“Links provided may result in Hearst Magazines and Yahoo earning commissions or revenue. The recent Southern California wildfires have highlighted the speed at which a disaster can disrupt our lives. Just a week after the Palisades Fire started, 130,000 individuals have been placed under evacuation orders, with an additional 87,000 Angelenos in evacuation warning zones, potentially needing to leave their homes at short notice. In such situations, prioritizing safety by following evacuation orders is essential. However, taking some time for preparation beforehand can greatly assist during emergencies. Here are recommendations from insurance professionals on steps homeowners can take before evacuating to safeguard their important belongings and facilitate their return home.
1. Establish an Evacuation Plan:
Ensure you have a well-thought-out evacuation plan in place before anything else, advises Michael Silverman, the founder of Silver Lining Insurance Agency. This plan should include exit routes from your residence, arrangements for pets, clear pathways out of your neighborhood, and predetermined meeting spots outside high-risk areas. Knowing your escape routes and destination can save crucial time during an emergency.
2. Compile Important Documents:
Having essential documents readily available during evacuations can help manage a stressful situation. Gather documents such as passports, birth certificates, insurance policies, property titles, financial records, and any other identifying paperwork that can assist in proving your identity and facilitating recovery. Store these in a waterproof container or upload them to the cloud for easy retrieval, suggests Nick Ramirez, an agent at Goosehead Insurance.
3. Pack a Go Bag:
Prepare a ‘go bag’ containing necessary items for your safety and comfort in case of a sudden evacuation. Cal Fire has outlined a comprehensive evacuation packing list, including medications, a three-day supply of food and water for yourself and pets, spare clothes, sturdy footwear, eyewear, keys, payment methods, first aid kit, lighting tools, essential documents, and other essentials. This preparedness will sustain you in temporary accommodations and simplify the insurance process later, advises Steve Powell, a professional in the insurance industry.
4. Document Your Property:
If safe and possible, document your property by taking photos and videos of your home and possessions. This pre-disaster documentation streamlines property claims processes and brings relief post-disaster. Detailed proof of property damage enhances reimbursement chances. Updating your home inventory during this time is advisable, as it aids in accurately filing claims and remembering lost items. Utilize resources such as home inventory apps to assist in this process.
By following these proactive steps, you can better prepare for emergencies and protect your assets during uncertain times.”
Establishing a defensible perimeter around your residence stands as a crucial method for minimizing the potential impact of wildfires. This approach entails the removal of flammable materials such as leaves and outdoor furnishings from your property.
“Objects like cushions, umbrellas, and wooden furniture can serve as fuel for wildfires, facilitating the spread of flames towards your home. Properly storing these items mitigates the risk of your property catching fire,” advises Lauren Szerlip Dowling, division service leader at World Insurance Associates, Private Client Group, specializing in high-value homeowners in California.
Identify and relocate any other combustible materials in your yard to a secure location like a garage or basement.
Before departing your residence, it is essential to switch off your utilities and sprinkler system, according to Dowling. “Active HVAC systems can draw smoke and embers indoors, heightening the risk of ignition. Turning off natural gas and pilot lights helps prevent potential leaks and explosions during a wildfire,” she explains.
Despite their perceived utility, it is advised to deactivate your home’s sprinkler system. “While sprinklers may appear beneficial, they can deplete local water resources needed by firefighters. Conserving water ensures that emergency responders have an adequate supply to battle the wildfire,” Dowling adds.
As you prepare to evacuate, remember to leave your lights on. “In situations with heavy smoke from wildfires, visibility can be compromised. Illuminating your home aids firefighters and emergency personnel in locating your property, enhancing the chances of safeguarding it,” she notes.
Another vital measure to safeguard your home involves sealing all openings, such as doors and windows, before evacuating. “Wildfires propagate swiftly due to drafts and radiant heat. By sealing these openings, you restrict the entry points for embers and lower the likelihood of flames infiltrating the interior,” Dowling advises.
However, during a wildfire evacuation, locking doors and windows may not be advisable. “While locking them can deter potential looting, there are concerns that it could impede firefighters’ access and lead to delays if they need to breach the entryways,” says Carol Burke, commercial insurance accounts manager at Feehan Insurance Agency.
Before evacuating, understanding the temporary housing coverage provided by your insurance policy in emergencies through its “loss of use” provision can be beneficial. This coverage offsets reasonable housing and living expenses in the event your home becomes temporarily uninhabitable.
“It is advisable to make initial payments upfront and maintain communication with an adjuster to facilitate reimbursement of these expenses,” advises Ramirez. Familiarize yourself with the policy limits and plan accordingly. “If it covers up to $50,000, it may be wise not to opt for luxury accommodations as the funds may deplete rapidly,” Ramirez suggests.
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