Improved Bixby Fire Rating May Mean Lower Insurance Costs For Residents

Starting in May, homeowner's insurance rates could go down for people who live in Bixby. That's all thanks to the fire department and what's called an ISO rating. 
     
The Bixby Fire Department says the hard work paid off. The ISO rating just went from a 5 to a 3. The lower the number, the better. 

And the city has never seen a 3 before. 

"It's a big deal," said Chief Bryan Wood, Bixby Fire Department. 

Chief Bryan Wood said the International Standards Organization came by in February and bumped the rating after seeing how the fire department operates. 

One thing that helps in their per-plan program that gives crews access to information about city businesses prior to arriving on a fire scene.
 
Wood said the information about businesses on their iPads, the equipment firefighters use and their training all end up helping homeowners. 

Folks who live within 1,000 feet of a fire hydrant and within five miles of a fire station could see their homeowner's insurance go down. 

Lauren Webb, her husband Tim and their two dogs have lived in their Bixby home for almost six years. 

"We love this neighborhood. It's quiet," said Lauren Webb.

The city says it expects the average homeowner could save about $100 a year, which Webb looks forward to because they're not moving anytime soon. 

"We just remodeled our house, so we plan to stay here for a while," Lauren Webb said.

Chief Wood says he's proud but won't get complacent. 

"We hope that we can continue to do things to improve," he said.

Wood said it's up to homeowners to take the initiative and call their insurance company to let them know about the ISO rating change.