Following an extensive audit by an independent agency, the City of Livonia has earned an improved rating in fire suppression – making Livonia one of only four cities in Michigan to reach that level.

This a “Class 2” assessment also puts Livonia among the top 2% of all fire departments in the United States.

The Insurance Service Office (ISO) Public Protection Classification review required 18 months of examining the numerous facets that go into effective firefighting, including water supply, firefighter training, apparatus maintenance, equipment and tool testing, dispatching, fire prevention efforts, and much more.

Along with the security of knowing their community has top-quality firefighting services, residents and businesses may see another result of Livonia’s improved ISO rating – some insurance policy rates will be reduced.

While not all companies use the ISO rating, companies that do use ISO ratings can translate improved ISO ratings into better rates for customers. It may be that larger policies, like commercial and multi-residential, would see the biggest reductions. However, some Livonia homeowners could see a savings of $50 per year or more on their insurance policies due to the improve rating, which takes effect March 1, 2018.

The rating didn’t come easy. It was the culmination of collective work by the Livonia Fire Department, DPS-Water Department, and Livonia Police Department Communications/Dispatch. Each area plays a role in the rating. Fire Department operations is 50%; water supply is 40%; and Dispatch/9-1-1 Communications is 10%.