As Wragg Fire Expands, Insurers Offers Advice to Residents

El Niño won’t end drought; but Wildfire Reality Check can keep you prepared

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – With the Wragg Fire growing to more than 6,000 acres and impacting Napa and Solano counties, residents should listen to the warnings of local and state officials and seek safety if asked to evacuate. Once evacuated to a safe location, residents should save receipts for expenses and contact their insurance companies through their toll free claims telephone numbers as soon as possible to begin receiving assistance if their home is damaged, according to the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI).

“In emergency situations such as this, insurers seek to make contact with policyholders as easy as possible and are committed to getting the claims and recovery process started so life can return to normal as soon as possible,” said Nicole Marht-Ganley, senior director of public affairs for PCI.

PCI encourages residents not directly impacted by the current fires should use these events as a wake-up call and remember to take some simple steps to financially prepare themselves for natural disasters.

“It’s time for homeowners and renters to make financial and physical preparedness for wildfires a priority,” said Marht-Ganley. “Don’t wait until it’s too late when the knock on your door comes and you are asked to leave your home in ten minutes. Start preparing physically and financially now. Homeowners and renters need to look at their coverage. Homeowners should update their policy to reflect any remodeling or upgrades and review your policy with your agent or company. Everyone should compile a home inventory detailing personal possessions, make a family evacuation plan and mitigate property to reduce fire risk.”

Wildfire Reality Check Preparedness

Meteorologists are warning that the predicted El Niño will NOT solve California’s ongoing drought. Consequently, PCI is urging residents across California to take a wildfire reality check and make sure their homes and finances are prepared for wildfire threats in 2015.

“Mother Nature is unpredictable, but we can prepare ahead of time for what she may cause,” said Christopher Hackett, PCI director of personal lines policy.“Through the Wildfire Reality Check we want to move homeowners and renters from focusing solely on the need to prepare their property for wildfires, to also thinking about the financial implications. The Wildfire Reality Check asks if you have taken the time to financially prepare for wildfires and provides tips and resources to help you get ready.”

PCI encourages everyone to take the Wildfire Reality Check Quiz and test their level of preparedness. The PCI Wildfire Headquarters has many resources and tips including the Wildfire Reality Check Infographic.  

Wildfire Reality Check – Are You Prepared Financially?

For more tips check out: http://www.readyforwildfire.org/Financial_Preparedness

• Do an annual insurance check up with your agent or insurer

• Understand your policy – do you have a replacement cost policy up to limits or actual cash value

• Update your policy after any home improvements

• If your home is paid off, be sure to maintain coverage

• Make sure your policy reflects your home’s correct square footage

Wildfire Reality Check – Is Your Property Prepared?

For more tips check out: http://www.readyforwildfire.org/

• Create Defensive Space – Clear 30 to 100 feet from home in all directions

• Remove dead leaves and debris from roof & rain gutters

• Remove wood piles or prune flammable plants and shrubs near windows

• Trim trees branches a minimum of 10 feet from other threes. Embers are a major cause of spreading fires

• Remove vegetation and items that can catch fire under decks.

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