SEATTLE — As wildfires begin sparking across the state in late summer, the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner has several tips to help protect your home from wildfire damage.
Hundreds of people in Washington are struggling to find insurance coverage amid what companies claim is increased wildfire risk, KING 5 recently reported. While safety tips may not win over insurance companies, these guidelines could save your life.
Wildfires are no longer contained to dense, forested areas in Washington but have now become threats to homes in suburban or even city environments.
Tip 1 – Document important information
The state’s insurance commissioner urges people to make sure the coverage they do have covers all valuables. Creating an inventory list of your valuables digitally or on video is helpful for both insurance companies and you in the event of wildfire damage.
Officials also suggest documenting your emergency plans and evacuation routes for a worst-case scenario. Once a plan is set, make sure everyone in your household knows what to do in an emergency.
Tip 2 – Outdoor efforts
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) suggests cleaning up the land surrounding your home by removing flammable materials, including trees, bushes, leaves, wood piles or uncut fields. This creates a natural “firebreak” so that in the event of a wildfire, the area closest to your home does not fuel the flames. FEMA recommends a barrier of at least 30 feet.
For rural communities with limited access to fire hydrants, officials urge people to install a water pump or have access to a nearby water source that can reach their entire home.
When building your home, or remodeling, FEMA and the state’s insurance commissioner suggest using fire-resistant roofing or building materials during construction to help cut down on the possibility of fire damage.
Tip 3 – Staying safe during a wildfire
Emergency officials ask people to follow the instructions, including evacuation notices, from local authorities. These recommendations are based on the immediate threat to your area.
By preparing a supplies kit of necessities, you can be ready to evacuate if or when the time comes.
To prevent smoke inhalation from wildfires, wear an N95 mask for protection. Officials also suggest locating a room inside your home that can be completely sealed off from smoke and setting up a portable air filter to keep a safe breathing space.
For a complete list of safety guidelines, visit ready.gov/wildfires.
