Wild Fire Season

Colorado has already experienced multiple wildfires this year that have already destroyed numerous structures and land. The dry and warm Colorado climate is a dangerous recipe for wildfires.  Whether you live in the mountains, on the plains or even in the city it is important to make sure you and your possessions are prepared for a fire. You can also do many different things to prepare your house and landscape to prevent a fire or reduce damage if a fire approaches.

How to prepare your home

·         Thin trees and shrubs that are within 75 feet from your home. Even further if it is on a slope.

·         Clear all vegetation within the first 15 feet of home. Beyond that trees and shrubs should be thinned to allow 10-12 feet between branches

·         Grass and weeds should be less than 6 inches high

·         Trim branches that extend over roofs and completely remove branches that hang over chimneys

·         Keep wood piles at least 30 feet from home

·         If possible use brick, rock or stucco for exterior of home and fencing

·         Roof is most vulnerable in times of fire. Use class A or B roofing materials such as shingles, slate, clay tiles or metal.

·         Cover exterior vents with metal mesh to prevent sparks from entering home

When a fire approaches

Try to remain calm and remember your evacuation plan and materials.

·         Grab your evacuation box (which was explained in previous blog)

·         Notify insurance company immediately to let them know where you are headed and how to reach you

·         Park vehicles in closed garage with keys in ignition and unlocked (this is so crews can move your vehicles if fire becomes threatening)

·         Attach garden hoes to spigots and fill up trash cans and buckets of water so fire fighters can find them

·         Close all doors inside the home and shut off petroleum gas/natural gas valves

·         Move furniture away from windows and remove curtain blinds

If home is damaged

·         Contact insurance company immediately. You will meet with a claims adjuster and someone will inspect the damage. The first check you will receive will most likely not be your final payment but some money for temporary repairs. Most insurance companies include an “additional living expense” clause which covers your expenses if you are ordered to evacuate or relocate for a period of time.

·         In most cases you will receive two separate checks, one for structural damage and one for personal belongings. This is why it is very important to complete a home inventory

·         Take photos of damages and losses, make temporary repairs and save receipts because you will most likely be reimbursed.

Now you know how to prepare your personal belongings, important documents, home and landscape for a fire or evacuation. Be sure to look over your insurance policy and if you have any questions about your coverage’s don’t be afraid to call your agent. At CO Insurance Specialist we have over 30 years of experience and are happy to answer questions or concerns at any time.

http://www.cisofryou.com/  

 Work Cited

Goertzen, J., Moreno, J., & Steffen, J. (2011, May 01). Advance planning critical. The Denver Post, p. 13A.

Plan Ahead

Plan Ahead for a Wildfire

Colorado has already experience multiple wildfires this year that have destroyed numerous structures and land. The dry and warm Colorado climate is a dangerous recipe for wildfires.  Whether you live in the mountains, on the plains or even in the city it is important to make sure you and your possessions are prepared for an evacuation.

Insurance Checkup

The first thing you should do is look over your insurance policy and make sure the replacement cost of your structure (Coverage A) is accurate and would cover 100 percent of your structure. Another coverage you need to check is your personal property (Coverage C) to be sure it is enough and is covered at replacement cost.

Home Inventory

It never hurts to have all of your most valuable and expensive possessions documented. You may want to take pictures or videos of each room and store them on a portable computer or USB port. Make a complete list of major possessions or appliances including where you bought them, make, model, serial number and copy of receipts or appraisals.

Know where documents are at

If you have made an inventory list but do not know where it is off the top of your head then it is not helpful! Try keeping a file box or folders that are easily assessable for you but also in a safe location. You should have a copy or actual document of the following:

House inventory

Insurance policy/contract/agent contact information

Social Security cards

Driver’s license

Credit cards

Vehicle Titles

Passports

Health insurance cards

Birth certificates

Vaccinations and registration records for pets

A disaster kit

It wouldn’t hurt to have an extra pair of clothes, shoes, blankets, towels, medications, car keys and gloves. In most cases there is a red cross at relief sites that would provide you with the essentials but it is always nice to have your own clothes on your back when going through a disaster.

Plan for your pets

Make arrangements in advance for where your furry friends would go in the event of an evacuation.  Also be sure to keep your pets registrations accurate including contact information. Supplies and information for your pet should also be kept in your evacuation kit. For larger animals include the essentials such as food, bandages, supplements, wire cutters, etc that would last up to 14 days.

Follow the steps

Now that you have these few easy steps to prepare for a wildfire take the necessary actions to be ready. When a fire is approaching your home and you have only minutes to evacuate you most likely will panic. Being prepared will lesson your chances of forgetting something and will help you get out of your house faster. Be sure to visit our blog next week to learn about how to prepare your home to lessen the chances of damage and fire-smart landscaping.

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