Monette ISO rating upgraded

The City of Monette received a Class 5 classification range last month from the recent ISO inspection, as part of the Public Protection Classification survey, and the city is now entitled to a substantial reduction in insurance rates.

ISO is the leading supplier of statistical, underwriting, and actuarial information for the property/casualty insurance industry. When the ISO analysis of the structure fire suppression delivery system was completed, the report upgraded the Monette system from a 7 to a 5. Insurance companies were contacted by PPC so they can change their policy rating system, reducing insurance coverage costs.

"We are so pleased with the ISO inspection report," said Bob Blankenship, Monette fire chief. "We were last inspected in May 1995, and received a Class 7 at that time. We have really worked hard on these improvements for the past three or four years, hoping to upgrade at least one point. When we got two points we were extremely pleased."

"We added 24 hours of water storage, since the last ISO inspection," said David Moore, water superintendent. "Before, we could have gone through our water supply in a few hours. We also added a 10 inch loop around the city."

Mayor David Fletcher said the city has added hydrants and tests them on a regular basis. The hydrants are color coded.

"We added a new pumper, certification, and our records are computerized and up to date," said David Clark, assistant chief. "We have a more up to date record keeping system now."

"We got our phone and paging system up to date, and updated all of our turnout gear," said Blankenship. "Our firemen are required to get six to eight hours of training each month. We currently have 17 firemen. We have added first responders."

"It takes both the fire department and the water department working together to get the job done," Fletcher said. "The ISO reported that our water supply was graded on the capacity, hydrant distribution, method of installation, condition of hydrants, and water supply. The fire department was graded on their engine, equipment carried, response, training, and availability of fire fighters.

"This is quite an accomplishment, and I am very proud of everyone who had a part in it," Fletcher said. "We are very fortunate to have such a well-rounded group of volunteers and trained personnel, who have the city's best interest at heart."