WESTERVILLE FIRE IN TOP 1% IN NATION FOR BEST INSURANCE RATING The Westerville Division of Fire (WFD) has received a class 1 Insurance Services Office, Inc. (ISO) rating following a recent evaluation and assessment of the department. ISO rates fire departments/districts on a 10-point scale, with class 1 being the best rating. The announcement upgrades WFD’s rating from a class 2, which has held steady since 2015. ISO is a standardized, national rating system that evaluates and assigns a number on its scale regarding the condition of the community’s fire protection systems. Only 411 out of more than 48,000 fire departments across the nation have earned a class 1 designation. Westerville is now one of only six departments or districts in the state of Ohio to achieve class 1.
suppression capabilities (staffing, equipment and station locations), fire prevention and code enforcement, training, emergency communications, building codes and the quality of the water distribution system. “A better insurance rating is money saved for the residents and businesses in Westerville and Blendon Township,” said Fire Chief Brian Miller. “The industry will take this information into consideration when quoting home and business insurance rates. We’re incredibly proud to have this to offer to the community we serve.” The rating becomes effective September 1, 2021.
ISO ratings provide guidance to insurance underwriters related to property risks associated with fire protection services. In addition to validating the quality of the department, this rating goes directly to the property insurance premiums insurers charge residential and commercial customers. ISO’s analysis considers
OHIO EPA RECOGNIZES ELECTRIC DIVISION for Environmental Excellence The Westerville Electric Division is among the first to be recognized by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Encouraging Environmental Excellence for Communities (E3C) program. “Sustainability and energy efficiency are a major focus for the Westerville Electric Division. In addition to helping the environment and protecting resources, these programs make good financial sense, helping to keep energy costs low for residents,” said Electric Utility Manager Chris Monacelli. “It’s an honor to be recognized by the state for our work in this area.” The utility team was named a “Stewardship Level” award winner for completing initiatives in environmental, economic and social categories. Specifically, the Ohio EPA recognized the Division’s implementation of energy efficiency programs, like the Nest Rush Hour Rewards Program, recycling programs, investment in electric vehicles and charging infrastructure and energy efficiency upgrades to City buildings. The Westerville Electric Division has served the community since 1898. As a public power utility, the Division is frequently recognized as a top performer in the industry. Learn more at www.westerville.org/electric.
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