Wildfires are occurring year-round and are more destructive and widespread than ever before. For example, the Smokehouse Creek fire in March of this year was the largest recorded wildfire in Texas.
While wildfires are unavoidable, our policyholders can take steps to prepare for these types of events each year. Having a proactive approach can help minimize the catastrophic impact. Please share the following tips and resources with your own clients to help them prepare — these can also be found on our Business Resource Center, a free value-added service for you and your policyholders.
Tips to reduce the threat of property damage:
- Evaluate the landscaping around the building
- Prepare the exterior of the building by cutting and watering the lawn, pruning/trimming trees, removing debris, etc.
- Choose fire-resistant building materials
- Install class A-rated roofing
- Install double-pane windows with tempered glass to increase protection against radiant heat
- Protect vents with a 1/8-inch metal screen to block floating embers from entering your building
It’s also critical to have an evacuation plan in place and an emergency kit handy. Be sure to follow the recommendations of fire officials and check in on the latest news updates when possible.
Another helpful tip is to sign up for your community’s emergency warning system such as the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio to receive emergency alerts so you and your family can prepare and take shelter. Additionally, disastersafety.org provides ways to protect homes and businesses from property damage caused by natural disasters.
Saving money, time and ensuring peace of mind go a long way in building and maintaining relationships with your policyholders. Take the proactive approach! Share these resources with your insureds to add value while helping to keep their families and businesses safe.
