Thanksgiving Dinner Disasters – There’s Coverage for That

Thanksgiving Dinner Disasters – There’s Coverage for That

Thanksgiving is a special time to gather with loved ones. But when your turkey catches fire, your aunt drinks a little too much and falls and breaks her leg, or your fur baby takes a little nip of a guest, it’s time to be thankful for insurance. Fortunately, there’s coverage for most Thanksgiving dinner disasters. Whether you’re home entertaining guests, or traveling to friends or family, we’ve compiled a quick guide.

 

Cooking Fires

It’s easy to lose sight of something on the stove or in the oven when you’re also attending to guests. That’s why you’re more likely to have a holiday cooking fire on Thanksgiving than on any other day of the year, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). The risk increases if you’re deep-frying a turkey. Deep fryers heat up to such a degree that they have caused severe burns and injuries, and even deaths. (If you must have a deep-fried turkey, consider ordering one from your local grocery store.) When cooking fire accidents happen, your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy will cover the damage to your home, your belongings, and any related injuries to your guests. (For the guest injury part, skip to the next section.)

    •  Your homeowner’s policy includes dwelling coverage. This covers the repair or rebuilding of the structure of your home up to your policy limit. So, if the fire damages your kitchen or other areas, you can report the claim to your insurance adjuster. They will advise you on how to proceed. Your insurer will likely send someone out to inspect the damage and write up an estimate. You will get reimbursed by your policy, minus your deductible (which is the amount that you chose to pay out-of-pocket before insurance kicks in).

    •  Personal property coverage is that part of your homeowner’s or renter’s policy that protects your possessions such as kitchen appliances, furnishings, and if the fire spreads beyond the kitchen, your television, clothing, etc. Fire is one of 16 different named “perils” that your policy covers. There are dollar limits for certain items such as money, jewelry, and firearms, so check with your insurer. For personal property coverage on a homeowner’s policy, you typically get 50 or 75% of Coverage A, the total amount of coverage for your home. If you’re renting, you get to choose the amount of personal property coverage when you select your policy.

    • You can select replacement cost or actual cash value (ACV) for personal property. ACV is the amount the item is worth, minus depreciation for its age. It will cost a little more for a policy that provides replacement cost (and we strongly recommend it).

    • Depending upon the extent of the fire, your house may not be livable. If that’s the case, you would be covered for any necessary increase in living expenses, such as lodging, food, and gas. Under Coverage D – Loss of Use, called “Additional Living Expense,” your policy will provide a flat percentage toward living costs, usually 30% of the Coverage A amount. Some states have time limits (e.g. 12 months) on when you can use that coverage. Plan to cover those additional expenses out-of-pocket.

Pro Tip: Having a fire extinguisher could earn you a discount on your home insurance policy.

 

Guest Injuries

Injuries can happen anytime, especially during gatherings where people may drink. Guests could become tipsy and trip, slip, and fall. That could happen even if they’re not drunk, of course. Burns could occur if there is a kitchen fire. Your guests could get food poisoning. Your normally well-behaved fur baby could bite one of your guests. While you can’t anticipate every situation, you can make sure there are no obvious dangers in your home, such as tripping hazards or unsecure handrails. Keep everyone’s safety and comfort in mind, including where your pet may be during the festivities. Then, if a guest does get injured, your insurance can kick in.

    • You may be covered for guest injuries under your homeowner’s or renter’s liability coverage. If you are found liable, the policy may cover damages to the injured party. This can include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and permanent scarring. The policy also provides a defense in court, if needed, for the policyholder. This is at the insurance company’s own expense.

    • If you are not liable, but your guest was injured through his/her own fault, then Coverage F – Medical Payment to Others may cover your guest’s medical bills.

    • Liability coverage does not apply to you and your family. Your own injuries or illnesses are not covered under homeowner’s or renter’s policies. You would use your own health insurance policy to cover any injuries that you might have in your home.

    • If your dog has bitten a guest, make sure that your dog’s breed is not restricted by your insurance policy. Some policies will not cover breeds such as Pit Bulls, Doberman Pinschers, or Rottweilers. California Casualty does not currently have such restrictions.

 

 

Thanksgiving on the Road

If you’re among the millions who drive to Thanksgiving celebrations, you’ll want to make sure your car is well-maintained, and that your car insurance is up to date. Be ready for the holiday traffic, and drive safely. An accident can put a damper on the holiday. The good news is that you’re covered if you do have one.

    • If you cause an accident, you are responsible for damages. You would pay with your vehicle’s liability policy. Importantly, auto liability does not cover any damage to your own vehicle; that’s covered by collision. It also does not cover injury to you and your family; it only covers the people in the other car. Liability coverage is required by law in most states.

