Nearly 70,000 wildfires occur across the U.S. every year, according to the National Interagency Fire Center. Many people tend to think that only certain states are at risk for wildfires; however, most are caused by human activity. California and Texas are usually at the top of the list for the most wildfires, but it’s possible for them to occur in any region.
Preparing to Protect Your Family and Home
Because anything can happen, and weather conditions can be unpredictable, the best way to protect your family and home in case of fire is to be prepared. When there is a wildfire or a disaster in your area, the best thing you and your family can do is evacuate the area as advised. Here are some tips to keep you and your family safe:
Have alert notifications enabled on your phone so you are prepared for any sudden emergency evacuations in your area. The FEMA App will send you real time alerts, as well as info on emergency shelters and disaster recovery centers for the specific evacuation.
Keep an emergency bag in your car or your home that you can grab quickly. Have a checklist to prepare your home in case you receive a warning in advance, but in an immediate emergency, evacuate as quickly and safely as possible.
Having an evacuation plan for your family, including a fire escape plan, is important for several situations, especially when it comes to emergency evacuation. Discuss with your family where you would go in the event of an emergency evacuation in case you are not all together. Designate a meeting place outside of the evacuated area, such as with relatives or friends that you can go stay with. Have several locations as backup plans as well in case some are not accessible.
Don’t rely solely on an emergency evacuation alert. You never know when or where a fire might start and how quickly it may spread. It’s important to regularly make sure every smoke detector in your home works properly.
Having Insurance Coverage
It's also important to have the right home insurance coverage for possible fire damage. It may seem unnecessary most of the year, but when unexpected events or weather conditions happen, you'll feel better knowing you have the coverage. Double check your policy to make sure wildfires are included as a covered peril. Even if your home mortgage is fully paid off, maintaining proper coverage is important, and be sure to update your policy if you have made upgrades or renovations to your home. If you rent your apartment or house, having renter’s insurance usually covers your personal belongings in case of loss due to an emergency. Know that when you choose to protect your mobile or manufactured home investment with a mobile home insurance policy offered by HomeFirst®, you automatically get broad coverage, which includes fire. Rest assured that in addition to coverage for fire damage, there are additional perils that are also covered by your manufactured home insurance policy purchased through HomeFirst®.
Available in select states. Coverage is subject to deductibles and exclusions listed in the policy. HomeFirst’s policies are underwritten by American Banker’s Insurance Company of Florida (in MN- American Security Insurance Company), a business of Assurant Specialty Property, an Assurant, Inc. business.