Residents in the New Hope Volunteer Fire Department district could save money on fire insurance premiums, thanks to the fire department receiving an ISO rating of 6.

It took about four years of extensive training and preparation by all members of the New Hope VFD, to receive the new ISO rating.  It is estimated that someone who owns a $150,000 brick home could save up to 25% on their insurance premiums.  Some factors for a homeowner to qualify for the savings are; the house must be either within five miles of the fire station or within 500 feet of a fire hydrant or alternative water source.  

In August 2002, the New Hope VFD went through a series of inspections from the state.  The three services that were graded were: water supply, communications, and strength of the department as a whole.  Water supply and strength of the department are looked at the most by state officials.

Most of New Hope VFD's fire district does not have fire hydrants, so firefighters have to use water points and bring to water to the fire.  Water shuttling, is a method used by rural fire departments to extract water from various sources, such as ponds, rivers, and lakes. The New Hope VFD has several water sources in their area and their ability to efficiently use these water points is one factor that led to a lower service rating.

In the year 2002, the New Hope VFD spent more than 6,000 hours training for the inspection.  Training, tons of paper work, and a three day inspection from the state is only half of the story for a better rating.  The New Hope VFD must be able to keep up the quality of services.  The state inspectors will be back in five to seven years to review the department.

The New Hope VFD encourages all homeowners in their district to contact their insurance companies to see if they qualify for a lower fire insurance premium.

The New Hope VFD is the first rural fire department to apply for an insurance rating under that state inspection system.  State officials took over for ISO in the insurance inspections of cities with populations below 100,000 residents in 2000. 

The New Hope VFD would like to thank the community for their support.