Gwinnett County’s fire department recently earned accreditation for the very first time. It also earned higher marks than ever during an analysis of its ability to efficiently respond to calls and fight fires — which could mean lower insurance rates for local homeowners.
Gwinnett fire Chief Casey Snyder briefed the county’s Board of Commissioners on both accomplishments Tuesday morning. He called his department’s new accreditation “a very good apparatus” for maintaining a high level of service, but it’s the agency’s improved ranking from the Insurance Services Office that could have a more immediate impact of Gwinnett’s residents and business owners.
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The department’s ISO rating — which scores the county’s 911/communications efforts, water system and actual fire responses — improved from a 4 to a 2. (The scoring scale runs from 10 to 1, with 1 being the best possible score).
Gwinnett’s new rating is “huge for us,” Snyder said — and, since it means the county’s buildings are considered “safer” from fire than ever, it could lead to lower insurance rates for home and business owners.
“Call your insurance company, ask them if they use an ISO-type system in their ratings, and see if you can get a reduction in your homeowner’s insurance,” Snyder said Tuesday.
Not all company’s consider ISO ratings in determining their rates, Snyder said, and any discounts offered may vary significantly.
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The AJC's Tyler Estep keeps you updated on the latest happenings in Gwinnett County government and politics. You'll find more on myAJC.com, including these stories:
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