Wildfires – What to Do When You’re in the Danger Zone
If you find yourself in the path of a wildfire like the horrible ones raging in California right now, there are several things you can do to try to lessen the damage to your property.
Before a Fire Starts
- Make absolutely certain your Insurance policies do the following:
- Covers wildfire damage to your home/building, contents
- Covers additional living expenses (including hotel rooms and food)
- Covers physical damage to your vehicle as a result of fire damage (auto policy)
- Clear combustible materials from within 30 feet of the building
- Cut down any low-hanging tree limbs (15 feet or closer to the ground)
- Remove any vines or vegetation growing on the building
- Put any flammable lawn furniture in storage
- Create fuel breaks within 100-30 feet of the building
- Plant trees far enough apart that their branches do not touch (or trim them if they do)
- Create an emergency escape plan (talk to your town officials to learn about evacuation routes)
- Pack an emergency kit (bedding, first aid, flashlights, water, clothes, etc.)
During a Fire
- Listen to emergency channels (radio and/or TV) to keep abreast of the status and location of the fire line
- Pack your emergency supplies into your car
- If you have time:
- Move furniture away from the walls and take down curtains
- Close all windows and doors
- Shut off natural gas at its source
- Turn on all property lights (this will make it easier for firefighters to see your property through the smoke)
- Evacuate safely! Stay calm and follow the planned evacuation routes and procedures
After the Fire
- Only go back when authorities say it is safe to do so (trying to return early will only endanger you and your potential rescuers)
- Document all damage (photos and videos will be extremely helpful during the claim process)
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