Metchosinites could soon be saving more on home insurance.
The Metchosin Fire Department recently received accreditation for superior tanker shuttle services, such as alternative water supply for public fire protection, through the Fire UnderWriters Survey.
With the accreditation, residents in the municipality who own detached dwellings and are within eight kilometres of the fire hall and within five km of a recognized water supply point are eligible to receive a reduction in fire insurance rates.
“On normal insurance, if you didn’t have the accreditation then you would be paying higher insurance rates for your home insurance,” Fire Chief Stephanie Dunlop said.
“With this [accreditation], it basically means as a fire department, we’ve proven that we can supply a set amount of water in that area. We can get enough water to a potentially reduce the risk of any potential fire damage . . . So far, it’s averaging around $500 a household [in savings].”
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Metchosin isn’t the first municipality to jump on board with the accreditation. Earlier this year, the District of Highlands also received superior shuttle accreditation.
Dunlop said it’s a lengthy process, including passing a test that ensures the department can flow 200 gallons of water a minute for four hours, and prove it has the necessary equipment and training.
She noted the automatic mutual aid agreement, which says fire departments in Sooke, East Sooke, Otter Point and Langford will come to Metchosin’s aid if necessary, also helped the application.
“It’s a community service. It’s reducing home insurance costs for our taxpayers,” she said.