    • There are two types of liability coverage:
      • If you are found liable for the accident, bodily injury coverage helps pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering for the driver and passengers in the other vehicle. We say “helps pay” because it depends on how much coverage you choose. The costs of an accident can be more than your insurance policy limit.
      • Property damage coverage helps pay for repairs for the other vehicle or for repair/replacement of property, such as a fence, damaged or destroyed in the collision.

    • If you are not at fault for the accident, the other driver is responsible for damages. Your insurance kicks in if the other driver does not have enough insurance. Collision covers your car for any type of damage, regardless of fault or if the person does not carry any/enough insurance. Underinsured motorist (UIM) and uninsured motorist (UM) coverage are for injuries. They cover you and your passengers if you are hit by an at-fault UM or UIM. Uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD) can cover your car if hit by an at-fault uninsured motorist.

    • Unlike liability insurance, collision coverage is not usually required—unless you’re leasing a car or paying off a loan on a vehicle. However, it may be good to have.

No matter where you enjoy the holiday, we wish you a safe celebration. From our family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving!

 

 

This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.

 

 

So a Friend is Driving Your Car…

So a Friend is Driving Your Car…

You’re home visiting family when your cousin asks to borrow your car. You hesitate because you’re not sure if your insurance covers him. The good news is that it probably does, but the bigger picture is that a lot depends upon your specific policy. Read on to find out what to expect before you encounter this situation in real life.

 

Vehicle insurance typically follows the car, not the driver.

Your automobile insurance policy covers your car, and that’s the case whether you’re driving it or someone else is driving it. It is your policy that is considered the primary policy if an accident happens. The policy of the driver borrowing your car would be considered excess insurance if it ends up being used at all.

 

What happens if your friend or relative gets in an accident?

If your friend or relative was at fault, your insurance would cover the accident. Here’s how it would play out.

Liability would help pay for damage to the other car and help pay for the other driver’s and passengers’ medical bills. It will not pay for your friend’s injuries, if any, or for damage to your car.

Collision can pay for your vehicle repairs, once your deductible is met. Collision, however, is an optional coverage (unless you’re leasing or financing the car). Not every policyholder will have collision. If you do not have collision insurance, you will be responsible for the repair and/or replacement of your car out of your own pocket.

Medical payments coverage can help pay the medical bills for your friend or relative if they are injured.

 

There are some exceptions and extenuating circumstances…

 

If the accident was so extensive in terms of damage or injuries, it could max out the policy limits. In that case, your friend’s insurance may be asked to cover the remaining amount. If your friend doesn’t have insurance, then you will need to cover the costs out-of-pocket.

Some policies only cover the person named on the policy so there is no coverage if you loan your vehicle to a friend or family member. Other policies provide coverage for friends/relatives on a limited basis. Some policies also don’t cover relatives living in the same house as you who are not already named on the policy. (That’s a good reason to make sure your teen driver is added as soon as he or she is driving.)

Some insurers increase your deductible before they cover an accident if someone other than an authorized driver on the policy is driving your car. Some policies also lower your liability coverage to state minimums if the accident is caused by someone other than a named insured/insured.

 

If, however, your friend or relative was not at fault, the other driver’s insurance would cover the accident.

 

Your friend or relative would need to get information from the other driver, including Identifying information like driver’s license number and/or vehicle license plate number. You can also get their name, address, insurer, policy number. An easy way to do this is to take a picture of the other driver’s insurance card, front and back. While you can file a claim with their insurance company, you can always file the claim with your own insurance company and let them start the process. They will subrogate the other company for payment.

If the accident was a hit and run, your policy could cover the costs, subject to your deductible if you carry collision coverage or uninsured motorist property damage.

 

Before you hand over the keys…

Accidents can be costly, and not only due to repairs and medical expenses. An accident may cause your insurer to raise your rates on your policy for the future, even though you are not the one involved in the accident.

It’s a good idea to know what you’re in for before you say yes to anyone wanting to borrow your car.

  • Make sure they have a driver’s license and a good driving record.
  • Know whether they have insurance, including collision.
  • Read the fine print on your policy or talk to your insurance agent to know what is covered in the event of an accident.
  • Decide what portion of the deductible, or any costs, your guest driver will need to pay in case of an accident.

With that information, you’ll be well on your way to making an informed decision about who gets to drive your car this season. Happy holidays!

 

This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.

