05/27/2010

Claremore, OK - Recent service improvements may pay off for residents of a local fire protection district. On April 1, the Insurance Services Office (ISO) revised the Limestone Fire Protection District's public protection classification - from a Class 7/10 to a Class 5/10 - to reflect investments in capital and operational upgrades made by Limestone Fire Department. Only 16% of Oklahoma fire districts have earned an ISO classification of 5 or below.

The ISO rates communities' fire suppression capabilities to help insurance companies calculate premiums. The higher a community's ISO rating, the higher the premiums homeowners must pay. Properties located within five road-miles of one of Limestone's three responding stations - over 99% of estates in the district - now have a Class 5 rating. For homeowners, this can mean savings of up to several hundred dollars annually based on property value.

"I updated my homeowner's policy earlier this month and because of Limestone's improved ISO classification, my premiums have been reduced. I'll save more than $100 per year as a result of the department's improvements," said Ed Bell, chairman of the Limestone Fire Protection District, who owns an 1,800-square-foot home in the district. "People with larger homes can expect to save even more."

Located in southwestern Rogers County, the Limestone Fire Protection District provides fire suppression and medical first response service in a 38-square-mile area that includes parts of Southwest Rogers County. Residents served by many larger city-based fire departments won't qualify for the potential savings available to property owners in the Limestone district.

"Protecting residents' lives and property is the first priority of Limestone Fire Department," says Limestone Fire Chief Carl Smith. "However, we welcome the opportunity to help residents save money, too."

The ISO provides updated classifications to insurance companies that use its data to calculate premiums. However, Smith and Bell encourage residents to contact their insurance providers themselves to determine potential savings. District officials have attended homeowners' association meetings this month to discuss the reclassification. A letter from Chief Smith has been provide for residents with information about change in ISO classification.

Limestone Fire Department operates three stations, including one across the street from the booming Stone Canyon housing community, the new Patriot Golf Club and the Limestone district's only elementary school. Highly trained and qualified staff, including both paid and volunteer fire fighters, respond to all medical and fire emergency calls within the area. Along with customary medical and rescue equipment, the department has a 75' ladder truck, three fire engines, two heavily equipped rescues, a rescue boat, and 11 support vehicles strategically positioned to ensure a fast response to any emergency.

"Because Limestone firefighters are located here in the community, we respond to emergencies more quickly," explains Smith. "We also have a personal stake in ensuring the best possible outcome for residents. This is our community, our neighbors, and we take pride in offering an outstanding level of service here."

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