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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