Information Bulletin on ISO Ratings
Feb. 2010
ISO (Insurance Services Office) is a private agency that collects information on municipal fire-protection in communities throughout the United States. In each of those communities, ISO analyzes the relevant data using a Fire Suppression Rating Schedule (FSRS). They then assign a Public Protection Classification from 1 to 10 to that community or area. Class 1 represents exemplary public protection, and Class 10 indicates that the area's fire suppression program doesn't meet ISO's minimum criteria.
The ISO rating is used by insurance companies to define the risk factors of your property and establish rates for homeowner’s insurance. The risk factors might include items like the distance from the house to the nearest fire hydrant or fire station. The farther away you are, the more damage will be done in the event of a fire, as it will take longer for the trucks to get out there and get the fire out.
Since December of 2009, we have received many inquiries and requests for information from homeowners and insurance companies as it seems that the ISO rating in several communities has changed. We recently met with ISO representatives and it seems that the last time Tulare County was properly evaluated by them was in 1997. Consequently, they will re-evaluate the county in April & May of this year. In the meantime, please use the guidelines below as an indicator for your specific residence or building as relates to possible ISO ratings:
| Rating | Basic Description |
| Class 1-8 | Applies to all occupancies, regardless of type, located within 5 road miles of a county fire station and within 1,000 feet of a fire hydrant or other water delivery system providing a minimum of 250 gallons per minute (gpm) for 2 hours. Other variables apply and will result in clear distinction for each jurisdiction from a 1 to an 8 rating. |
| Class 8B | Applies to all occupancies, regardless of type, located within 5 road miles of a county fire station and not within 1,000 feet of a fire hydrant or water supply. However, fire department must deliver an uninterrupted fire flow of 200 gallons per minute (gpm) for 20 minutes beginning within 5 minutes of first arriving engine company. Therefore, if the building is within 5 road miles of a fire station and has a 4,000 gallon water tank on site, or other water supply providing the same or more gallons of water, the building would qualify. |
| Class 9 | Applies to all occupancies, regardless of type, located within 5 road miles to a county fire station, regardless of water supply. |
| Class 10 | Applies to all occupancies, regardless of type, located more than 5 road miles from a county fire station, regardless of water supply. |
The Tulare County Fire Department neither has the ability to Influence the insurance companies nor the ISO organization on their particular ratings, and the ultimate effect they will have on your home-owners insurance. We can provide the insurance companies with information when they request it and can assist you with information relative to the location of our fire stations; however, should you have a dispute with your insurance company, you will have to settle the dispute with them, or call ISO