The Ocean City Department of Fire and Rescue Services recently achieved a boost to the rating score that insurance companies use to help set premiums for homeowners.
The Insurance Services Office (ISO) approved a change to Ocean City’s Public Protection Classification (PPC) rating to Class 2. Earning a Class 2 rating or better is an accomplishment achieved by only about six percent of fire protection agencies throughout the nation and only four percent of agencies in New Jersey. Ratings are issued on a scale of 1 to 10 with the lowest number representing the best, the city announced Friday.
Insurance agencies utilize the PPC class rating system to calculate commercial and private property insurance premiums. All residents are encouraged to contact their insurance provider regarding the new ISO PPC classification, as it could possibly lead to savings. More information about the ISO program is available on their website at
isomitigation.com.
The PPC Program objectively evaluates nearly 39,000 community fire protection agencies nationwide with a combination of on-site visits and the use of the Fire Suppression Rating Schedule.
The evaluation process focuses on a thorough review of each community’s emergency communications systems, fire department suppression capabilities, including staffing, training, apparatus and equipment, as well as each community’s water supply and community risk reduction.
“Public safety will always be a top priority in Ocean City, and we’re fortunate to have exceptional first responders, leadership, equipment, training and programs in place to protect us all,” Mayor Jay Gillian said in a statement. “I’m glad to see that dedication of our Fire Department may also help our residents with their insurance rates.”
On average, the Fire Department responds to 4,000 calls for service each year. In addition to fire suppression capabilities, the department provides emergency medical services, water rescue capabilities, rope rescue capabilities and is a major contributing department to the Cape May County Regional Urban Search Team.
