Since the 1980’s the fire season on the west coast has been extended by about 2 to 3 months than what it originally was. A wildfire is an unplanned, unwanted fire burning in a natural area. With increasing building developments homes and businesses built in forests, grasslands, or prairies are susceptible to wildfires. The three things a fire needs to burn are heat, fuel, and oxygen. The conditions are perfect during wildfire season as the trees and grass are dry and oxygen flow is provided by stronger winds. Fires can occur at any time during the year, but with climate change causing the snow to melt off sooner than normal and even hotter Summer, it’s important to be prepared in the case a wildfire does hit your area.
How to Prepare for a Wildfire
- Create a defensible space
This includes keeping the trees around your home trimmed and keeping all flammable items such as propane tanks and dry logs away from your home. It’s advised that you create a fire-resistant zone that is free of any flammable materials, debris, or leaves
2. Create an emergency plan
It is best to protect yourself and your family by evacuating early to avoid getting trapped. Ensure everyone in the household understands and knows where to go and what to do if you need to evacuate quickly. Be prepared by planning where you will be staying and how you will be getting there. If you will be evacuating your vehicle, make sure it is filled with gas and ready to go
3. Store supplies for quick and easy access
Take the time now to make a list of the things you would need/want to take with you if you need to leave your home quickly. Store basic emergency supplies and remember to include items for people with disabilities, older adults, and children. Go to Build A Kit | Ready.gov for a complete list of supplies you should include in your “Go Bag”.
When making your list make sure to consider the Five Ps of Evacuation
- People—and if safely possible, pets
- Prescriptions—along with dosages, medicines, equipment, eyeglasses, and hearing aids.
- Papers—Hard and/or electronic copies of birth certificates, insurance policies, etc.
- Personal Needs—food, clothes, chargers, and phones as well as any items that people with functional needs may require.
- Priceless Items—now that you have everything you need if there is time safely grab all irreplaceable mementos or valuables.
Over 46 million homes and more than 70,000 communities are at risk of a wildfire in the United States.
Whether you are a renter or a homeowner, it is crucial to cover your property and belongings. The dwelling coverage in a homeowners policy covers the structure of your property in the case it needs to be rebuilt which may seem most important, but we like to highlight the personal property and loss of use coverages.
Personal property is as it sounds, it covers all your belongings inside your home. We recommend making a home inventory. Take pictures, videos, keep copies of receipts and the claims process will show to be quicker and more efficient.
Loss of Use is coverage not many people know of or know what it means. This coverage will cover the cost-of-living expenses should you need to rent a home while your home is being repaired.
Here at Capital Insurance Service, our experienced agents are here to make sure you and your home are protected. Call us today for a free quote or come by any of our two locations in Reno or Carson City.
Reno 775-853-3388 Carson City 775-883-4433
