Residents served by the Suttons Bay-Bingham Fire Department may receive a break on insurance based on a recent analysis by the Insurance Services Office (ISO).
ISO’s analysis of the department’s fire suppression capabilities has resulted in an updated Public Protection Classification (PPC) rating for both Suttons Bay and Bingham Township.
Effective April 1, Suttons Bay has received a split PPC grade of 5/10, reflecting an improvement from their previous rating of 6/10 in Suttons Bay and from 7/10 to 5/10 in Bingham Township.
The PPC program evaluates fire protection services in communities across the United States and assigns a score ranging from Class 1 to Class 10.
The PPC evaluation considers several key factors:
• Emergency Communications — The efficiency of the 911 system, dispatch capabilities, and telecommunicator training.
• Fire Department — Equipment, staffing, training programs, and deployment of resources.
• Water supply — The availability and flow of water for fire suppression, as well as the condition and testing of fire hydrants.
Class 1 represents the highest level of fire suppression capabilities, while Class 10 indicates minimal criteria are met.
This classification is used by most insurance companies to help determine premiums for property insurance.
A Class 5 rating applies to properties within five road miles of a recognized fire station within 1,000 feet of a fire hydrant or other water supply.
It reflects strong fire suppression capabilities.
Class 10 applies to properties beyond five road miles from a fire station, indicating limited dire suppression coverage.
An improved PPC rating can positively affect homeowners and businesses by potentially reducing property insurance premiums. Insurance companies often use these ratings to assess risk and calculate insurance costs.
