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Contact:
Karl Newman, President
Darrin Sanger, Communications Director
NW Insurance Council
Phone: (800) 664-4942
Fax: (206) 624-1975
karl.newman@nwinsurance.org
/Follow on Twitter/karljnewman
darrin.sanger@nwinsurance.org
/Follow on Twitter/darrinsanger
Disaster Preparedness
Resources
Wildfire:
Prepare Now to Protect Your Family, Home
and Business
SEATTLE - Over the past several years, record-setting wildfires
have destroyed thousands of homes, properties and land across
the west, prompting insurers to ramp up their efforts to help
protect their customers in high-risk areas across the Northwest.
In 2008, more than 1,300 wildfires scorched 147,200 acres of
Washington land. In Oregon, 1,766 fires burned 136,572 acres of
land. Nearly 1,000 fires burned 116,796 acres of land in Idaho.
Companies are inspecting more homes and properties and recommending
appropriate actions customers can take to reduce risks during
the wildfire season. Some customers may face premium increases
or coverage cancelation if adequate measures are not taken.
"Inspections coupled with constructive safety recommendations
are a huge benefit to property owners," said Darrin Sanger, NW
Insurance Council communications director. "Failure to take action
could result in loss of life or completely destroyed homes and
businesses. Insurance experts are taking time to warn their customers
of serious risks to their properties so they can invest in safety
ahead of time."
During inspections, insurers are assessing potential hazards
such as dead or diseased trees on the premises, lack of defensible
space and whether or not the building has a fire-resistant roof.
Insurance companies will give homeowners and business owners time
to remedy any unnecessary risks. Check with your agent or company
for details.
NW Insurance Council offers these tips to help residents protect
their families, properties and assets:
- Review your insurance policy - Contact a representative
from your insurance company or your insurance agent to be sure
you have the right coverage to meet your needs.
- Make sure you have the appropriate amount of insurance
- especially if you've recently made additions to your home.
- Fireproof your rooftop - The roof is the most vulnerable
part of your home when it comes to fires. Replace wood-shake
roofs with less flammable material, when possible. Keep roofs
and gutters clear of needles and leaves.
- Defensible Spacing- Clear brush 30 to 100 feet from
your home. Keep your yard well groomed and watered and remove
old stumps and weak or diseased trees from your property. Create
a buffer zone by landscaping with fire-resistant plants. Contact
your local utility company if you notice tree branches touching
power lines.
- Home exterior precautions - Install screens on chimneys,
stovepipes and attic openings. Trim trees that overhang the
home to prevent fire in trees from easily spreading to the roof
of the house. Keep flammable materials like fuel tanks at least
30 feet away from the home.
- Be accessible and visible - Make sure your house number
is visible from the street. If firefighters can't find you,
they can't help you.
- Home interior precautions - Consider installing a home
sprinkler system. Replace batteries in smoke detectors in every
room of your home at least twice each year. Maintain a home
inventory of all of your possessions, including descriptions
and serial numbers. Keep your home inventory in a fireproof
safe or off the premises.
- Develop an emergency preparedness plan - Gather and
store a three-day supply of food and water, First Aid supplies,
flashlights and a portable radio.
- Maintain a complete home inventory - Keep copies of
contracts and receipts of your personal possessions in a safe
place outside of your home. Take pictures or video of your belongings.
If your home is damaged or destroyed by a wildfire. Your home
inventory can help you and your adjuster recreate your home.
NW Insurance Council offers free downloadable Home
Inventory Software for your convenience.
For more tips to safeguard your home or business from wildfire,
order a free brochure, Firestorm - Northwest Wildfires: Protecting
Yourself. Call (800) 664-4942, or visit www.nwinsurance.org.
NW Insurance Council is a nonprofit, public-education
organization funded by member insurance companies serving Washington,
Oregon and Idaho
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