The term "911 rating" is a noun phrase, where "rating" is the central noun and "911" functions as an adjectival modifier (specifically, a noun adjunct). It specifies the subject of the rating, which pertains to emergency communication and response systems. The phrase most commonly refers to the specific component of a broader municipal evaluation, such as the Insurance Services Office (ISO) Public Protection Classification (PPC), that assesses a community's emergency communications capabilities.
This type of assessment systematically analyzes the performance and infrastructure of a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) or emergency dispatch center. Key evaluation criteria include the number of telecommunicators on duty to handle call volume, the quality and application of dispatch protocols, and the technological capabilities of the center, such as computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems. In the context of the ISO's PPC program, the emergency communications system accounts for 10% of the total score, which also evaluates the fire department (50%) and the water supply system (40%).
The practical application of this rating is primarily in the insurance industry. A higher, more favorable classification signifies a community's enhanced ability to receive and dispatch emergency calls effectively, which contributes to faster overall response times and potentially reduced property loss. Consequently, this data is used by insurance underwriters to help determine property insurance premiums for homes and businesses within that jurisdiction. A better rating can lead to lower insurance costs, reflecting the lower risk associated with superior emergency services.
