Protecting your home against wildfire
Columbia, S.C. – April 18, 2013 – South Carolina’s risk for wildfire increases as the weather gets warmer, drier, and windier. Wildfire season usually begins in late winter and continues through the spring, when the Southeast typically heats up before summer.
“Even if a fire isn’t close to your home, wind-blown embers from a mile away can cause your home or nearby vegetation to start burning,” said Russ Dubisky, executive director of the South Carolina Insurance News Service.
Besides being careful and following regulations about outdoor burning, there are many steps you can take to protect your home from wildfire. The Institute for Business and Home Safety (www.disastersafety.org) has an online guide tailored to the Southeast that suggests ways to make your home, roof, landscaping, and vegetation more fire-resistant.
Fire damage is covered by homeowner’s insurance. Now is a good time to check with your insurance agent or company to make sure your coverage is up to date.
The South Carolina Insurance News Service offers these tips:
• Conduct an annual insurance checkup. Understanding what is and isn’t covered in your homeowner’s insurance policy offers peace of mind in knowing how your insurance company will assist in rebuilding your home and replacing your personal belongings after they are damaged or lost. Homeowners should check with their insurance agent to ensure that their policy coverage limits are in keeping with local building costs and have their coverage adjusted to include home remodeling and additions.
• Create a home inventory. Make a home inventory that includes lists, pictures or a videotape of the contents of your home to help you remember all the possessions you've accumulated over the years if they are destroyed. Having an up-to-date home inventory will help get your insurance claim settled faster. Free downloadable home inventory software is available at www.scinsurance.net by clicking on the icon marked “Download home inventory software.”
For more information from the S.C. Insurance News Service, or to schedule an interview, call (803)252-3455.
For over 35 years, the South Carolina Insurance News Service has been providing free insurance information to consumers and the media about property and casualty insurance issues.
For more information, contact the South Carolina Insurance News Service at 803-252-3455 or use our contact form.