Keep Your Property Safe from Fire Damage to Avoid Having to Rebuild
Wildfires are becoming an increasingly serious concern for millions of home and property owners all over the country. For many of us in Arizona, it’s not a matter of if a wildfire will strike, it’s when. If your home is damaged or destroyed in the event of a wildfire, your Scottsdale home insurance policy will cover the cost of repairs up to a certain limit based on the price of labor and materials. But your current coverage may not be enough to cover the full cost of repairs. You will also need additional coverage to protect the separate structures on your property as well as your personal belongings.
The process of rebuilding your home after a wildfire can be long and arduous. Finding labor and materials can be difficult if many homes are hit at once. You may also have to stay at a local hotel until your home is safe to occupy, depending on the extent of the damage.
So, what can you do to protect your home from wildfires?
Reduce Your Wildfire Risk
Droughts and lightening can increase the likelihood of a fire, but the truth is most wildfires are started by human error, such as improperly extinguished campsites, burning debris, the improper use of equipment and discarded cigarettes.
Do your part to reduce your wildfire risk to keep your property safe. Clear away debris around your home that could catch fire, including dead plants and vegetation and wooden structures. Keep the grass trim and keep anything that could burn at least 100 feet away from your home. Be sure to extinguish your fires responsibly. Keep a fire extinguisher on hand to put out fires quickly if one should occur.
Stop fire from getting into your home by putting wire mesh over your vents and other openings. Consider installing fireproof materials on the sides and roof of your home for added protection.
The risk of wildfires changes throughout the year. They become more frequent during the hottest months of the year. Be aware of your home’s wildfire risk during the local wildfire season. Pay attention to the news and burning patterns to see if your home is at risk. Be ready to evacuate in the event of an emergency.
Talk to Your Insurance Company
Your home insurance policy will be your main source of relief if a wildfire should strike your property. Make sure your policy is up to date and that you have enough coverage to pay for repairs if your home is damaged or destroyed. Talk to your insurance company about the things you can do to reduce your risk. They may even give you a discount on your monthly premiums.
No one in Arizona is immune to wildfires. The problem will likely only get worse in the years to come as temperatures continue to rise. Keep these tips in mind to protect your most valued asset and sign up for home insurance in Scottsdale, Arizona in case your home gets caught up in flames.