Through the Public Protection Classification (PPC) Program, ISO evaluates municipal fire-protection efforts in communities throughout the United States. In each of those communities, ISO analyzes the relevant data using our Fire Suppression Rating Schedule (FSRS). They then assign a PPC from 1 to 10. Class 1generally represents superior property protection, and Class 10 indicates that the area’s fire suppression program doesn’t meat ISO’s minimum criteria.

By classifying communities’ ability to suppress fires, ISO helps the community evaluate their public fire-protection services. The program provides an objective, countrywide standard that helps fire departments in planning and budgeting for facilities, equipment and training. And by securing lower fire insurance premiums for communities with better public protection, the PPC program provides incentives and rewards for communities that choose to improve their firefighting services.