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Background Information <br /> Introduction <br /> ISO collects and evaluates information from communities in the United States on their <br /> structure fire suppression capabilities. We analyze the data using our Fire Suppression <br /> Rating Schedule (FSRST"") and then assign a Public Protection Classification (PPC Tv) <br /> number to the community. The surveys are conducted whenever it appears that there is a <br /> possibility of a classification change. As such, the PPC program provides important, up-to- <br /> date information about fire protection services throughout the country. <br /> A community's investment in fire mitigation is a proven and reliable predictor of future fire <br /> losses. Statistical data on insurance losses bears out the relationship between excellent fire <br /> protection — as measured by the PPC program — and low fire losses. So, insurance <br /> companies use PPC information for marketing, underwriting, and to help establish fair <br /> premiums for homeowners and commercial fire insurance. In general, the price of fire <br /> insurance in a community with a good PPC is substantially lower than in a community with a <br /> poor PPC, assuming all other factors are equal. <br /> ISO is an independent company that serves insurance companies, communities, fire <br /> departments, insurance regulators, and others by providing information about risk. ISO's <br /> expert staff collects information about municipal fire suppression efforts in communities <br /> throughout the United States. In each of those communities, ISO analyzes the relevant data <br /> and assigns a Public Protection Classification —a number from 1 to 10. Class 1 represents <br /> an exemplary fire suppression program, and Class 10 indicates that the area's fire <br /> suppression program does not meet ISO's minimum criteria. <br /> ISO's PPC program evaluates communities according to a uniform set of criteria, <br /> incorporating nationally recognized standards developed by the National Fire Protection <br /> Association and the American Water Works Association. A community's PPC depends on: <br /> ➢ Fire alarm and communication systems, including telephone systems, telephone <br /> lines, staffing, and dispatching systems <br /> ➢ The fire department, including equipment, staffing, training, and geographic <br /> distribution of fire companies <br /> The water supply system, including condition and maintenance of hydrants, <br /> alternative water supply operations, and a careful evaluation of the amount of <br /> available water compared with the amount needed to suppress fires up to 3,500 gpm. <br /> Data Collection and Analysis <br /> ISO has evaluated and classified over 44,000 fire protection areas across the United States <br /> using its Fire Suppression Rating Schedule (FSRS). We use a combination of a meeting <br /> between a trained ISO field representative and the dispatch center coordinator, community <br /> fire official, and water superintendent in conjunction with a comprehensive questionnaire to <br /> collect the data necessary to determine the PPC number. In order for a community to obtain <br /> a classification better then a Class 9, three elements of fire suppression features are <br /> reviewed. These three elements are the fire alarm and communication system, the fire <br /> department and the water supply system. <br /> ®ISO Properties,Inc.,2007 Page 1 <br /> Jc <br />