Insurance Services Office has rated East Peoria as Class 5, an improvement from its previous Class 6 rating.

ISO classifications run from Class 1, representing an exemplary fire suppression program, to Class 10 which does not meet ISO's minimum criteria. ISO is an independent company serving insurance companies, communities, fire departments, insurance regulators and others by providing information about risk. East Peoria is normally rated only once every 10 years, according to Fire Chief Bill Darin.

"I would suggest that homeowners and business owners make sure to let their local insurance agent know of our new rating, to make sure it is reflected on their insurance premium," Darin said.

The ISO's public protection classification program evaluates communities using a uniform set of criteria, incorporating nationally recognized standards developed by the National Fire Protection Association and the American Water Works Association. Classifications are based on fire alarm and communication systems including telephone systems and lines, staffing and dispatching; the fire department including equipment, staffing, training and geographic distribution of fire companies; and the water supply system, including the condition and maintenance of hydrants, alternative water supply operations, and an evaluation of the amount of available water compared with the amount needed to suppress fires up to 3,500 gallons per minute.

A total of 100 points is possible. Communities scoring 50 to 59.99 receive Class 5 ratings.