Oxendine Says Atlanta’s Steps Should Improve Fire Safety Rating

Atlanta’s decision to end firefighter furloughs and re-open fire stations is likely to improve its insurance industry fire safety rating, according to Insurance Commissioner John W. Oxendine.

“I’m pleased with the progress Atlanta has made thus far in returning firefighters to work and staffing recently closed fire stations,” he said.

The rating by the Insurance Services Office, Inc., which uses data on firefighting readiness in communities across the nation, has an effect on homeowners insurance premiums. A lower number on the 1-10 ISO scale means better fire protection. Due to furloughs and other factors, Atlanta’s rating had dropped from a 2 to a 4.

Oxendine said Atlanta is now rated a 3 but he hopes ISO will raise it to 2.

The city recently announced that furloughs for all public service employees, including firefighters and police, would end.

Oxendine said the final report card on Atlanta’s ISO rating will be due in October.