Shenandoah receives ISO award from Texas State Fire Marshal's Office

SHENANDOAH, Texas -- Officials from the Texas State Fire Marshal’s Office presented the Class 1 ISO rating award to the City of Shenandoah on Thursday, March 20, 2014. Mayor Wes Stephens accepted the award at city hall on behalf of Shenandoah.

Shenandoah was notified of their status as a Class 1 city in December 2013. This important designation represents exemplary fire suppression programs and water distribution systems. There are only 20 Class 1 cities in Texas and approximately 60 nationwide.

Shenandoah is the smallest city in the State of Texas to hold a Class 1 ISO rating. “We are excited to receive this award and are especially honored to be the smallest city in Texas to get a Class 1 ISO rating,” said City Administrator Greg Smith. “To accomplish this as a city of our size is another example of our ongoing commitment to public safety.”

Chief Chris Connealy, State Fire Marshal, presented a plaque to Mayor Stephens and stated that “Shenandoah is among the elite cities that now hold a Class 1 ISO rating. Shenandoah is recognized as being one of the best and the city’s partnership with The Woodlands Fire Department is a success story where everyone wins.” Phillip Bradley with the Insurance Services Office (ISO) joined State Fire Marshal staff in making the presentation.

Mayor Stephens also thanked staff members of the City of Shenandoah and The Woodlands Fire Department for their work in achieving the Class 1 ISO rating, acknowledging the team effort of both groups.

The ISO has ten rating classifications with 1 being the highest and 10 as the lowest. Three elements of fire suppression features are reviewed, including Receiving and Handling Alarms (10%), Fire Department (50%), Water Supply (40%) and the Texas Addendum (fire code). Within these areas, fire department resources and services, water distribution system, codes and inspections, and emergency dispatch capabilities are also evaluated.

The ISO rating is achieved through the Public Protection Classification (PPC) survey, which supplies statistical information to the property/casualty insurance industry. Many insurers use the ISO ratings for underwriting and calculating premiums for residential, commercial and industrial properties. A high rating, such as the Class 1, could result in reduced insurance rates for homeowners.