The Manteca Fire Department is pursuing a goal in the coming months of restoring a “2” rating the city once had from the Insurance Services Office.

Simply put, such a rating means the department is strongly positioned to tackle fires.

An IS0 Class 2 rating may also save homeowners and businesses on the insurance premiums they pay for fire insurance.

Part of that effort includes inspecting all of the city’s 2,700 plus fire hydrants to make sure they are in top condition.

The inspections will take place over the next six months.

 A third party contractor’s crew will be accessing hydrants and briefly flowing water.

They are doing so to:

*Confirm proper operation.

*Check water pressure and flow.

*Perform necessary maintenance.

An ISO Class 2 rating indicates an excellent, top-tier level of fire protection (top 5% in the nation), signifying that a community's fire department, water supply, and emergency dispatch are highly effective.

It is the second-best rating on a 1-10 scale, often resulting in lower property insurance premiums for homes and businesses. 

 Key aspects of an ISO Class 2 rating include:

*High Performance: Represents superior fire suppression capabilities and a strong commitment to risk reduction.

*Weighted Factors: The score is based on 50% fire department capabilities (staffing, training), 40% water supply, 10% emergency dispatch, and, in some cases, 5.5% extra credit for community risk reduction.

*Insurance Impact: Property owners often see lower insurance premiums compared to communities with higher (worse) ratings.

The ratings are reviewed periodically, typically every five years, by the Insurance Services Office.

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com