HEAT DOME & DROUGHT CONDITIONS COMBINE TO DELIVER KEY REMINDER TO PREPARE FOR WILDFIRES
Insurers Offer Western and Southwestern States Easy Tips to Prepare Finances and Property for Wildfires
SACRAMENTO, CA — The impending heat dome and severe drought conditions in the West and Southwest present millions of Americans who are homeowners and renters with an important reminder that now is the time to get both their finances and property prepared for wildfires, announced the American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA).
“Extreme heat is headed for western and southwestern states this week,” said Karen Collins, APCIA assistant vice president, Personal Lines, for the Policy, Research, & International Division at APCIA. “The hot and dry conditions will accelerate the potential for wildfires as vegetation further dries out after the state received less than half of average rainfall and snowpack since October, marking the second driest two-year period on record in Northern California. This wildfire threat along with a national shortage of construction materials, including lumber and computer chips used in smart appliances, could result in delays and higher costs, making recovery and rebuilding even more challenging if widespread losses occur.”
“Taking a few steps now to protect your finances and reduce risk can make a major difference,” said Collins. “Have a conversation with your insurance company or agent to make sure your policy is up to date and use your smartphone to make a video of each room in your home, so you have a home inventory.”
The National Weather Service has issued excessive heat warnings for the west and desert southwest, forecasting record-breaking, dangerous heat. Verisk Wildfire Risk Analysis finds 4.5 million U.S. homes were identified at high or extreme risk of wildfire.
“When there is a wildfire, embers are the number one enemy,” said Collins. “Create five feet of defensible space around your home to prevent embers from igniting vegetation or items directly adjacent or connected to the home.
“Renters and homeowners should rest assured that insurers are prepared and ready for wildfires in 2021,” said Collins. “Insurers are using innovative technologies and mobile apps to virtually process and adjust claims.”
Create an Ember-Resistant Zone Around Your Home
Tip 1: Zone 1 – Create a five-foot noncombustible zone around your home and deck. Keep mulch and plants away from your home. Remove dead trees and shrubs.
Tip 2: Check your deck & roof – Keep your gutters and roof clear of debris and leaves. Remove combustibles from on, under, and around decks.
Tip 3: Scrutinize your siding. There should be six inches of noncombustible materials between the ground and the start of the siding.
Tip 4: Examine your vents – Upgrade the vents around your house to 1/8th inch metal mesh. Replace you dryer vent to a self-closing vent.
Tip 5: Close your eaves – If your home has open-eave construction, enclose open eaves whenever you have an opportunity in construction. With open-eave construction, use caulk to plug gaps between exposed rafter tails and blocking.
Get Your Finances Wildfire Ready
Tip 1: Conduct an Annual Insurance Check Up
Call your agent or insurance company to discuss your policy limits and coverage annually. Make sure your policy reflects the right square footage and materials of your home. Consider purchasing building code upgrade coverage.
Tip 2: Know What Your Policy Covers
The details matter. Understand if you have a replacement cost policy that pays to replace all your personal belongings at current market price or an actual cash value policy that takes depreciation into account and pays less for aged items. An extended replacement cost option might also be available for your home, which provides an extra layer of coverage when construction costs spike following a surge in demand after a widespread disaster.
Tip 3: Update Your Policy to Cover Home Improvements
If you have made recent home improvements, be sure to call your agent or company to update your coverage. Make sure your insurer knows about the changes so the new granite countertops or a recent room addition is covered if you must rebuild.
Tip 4: Maintain Insurance
If your home is paid off, be sure to maintain homeowners insurance. Do not be caught after a fire with no way to rebuild your home. Check with loved ones with paid off homes to be sure they continue to carry homeowners insurance.
Tip 5: Get Renters Insurance
Renters can lose everything in a fire just like homeowners. Many insurers bundle renters insurance coverage with an auto insurance policy for very affordable prices.
Make a Home Inventory
Tip 1: Video or photograph each room of your home. Remember to document personal items in drawers and closets.
Tip 2: Describe your home’s contents, what you paid, where and when you bought items in your video.
Tip 3: Remember to note and video your electronics, appliances, sports equipment, TVs, computers, tablets.
Tip 4: Store key documents like a home inventory electronically in the cloud or in a fireproof case.
Tip 5: Don’t forget to video or photograph what is inside your garage.
The American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA) is the primary national trade association for home, auto, and business insurers. APCIA promotes and protects the viability of private competition for the benefit of consumers and insurers, with a legacy dating back 150 years. APCIA members represent all sizes, structures, and regions—protecting families, communities, and businesses in the U.S. and across the globe.
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