Be Covered - PCI has Wildfire Preparedness Tips for You
With the threat of severe weather and dry conditions, PCI is urging those who live in fire-prone areas to prepare both financially and physically for wildfires.
January 1 thru February 20, 2015 had 5,040 wildfires in the U.S., which burned 85,282 acres. “It’s important to be prepared and note that most homeowners and auto insurance policies will cover property lost or damaged due to a wildfire, but it’s important to make that initial contact with your insurer to begin the recovery process if your home is damaged or destroyed by a wildfire,” said Marguerite Tortorello, PCI Senior Vice President, Public Affairs.
The biggest investment most people make is buying a home so it is vital for that investment to be financially protected with insurance. Renters should also protect their possessions with affordable renters insurance, many companies will bundle this coverage with an auto policy. The best way to recover from a catastrophe is to financially prepare ahead of time.
Homeowners and renters should conduct an insurance check-up annually. Make sure any remodels or upgrades are added to a policy. Check building costs and update policy limits. Conduct a home inventory and family evacuation drill so every member of the household is prepared. Don’t forget to consider seniors, pets and children!
Preparedness Tips for Wildfire Season—Physical Prep
100-foot clearance – Defensible space will slow the spread of a fire and help keep fire fighters safe.
Clean rain gutters – Clean out leaves, pine needles and dirt that may have collected in rain gutters and on your roof since last winter.
Clean chimney – Cut back tree branches that hang over the house or near the chimney.
Cut trees – Create 6 feet of clearance between the ground and tree branches.
No wood piles – Do not place wood piles or wooden play houses against homes or structures.
Fire extinguishers – Keep operational fire extinguishers in kitchens.
Batteries – Make sure your fire/smoke alarms are operational with new batteries.
Have a family plan – Have family evacuation drills. Make sure your family knows what actions to take if a fire breaks out in the house. Teach all family members, young and old, how to stop, drop and roll in a fire. Make sure family members know how to get out of a house in the event of a fire. If a fire is in one room, shut the door to slow the spread of a fire. Do not open a room with a “hot” door knob.
I.D. valuables – Identify family valuables and treasures you can gather in a short time span. Plan for pets, grab leashes and food.
Fire resistant landscaping – Consider landscaping with fire resistance trees and shrubs such as deciduous trees and low growing shrubs:
Know your codes – Know your building codes and use fire resistant materials. Some states now require the installation of sprinklers in new construction. Learn more about fire resistant building materials available in your area.
For those directly impacted by the wildfires, PCI has an After the Wildfire-Home Insurance Recovery Guide to help you with the claims process.
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