2/3 Homeowner’s Are Underinsured This Wildfire Season in WA | 2024
As Spring approaches, wildfire season 2024 in WA is on its way. That’s why it’s crucial for those living near wildfire-prone areas to get ready for the upcoming fire season. Renowned meteorologist “The Weatherman,” Art Douglas, recently shared insights during his visit to Spokane in February 2024, highlighting the increased risk of wildfires in the western United States.
Considering the challenges faced by communities, like the Gray Fire in Medical Lake last year, it’s clear that taking precautionary steps is necessary to protect your home. A significant concern is that 2/3 of homeowners are underinsured. To address this, review your homeowner’s insurance policy with your insurance agent to ensure it covers potential risks, especially in wildfire-prone regions. If you do not have homeowners insurance, it would be wise to purchase homeowners insurance before fires break out and insurance carriers place “binding” restrictions on areas near wildfire. In this case, you may find yourself needing homeowners insurance last minute but are unable to purchase it when you need it most.
Even if you live in a high-risk area, there are steps you can take to make your home more resilient to wildfire:
5 Steps to Fireproofing Your Home
- Use fire-resistant materials for construction.
2. Keep a 30-foot clearance around your home.
3. Regularly clean roofs and gutters.
4. Install metal mesh screening in the eaves.
5. Repair or replace damaged windows and enclose spaces below patios and decks.
As your local independent agency, we’re here to help you find the best coverage for your home. Your home is important to us, so call us at 509.928.7528, and we’ll guide you in securing the right coverage. Prepare, protect, and stay informed to keep your home and loved ones safe during the upcoming fire season.
References
https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/wildfire/preparing-homes-for-wildfire
https://www.ready.gov/wildfires#prepare
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2024/feb/06/forecaster-spokane-area-to-get-warm-spring-dry-sum/
https://www.investopedia.com/wildfire-loss-underinsurance-solutions-5270735
https://www.usfa.fema.gov/wui/communities/take-action.html