommy Davis, and Benbrook Water Authority Superintendent, David Wasson, completed an exhaustive inspection/survey performed by the ISO to evaluate the fire suppression and control resources of the community. The Insurance Services Office rates communities through the Public Protection Classification (PPC) system. The PPC number developed by ISO is one of several elements considered in the calculation of individual property insurance premiums by numerous insurance companies.

A community’s “ISO rating” is determined through evaluating just about every aspect of a city and its fire department. Points are given for a community’s investment in fire mitigation, including how dispatch calls are handled, staff training hours, water supply capabilities, distance between fire hydrants, and available apparatus.

The ISO rating system is from 10 – 1, with “1” being exemplary. Upon completion of the survey, Benbrook’s rating went from a “4” to a “3”, establishing a strong community rating, with potential savings for Benbrook property owners. In addition, Benbrook’s rating for preparedness in suppressing fires in the surrounding county went from a “9” to an “8B”, indicating improvement in this area as well.

“The ISO survey confirms for us that we are on the right track. Our efforts to prevent and reduce fire damage to property are long-standing goals of our department.” says Davis, “We continue to train and prepare to meet the needs of Benbrook and the surrounding community.”

Property owners are encouraged to contact their insurance provider to determine if the new rating qualifies them for reduced insurance premiums.