Lower Currituck Fire District Receives New Rating After Inspection State Officials Award District a 7/9E Rating RALEIGH - North Carolina Insurance Commissioner and State Fire Marshal Jim Long announced today that the Lower Currituck Fire District completed its routine inspection and received a 7/9E rating. The inspection, conducted by officials with the Department of Insurance Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM), is required on a regular basis as part of the North Carolina Response Rating System (NCRRS). Among other things, the routine inspections look for proper staffing levels, sufficient equipment, proper maintenance of equipment, communications capabilities, and availability of a water source.
The 7/9E rating is an improvement over the previous rating of 9S. The NCRRS rating system ranges from 1 (highest) to 10 (not recognized as a certified fire department by the state), with most rural departments falling into the 9S category. While lower ratings do not necessarily indicate poor service, a higher rating does suggest that a department is overall better equipped to respond to fires in its district. Higher ratings can also significantly lower homeowners insurance rates in that fire district.
"I'd like to congratulate Chief Moseman for his department's performance and for the hard work of all the department members," said Commissioner Long. "The citizens in Lower Currituck Fire District should rest easy knowing they have a fine group of firefighters protecting them and their property in case of an emergency."
State law requires OSFM officials to inspect departments serving districts of 100,000 people or less, which makes up all but six of the state's fire districts.
Homeowners should contact their insurance companies to ask about new premiums.
Over two years ago, Chief Moseman set a goal to improve the fire district's rating. The improved rating is the result of many hours of work to upgrade the capabilities of the department through training, new trucks, new tools and equipment by the 100% volunteer membership. We also thank residents and property owners of the district for providing necessary funding through the service tax, generous donations, and support for the LCVFD fundraisers. Also, a special thanks to Chief Daily and the Membership of the Crawford VFD on our Reciprocated Aid Program which allows our departments to increase the rated districts from 5 miles to 6 miles.
LCVFD is committed to continuous improvement. Although we are pleased with the improved insurance ratings, this is just the first step. We have already begun planning to reach the next level.
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