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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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