Release Date" July 18, 2008

ALERT FIRE DISTRICT RECEIVES RATING AFTER INSPECTION

STATE OFFICIALS AWARD DISTRICT A 6/9E

 Raleigh - North Carolina Insurance Commissoner and State Fire Marshal Jim Long announced today that the Alert Fire District completed its routine inspection and received a 6/9e rating, effective Saturday, November 1, 2008. The inspection, conducted by officials with the Department of Insurance Office of the 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 NCRRS rating system ranges from one (highest) to 10 (not recognizedas 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 equiped to respond to fires in its district. Higher ratings also significantly lower homeowners rates in that fire district.

"I'd like to congratulate Chief Gupton, Jr. for his department's performance and for the hard work of all the department members," said Commisioner Long. "The citiizens in the Alert Fire District should rest easy knowing they have a fine group of firefighters protecting them and their property in case of an emergency."

NCDOI