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El Paso Inc Article 1-20-08
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Updated On: Feb 15, 2008 (17:37:00)
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Will Fire Insurance Rates Rise?
By Ryan Poulos |
 AUSTIN – Insurance rates for El Paso homeowners could go up as a result of staffing shortages in the city's fire department, according to industry experts.
The shortages also put the department in jeopardy of losing its top rating in a key area, said officials with a company that rates fire departments.
The El Paso department is more than 70 firefighters short. In an effort to fill vacant shifts, personnel from specialized units – including the hazmat team – are being assigned to fire station duty.
Departments are rated on a 1-10 scale known as a Public Protection Classification. The rating is based on several key factors, including the number of personnel available in emergencies.
The ratings are determined by a company called Insurance Services Offices.
E-mail wwpolk@elpasoinc.com |
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