Contact: Leslie Lippa, Community Liaison
Phone:  (336) 574-4088

Greensboro Fire Department Awarded ISO Rating of Class 1

GREENSBORO (December 20, 2006) -- The Greensboro Fire Department has again been awarded the Insurance Services Office (ISO) rating of Class 1. ISO rates communities and their available resources for responding to and controlling fires. ISO uses a scale of 1 (the best rating) to 10 (no protection available). These ratings are then used by the state and other rating bureaus to establish fire insurance rates. 

Greensboro has maintained a Class 1 rating since 1991. Greensboro is the only community in North Carolina, and one of only 42 in the nation, to have a Class 1 Rating. This rating ensures the lowest possible fire insurance rates in the state.

The Class 1 rating also serves as an enticement when recruiting companies to the area, resulting in new jobs for the community. In addition, the rating translates into a service capability that provides a safer environment when citizens are in commercial properties to work or conduct business.

Greensboro Fire Department was the first department in the world to be rated Class 1 and also Internationally Accredited. There are now seven who share this distinction. To achieve accredited agency status, the Department must submit an annual report of compliance and conduct the in-depth self-assessment every five years. A peer review is conducted every five years. The accreditation model is one for improvement; therefore, the organization must demonstrate continual efforts to improve the quality of services provide while deploying resources as efficiently and effectively as possible.

The Greensboro Fire Department is dedicated to providing a work environment which will enable the department to reach its commitment to excellence as reflected in the City of Greensboro Mission Statement. We are committed to providing the public the best possible service in a courteous, professional and cost-effective manner; providing leadership through a well-defined management team committed to the departmental management philosophy; providing equal opportunity for all employees in job performance and career development; maintaining an open, informative flow of information so that all municipal departments may reach their goals and objectives; subscribe to honesty, integrity and fairness and to always be receptive to change while striving for excellence.  

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