Kittanning’s Insurance Rating Stays the Same
ISO Field Rep Tyler Olsen inspects Hose Company #1 tower truck during a visit on July 10, 2015 at their South Jefferson Street fire station. (KP File Photo)
by Jonathan Weaver
Kittanning Borough taxpayers and business owners should see similar insurance rates from their respective companies next calendar year based on the community’s safety rating.
In a packet of information addressed to former-Borough Council President Randy Cloak September 28, Kittanning Borough received a Class 4 Public Participation Classification (PPC)
Borough Fire Marshal “Buzz” Kline at the Borough meeting in June said the testing of the three volunteer fire departments, County 9-1-1 emergency management center and PA American Water via Insurance Services Office (ISO) officials determines fire insurance rates for homeowners and businesses during the next five years.
“They come in once every five years and do an audit on the hydrant system, fire equipment, fire training, response times and the number of people that are out at the fires – that’s put into a system statewide and it tells you what the ISO rating is for the next five years, Kline said at June’s regular meeting.
“The higher you go, the more it’s going to cost. The lower you go, the better rates you’re going to get.”
National Processing Center Manager Dominic Santanna reaffirmed Chief Kline’s explanation.
“ISO’s Public Protection Classification Program plays an important role in the underwriting process at insurance companies,” the letter said. “In fact, most U.S. insurers – including the largest ones – use PPC information as part of their decision-making when deciding what business to write, coverage’s to offer or prices to charge for personal or commercial property coverage.”
For example, Kittanning’s fire department ISO was calculated based on factors such as equipment, staffing and training.
The fire departments’ structure fire suppression system reviews accounted for half of the community’s overall ISO rating, with water supply and emergency communications making up the other 50 percent.
Out of 50 possible fire department credits, Kittanning Hose Companies #1, 4 and 6 received less than 30 credits.
Firefighters received .79 credits out of a possible nine for training, and 7.83 out of a possible 15 for company personnel.
Training was also broken down into eight different levels, including training for new and existing drivers and operators, with recruits and on hazardous materials.
Kittanning Hose Company #1 Fire Chief Gene Stephens said training is being performed, but just isn’t being documented.
“There are a few little spots we can improve on in record-keeping, but overall, I think Kittanning is in good shape,” Chief Stephens said. “I think the citizens of Kittanning Borough ought to be happy and satisfied with their fire protection for the little cost it does cost the borough to maintain three fire stations.”
Chief Stephens met with ISO (Insurance Services Office) Community Hazard Mitigation Services Field Representative Tyler Olsen for about 45 minutes July 10 at their South Jefferson Street fire station.
Hose Company #4 and 6 fire departments held their audits March 25. “Buzz” Kline – also Hose Company #4’s fire chief – said it also took the department about 45 minutes to go through the process.
In June, Olsen said it is a common misconception that the age of apparatus – whether it be Hose Company #1’s 1987 Seagrave engine, 1990 Aerialscope tower or 1997 GMC Service squad truck - determines insurance rates.
According to Armstrong 9-1-1 call statistics, the largest demand on fire station resources in Kittanning Borough through June was from Hose Company #1 – whose volunteers were activated for 75 calls. During the same time frame, Hose Company #6 station resources were activated to 51 calls and Hose Company #4 firefighters were activated for 36 calls.
Borough First Ward Councilman David Croyle praised all volunteer firefighters for their timely response.
“Hose Company Number 1 responds to more calls than any of the three fire departments. I believe they are an asset to the business district and the residents of the First Ward. I commend them for their professionalism and dedication,” Croyle concluded. “All three of our departments faithfully serve this town and I join the residents in saying ‘thank you’ for your service.”
The final report also recommended three fire companies be maintained to maintain the minimum two-engine response to all first-alarm structure fires, to provide fire suppression to areas within a mile-and-a-half radius and to support 3,500 gpm.
Emergency communications received eight out of 10 possible credits, and PA American Water received more than 31 out of 40 possible points in regard to the community’s water supply.
More than 6,400 of the more than 48,000 communities surveyed country-wide also received Class 4 certifications. Only less than 5,000 countrywide have a better rating of Class 1, 2 or 3.
Effective January 1, Olsen indicated ISO audits will be now conducted every five years.
The latest information was also given to County 9-1-1 Director Ron Baustert, Chief Kline, Kittanning Hose Company #6 Fire Chief Scott Kline and PA American Water Manager Kristina Marshall.
Kittanning Borough | jweaver October 19, 2015
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By cementmixer, October 19, 2015 @ 1:39 PM
Congrats to the three fire companies for all their fine work, esp to Hose Co.#1 since it’s clear they shoulder most of the burden. The report also also makes it abundantly clear three fire companies are needed so Kimmie and her cohorts better find better evidence to support their plan to reduce the number than they currently have. The report also makes very clear that despite what Buzzie says at meetings on TV in his constant self promotion that despite his new truck his own company still responds only a third of the time and usually with most members not in full gear. Clean your own house first as the old adage goes.
By heardenoughalready, October 20, 2015 @ 10:33 PM
A .79 out of 9?????? Less than 30 out of 50? Are those figures correct?