LOUISA, VIRGINIA – The overall Public Protection Classification (PPC) rating for the County of Louisa has improved to a 5/5Y, according to the Insurance Services Office (ISO).   

The PPC rating determines how well a locality’s fire and emergency services is able to protect the community from a comprehensive services standpoint. Insurance companies use these scores to help set home insurance rates.  An improved PPC rating indicates a department that is better prepared to serve the locality, and can result in reduced insurance costs.  

“The Department of Fire and EMS is committed to providing effective and timely emergency services,” said Keith Greene, Chief of Fire and EMS.  “The Board has supported our continual efforts to enhance response and mitigation capabilities, and these drive improvements in the County’s Public Protection Classification rating.”  

The ISO is an independent entity serving insurance companies, communities, emergency services departments and others by providing information about risk.  The ISO collects information on municipal fire-protection efforts in communities throughout the United States. The program provides an objective, nationwide standard that helps fire departments in planning and budgeting for facilities, equipment, and training. Since better fire protection can lead to lower insurance premiums, the PPC program incentivizes communities that choose to improve their firefighting services. 

The ISO creates PPC ratings for fire and emergency services departments and their surrounding communities through a detailed evaluation process. In November of 2018, the ISO reviewed the County’s current daily staffing levels, response times, dispatch center capabilities, apparatus, water flow sustainability, and capabilities of the County’s fire and EMS system.   The County’s PPC rating has continually improved over the past several years, from 9/10 to a 6/8B in 2012, and then to the current 5/5Y.  

“Our fire and emergency services are led and staffed by dedicated people,” said Toni Williams, Chairman of the Louisa County Board of Supervisors.  “I’m grateful for their capable efforts to improve our services to the citizens of Louisa.” ###