Hendersonville residents can look forward to potential savings on their homeowners insurance after the city earned an upgraded fire safety rating from a national evaluation program. The improvement reflects recent investments in training, equipment and partnerships that have strengthened the local fire department’s ability to protect the community.
What the rating upgrade means
Administrative Fire Chief Brian Fann explained that the higher rating should directly benefit homeowners. “Across the board they should see a 5% reduction. Some communities across the country saw anywhere from a 3 to 8%,” he said. The exact discount will vary by insurance carrier, so residents are encouraged to contact their insurers after Dec. 1 to confirm any adjustments to their policies.
How Hendersonville earned the higher score
The fire department attributes the rating boost to consistent, hard‑working training and the strategic use of regional resources. “Our guys are working hard and training hard every day, and that was the biggest gain,” Chief Fann noted. Access to the Goodlettsville fire training facility, made possible through grant funding, allowed Hendersonville firefighters to practice advanced tactics and maintain equipment to a higher standard.
Areas still needing attention
While the rating upgrade marks a clear step forward, the report also identified several shortcomings. The city lost points for infrequent flow testing of fire hydrants, insufficient water flow at certain locations, and staffing levels that fall short of optimal coverage. Chief Fann said the department will continue to monitor these metrics and make improvements. “Each year we are going to review, we’re going to process everything that we’re doing to make sure we’re padding those numbers, chasing that number 1,” he added.
What homeowners should do
Homeowners are advised to review their insurance policies after Dec. 1 and ask their providers how the new fire safety rating may affect premiums. The city’s website now hosts the full rating report and offers contact information for the fire department should residents have questions about the changes.
Community impact
Lower insurance costs can ease the financial burden on families, aligning with Hendersonville’s broader goal of supporting traditional households and fostering a stable, thriving community. By investing in public safety, the city not only protects lives and property but also helps keep household expenses manageable.
Chief Fann emphasized that the fire department’s success is a collective effort. “It’s a team effort, and we’re grateful for the community’s support and the grant resources that made this possible,” he said. The department plans to keep the public informed of progress and will release updates on future rating assessments.
Original reporting: NewsChannel 5 WTVF (Scripps) – local — read the source article.
