Wildfires in Western U.S. Highlight Need To Mitigate Risk, Purchase Proper Insurance Coverage

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
New York Press Office: (212) 346-5500; media@iii.org
California Press Office: (707) 490-9365; janetr@iii.org

NEW YORK, July 2, 2015 — Large portions of the western United States are dangerously dry due to a prolonged drought that has created the conditions for a potentially devastating 2015 wildfire season, according to the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.).

There have been more than 1,000 wildfires this year in California alone. And in the state of Washington, the Sleepy Hollow Fire, about 150 miles east of Seattle, has claimed at least two dozen homes since it began on Sunday, June 28.

“The enhanced risk of wildfires in the western U.S. demonstrates the need for homeowners to prevent property losses and ensure their safety,” said Janet Ruiz, California Representative for the I.I.I. “Create defensible space around your home by clearing away the flammable brush and trees near your residence. And start mapping out your evacuation plan immediately—advance planning will not only make things easier, it could save your life.”

Fortunately, fire damage is covered under standard homeowners and renters insurance policies.

“You are covered for damage to the structure of your home and your personal belongings, as well as for additional living expenses if your home is damaged to the point where you can no longer live in it,” noted Jeanne M. Salvatore, the I.I.I.’s Senior Vice President and Chief Communications Officer.

Homeowners in wildfire-prone states should purchase enough homeowners insurance coverage to completely rebuild their homes and replace all of their personal possessions. Cars either damaged or destroyed by fire are also covered under the optional comprehensive coverage portion of an auto insurance policy.

Having an up-to-date home inventory—a detailed list of your personal possessions with their estimated values—can make filing a claim following a catastrophe such as a wildfire easier and more accurate. The I.I.I.’s offers free, Know Your Stuff® -- Home Inventory tool can help consumers create and maintain a precise inventory—and with secure, cloud-based storage, it can provide an important back-up in the event other documents to this effect are destroyed in a fire.

For detailed information on how to protect your home against wildfires, the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) provides an assessment and checklist. The I.I.I. and the IBHS also offer the free Know Your Plan app to help prepare for wildfires and other disasters.

For information about the importance of being ready to evacuate—in 10 minutes or less—when disaster strikes, watch the 10-minute Challenge.

RELATED LINKS

Issues Update: Wildfire: Issues Update

Facts and Statistics: Wildfire

Article: How to Create a Home Inventory

The I.I.I. has a full library of educational videos on its You Tube Channel. Information about I.I.I. mobile apps can be found here.

THE I.I.I. IS A NONPROFIT, COMMUNICATIONS ORGANIZATION SUPPORTED BY THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY.

Insurance Information Institute, 110 William Street, New York, NY 10038; (212) 346-5500; www.iii.org