The Village has retained its high ranking from the Insurance Services Office, an independent organization that evaluates communities’ fire preparedness capabilities. After examining the Village’s Fire Department, alarm and dispatch facilities, and water supply, Oak Park earned a rating of 2 on the Public Protection Classification (PPC) scale. The PPC scale is a 1–10 rating system, with 1 being the highest possible grading. Excellent PPC ratings result in lower fire losses, which enable insurance companies to offer fair premiums for homeowners and commercial properties. Insurers also use PPC ratings for marketing and underwriting. Communities with a good PPC score typically enjoy lower prices for fire insurance, compared to communities with lesser ratings. ISO evaluates about 2,400 fire departments in Illinois. Fewer than 2.5 percent achieve a rating of 1. For more information on Oak Park’s fire department, call 708.445.3300 or e-mail fire@oak-park.us.