14-03-2025
Improved Bazetta Fire Dept. score leads to lower insurance costs
BAZETTA, Ohio (WKBN) — Property insurance policyholders in Bazetta could soon pay less for insurance because of an improved fire department score.
As of June 1, businesses and homeowners in Bazetta could see lower insurance costs.
'That's a good thing I hope 'cause the reason why is vets and everybody else of retirement age -I'm 83 years old – need some breaks somewhere,' said homeowner Larlun Williams.
It's all thanks to the fire department's improved ISO rating. A recent Insurance Services Office Review upgraded its score from a Class 3 to a Class 2. It's now one of about 118 fire departments in the state to achieve a Class 2 ranking.
'It's a big deal,' said Bazetta firefighter Rob reviews are done every five years. It grades the fire department's equipment, personnel and training, water supply system, and communications.
Firefighters say access to water is on the list of factors that contributed to the improved score. A water line project in the township added about two dozen new fire hydrants. Another enhancement is the fire department's access road to Elm Road.
'You figure that that cuts out two and a half to three minutes of response time which is significant; fire doubles in size every minute,' Wasser said. 'Those are the big things that insurance companies look for — how far are you away from a hydrant or a water source — you know what kind of response is coming out your fire department station.'Firefighters say the improved rating is something they're proud of.
'Every day that we come to work this is what we're all about — the community and improving our department, our personnel which ultimately benefits the community and everyone that lives here as well as the businesses that are here,' said Wasser.
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