Insurance classifications and ratings directly affect fire insurance premiums. Ratings vary from a Class 10, which is considered having no fire protection, to a Class 1, which indicates the highest level of preparation, staffing, hydrants and water supply, training, equipment and deployment of resources.
You may have heard these classes refereed to as an ISO rating. In North Carolina, the Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) is responsible for conducting fire department inspections and the Response Rating Schedule.
Most rural fire departments in NC (which Colington is considered based on population) fall into a Class 9 rating. While lower ratings do not necessarily indicate poor service, a higher rating does suggest that a department is overall better equipped to respond to fires in its district according to the OSFM.
In August 2017, the OSFM awarded a Class 3 rating to the CVFD! That is impressive, because out of 1,533 rated fire departments in NC, there are only 61 Class 3 departments, and even fewer Class 1 or 2. This means that Colington area homeowners are receiving the lowest rate for fire insurance premiums!
Our rating was achieved by the hard work of the department members, board, chief officers and county fire marshal that worked together to ensure our community had the proper equipment, firefighters and resources to serve their needs. But the support of the community was the most important part of the process.
We are grateful for the opportunity to serve our community!
