Plan Ahead to Help Minimize Wildfire Risk

Mercury Insurance offers property protection tips to homeowners; advice in the event of evacuation

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Sep 24, 2010, 04:54 ET

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- California residents know that wildfires can occur at any time when temperatures rise, humidity drops and destructive Santa Ana winds combine to increase the risk of brush and forest fires. Wildfires can be devastating—causing serious damage to your property and threatening personal safety. Advance preparation is essential if you want protect your family, pets and home from violent and deadly firestorms.

September is National Preparedness Month and Mercury Insurance recommends that California residents be prepared for wildfires year-round. Mercury offers these tips to homeowners to help them protect their property and prepare for an evacuation.

Tips for protecting your home from wildfires

Establish and maintain a safe zone around your house that will act as a fuelbreak. Install a greenbelt around your home and other structures of low-growing, fire-resistant plants such as succulents. Your local nursery can suggest a combination of attractive, water-wise plant materials that will help to reduce your home's vulnerability. If possible, your safe zone should be 100 feet wide.
Retrofit your home with non-flammable building materials. Roofs should be made of a non-combustible, "Class A" fire-resistant material. Exterior windows should be dual-paned tempered glass. Exterior walls should be finished with fire-resistant materials such as stucco, stone or brick. Although easy-to-maintain, vinyl siding can melt in a fire and is not recommended.
Clean roof surfaces, gutters and eaves of leaves, pine needles and branches regularly to avoid accumulation of flammable materials.
Install spark arresters in chimneys and apply one-quarter inch, non-combustible screening to all vent or eave openings.
Keep trees and shrubs pruned, and remove dead or dying trees plant materials. Stagger planting of trees to create a barrier to intercept and prevent wind-driven burning material from reaching your home. Prune branches that are near- or overhang- the roof. Remove lower tree branches below six feet from the ground, and maintain a vegetation-free zone beneath the tree's drip line.
Store flammable liquids properly and away from occupied buildings. Propane tanks should be located 50 feet from structures, and valves should be turned off if there is a danger of fire. The tank area should be clear of flammable vegetation and combustible materials.
All combustibles such as firewood, picnic tables, boats, etc., should be located 50 feet from your home and other structures.
Do not connect wood fencing directly to your home.
Maintain your irrigation system.
Make sure your street address is visible from the street.

What to do during a wildfire

Wildfires can occur unexpectedly and homeowners should be ready to take action.

Tune in to news broadcasts for reports and evacuation information.
Park your car in an open space facing the direction of escape.
Gather pets and confine to one room.
Wear protective clothing.
Leave immediately if advised to evacuate.

Emergency Preparedness Kits – What to take to an evacuation center

The American Red Cross offers these suggestions from former evacuees about items to include in an emergency preparedness kit.

Comfortable clothing, such as sweats, and sturdy shoes
Medications for the family and pets
Personal items, such as family pictures, favorite books, iPod and cell phone with chargers, and your bed pillow
Snack food
Cash in small bills and coins
Insurance paperwork and contact information
Cell phone chargers

For more ideas from the Red Cross about emergency preparedness, go to http://www.redcross.org/domore

Leaving your home during an evacuation

Homeowners with property located in rural areas or communities adjacent to open space have a greater risk of damage during a wildfire. If fire officials declare an evacuation—and time permits—homeowners should take these safety precautions prior to departing.

Turn off gas and pilot lights.
Turn on a light in every room.
Move combustible patio furniture inside, and relocate flammable furniture away from windows and sliding glass doors.
Connect garden hoses to outside faucets.
Hose down rooftops and the outside of your home.
Lock your home.
Follow the designated evacuation route.

Filing a claim

Claims can be reported to Mercury's Claims Hotline 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling (800) 503-3724.

"Wildfires can be devastating and Mercury's claims team will do everything it can to help policyholders get back to normal as quickly as possible. We are always here for our customers in the event they need to make a claim," said Joanna Moore, Mercury's chief claims officer.

For more information about protecting your family, pets and property from violent and deadly firestorms, visit these websites:

California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection - http://www.fire.ca.gov/

Firewise Communities Resources for Life Safety - http://www.firewise.org/resources/resources_for_life.htm

About Mercury Insurance

Mercury Insurance (MCY) is a multiple-line insurance organization offering predominantly personal automobile and homeowners insurance through a network of independent agents and brokers in California, Florida, New Jersey, Texas, Arizona, New York, Georgia, Oklahoma, Illinois, Michigan, Nevada, Virginia and Pennsylvania.

Since 1962, Mercury Insurance has demonstrated its commitment to customer satisfaction by offering quality insurance at affordable prices. Today, good service and good pricing are the core values that distinguish Mercury in the marketplace. For more information about Mercury Insurance, please visit www.MercuryInsurance.com.

SOURCE Mercury Insurance