Fire Station Data

The More Precise Alternative

For identifying fire support for residential properties, MSB offers a more precise alternative via the Simplified Fire Protection System method. SFPS incorporates the proven Distance to Responding Fire Station (DRFS) analysis, which we based on the principle that the most important factor in predicting a fire loss is how quickly firefighters respond to a risk. Moreover, the drive distance is the major factor in firefighter response time.

MSB incorporates Explore® Information System’s simplified FireSafe® system for three protection ratings: Fully Protected, Partially Protected and Unprotected. A risk is Fully Protected if it is within 1000’ of a fire hydrant and 5 road miles of a fire station. It is Partially Protected if it is greater than 1000’ to a hydrant but is still within 5 road miles of a fire station. It is Unprotected if it is further than 5 road miles to a fire station. Insurers may further segment these ratings using the exact distance to the responding fire station.

MSB provides the precise distance to fire station on any property. We convert addresses via geographic information system (GIS) technology into exact latitude and longitude coordinates. MSB provides data on the location of every fire station in the United States. This data contains information on the fire district and arrangements to fight fires in neighboring areas. The United States Transportation Security Administration (TSA) uses the data for MSB’s SFPS method due to the quality of our data and our updating procedures.

Automated Efficiency

MSB also provides batch geospatial SFPS analysis for part of or your entire book of business, providing the results in XML format and enabling you to perform ongoing book management efficiently. 

Integrating Distance to Fire Stations with Decisioning Technology

MSB’s data expertise includes the ability to link the distance to fire station data to a complete underwriting decisioning technology from MSB and its sister company MindBox®. The MSB Express platform gives customers immediate access to distance analysis and is your link to the nation’s most complete and user-friendly decisioning technology.  With MSB Decisioning, you will also be able to go beyond underwriting guidelines to tier pricing and other rating variables that make the distance to the fire station more than just a “go/no-go” decision.