The town of Dearing's lowered ISO rating that went into effect Dec. 1 could lower insurance premiums for homes and businesses within the town limits, said Town Councilman Judson Story.

Story, a member of the Dearing Volunteer Fire Department, played an integral role in improving the town's fire protection services.

"Chief (Danny) Cason and I have worked some long hours together, and really the entire Dearing fire department helped by going to training and keeping their records up to date," Story said. "It takes a team effort."

Ratings are assigned by a company called ISO, which analyzes fire protection in communities across the United States. The scores range from a one, which indicates superior fire protection, to a 10, which indicates that the area's program fails to meet the company's minimum criteria.

Dearing's Public Protection Classification was lowered from an eight to a four, a change that Cason announced at the town council's September meeting.