High Falls Fire & Rescue receives new inspection rating

High Falls Fire and Rescue received a 5/9E high inspection rating on June 27 from the state.

The inspection was conducted by the North Carolina Insurance Commissioner and State Fire Marshal Mike Causey as required by the North Carolina Response Rating System (NCRRS).

“Back in April, the department was evaluated for our ISO rating,” said High Falls Fire and Rescue on its Facebook page. “Our rating prior to that evaluation was a 7 but we are happy to announce that we have been reevaluated at a score of 5! This means we are better equipped to handle fire flow situations and better insurance ratings for some of our residents. Great job to Chief Scott and all the members that worked tirelessly to make this happen!”

Staffing levels, sufficient equipment, proper maintenance of equipment, communications capabilities and availability of water are included in the routine inspections. The NCRRS rating system ranges from one (highest) to 10 (not recognized as a certified fire department by the state). Rural departments have an average rating of 9S.

Lower scores do not indicate poor service, and a higher rating does not indicate it is better equipped.

Higher ratings can “significantly” lower homeowners’ insurance.

“I would like to congratulate Chief Scott for the department’s performance and for the hard work of all the department’s members,” said Commissioner Causey in a press release. “The citizens in the town of these districts should rest easy knowing they have a fine group of firefighters protecting them and their property in case of an emergency.”

Photo via High Falls Fire and Rescue.

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