Columbus earns fire rating that could impact Muscogee County insurance rates

The Columbus Fire & Emergency Medical Services Department received some good news Friday from a national accrediting source that awarded the agency its top fire protection rating.

The New Jersey-based Insurance Services Office, which provides statistical, actuarial, underwriting, and claims information and analytics on fire departments across the country, gave the Columbus Department a “1” rating after a recent review process.

After the rating goes into effect on Sept. 1, it could potentially mean lower property insurance rates for Columbus homeowners, Chief Jeff Meyer said as an ISO representative informed city officials of the rating.

“Insurance companies and underwriters use the ISO Public Protection Classification to calculate risk,” Meyer said. “I would encourage property owners in Muscogee County to contact their insurer after Sept. 1 and see if there is an impact.”

The bottom line, is the department was rated highly for its ability to deliver to suppress structural fires. A number of factors were scored, including communications and water supply.

In the water supply category, Columbus scored a 39.1 out of a possible 40 points. Columbus has an above adequate water supply, more than adequate flow and can deliver it to the critical sites throughout the community.

“It means that we have been judged by an independent agency to have an exemplary fire suppression system — so it’s the best of the best,” said Mayor Teresa Tomlinson. “We have to commend our Fire and EMS folks, certainly our leadership, Chief Meyer and others for getting us here.”

There are about 240 fire departments across the nation who have earned this rating and 14 in Georgia.

This story was originally published June 9, 2017 at 11:25 AM with the headline "Columbus earns fire rating that could impact Muscogee County insurance rates."