Halloween Horrors Covered by Your Insurance Policy

Halloween Horrors Covered by Your Insurance Policy

We love the spooky fun that Halloween brings. Yet sometimes the celebration can be scarier than we like. Mischief night vandalism, pumpkin fires, and even guests who had too much to drink can create frightening scenarios.

Fortunately, your insurance policy can cover many of these Halloween horrors. Read on to learn more, including how you can stay safe and protected this Halloween.

 

Vandalism or Theft

The night before Halloween brings out some mischief makers who may toilet paper your car or egg your house. Trampled lawns, broken lawn decorations, and shattered windows have also been known to occur before or on Halloween.

 

Are you covered?

Fortunately, vandalism and malicious mischief are covered perils in most homeowner and renter policies. The policy protects against losses caused by vandals or thieves. If it’s your car that is vandalized or stolen, however, your homeowner’s policy will not cover it. You have to have an auto policy with comprehensive (other than collision) insurance coverage.

 

What you need to know:

• Your homeowner’s or rental policy covers your home and other structures (such as a detached garage or gazebo) on an open-peril basis. That means it only lists the exclusions, the situations not covered. If it’s not listed, you are covered for it. Vandalism to your home is not excluded; therefore, it is covered.

Personal property coverage is that part of your homeowner’s or renter’s policy that protects your possessions such as TV, furniture, and clothing. Personal property is covered on a named peril basis, not an open-peril one. With named perils, the policy lists the ones covered. Your policy will pay for 16 different named “perils.” In this case, vandalism is a covered peril. There are dollar limits for certain items such as money, jewelry, and firearms, so check with your insurer. For personal property coverage on a homeowner’s policy, you typically get 50 or 75% of Coverage A, the total amount of coverage for your home. Renters get to choose the amount of personal property coverage.

• For vehicles, comprehensive insurance covers vandalism and theft. However, if your car was paid off, and you don’t have comprehensive insurance, you would be responsible for the full costs to repair your vehicle.

• You will have a choice in how you will be compensated in a home policy (not an auto policy.) You can select replacement cost or actual cash value (ACV). ACV is the amount the item is worth, minus depreciation for its age. It will cost a little more for a policy that provides replacement cost since that is higher than ACV. You will get reimbursed minus the amount you have chosen for your deductible, the amount you pay out-of-pocket before your insurance company pays a claim. That’s why all of these decisions when you set up a policy are so important.

 

What else you can do:

• Park your car in the garage.

• Post no trespassing signs or beware of dog signs.

• Keep your yard brightly lit to deter vandals

.• Set up a video alarm system.

• Form a neighborhood watch to look out for mischief makers.

 

Halloween Fire Safety

Halloween is a common time for fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Crepe paper, cornstalks, and costumes are highly flammable. Bumping into a pumpkin with a lit candle could have devastating results. Fire damage to your home or car can be extensive and expensive.

 

Are you covered?

If a fire starts accidentally on your property, you are most likely covered by your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy. If that fire affects your car, you are covered under your auto policy’s comprehensive insurance for damage or total loss.

 

What you need to know

• Depending upon the extent of the fire, your house may not be habitable. If that’s the case, you would be covered for any necessary increase in living expenses, such as lodging, food, and gas. Your policy’s living expense coverage will provide a flat percentage toward living costs, usually 30% of the Coverage A amount. Some states have time limits (e.g. 12 months) on when you can use that coverage. Plan to cover those additional expenses out-of-pocket.

• If your car is damaged by fire, your comprehensive coverage pays for it. This is coverage that is required if you are financing or leasing a vehicle. Comprehensive covers natural disasters, fires, vandalism, theft, and animals that damage your vehicle. However, if your car was paid off, and you don’t have comprehensive insurance, you would be responsible for the full costs to repair your vehicle.

 

What else you could do

• Use battery-powered lights in your pumpkins rather than candles with open flames. There are some very realistic flickering flameless candles available.

• Make sure your electronic decorations meet Underwriters Laboratory (UL) safety standards. This is an independent nonprofit organization that tests electrical components for potential hazards.

• Test smoke alarms before the holiday to make sure they are in good working order.

 

 

Dog or Cat Bites

Halloween can be a stressful time for pets. Doorbells, lots of strangers, and costumes could excite or frighten your dog. This might cause an otherwise friendly dog or cat to bite.

 

Are you covered?

You are covered under your homeowner’s or renter’s liability coverage. The policy pays for damages to the injured party. This can include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and permanent scarring. The policy also provides a defense in court, if needed, for the policyholder. This is at the insurance company’s own expense.

 

What you need to know

Liability coverage protects you if someone is injured and you’re legally liable. It could be at your place or it could be anywhere in the world.

• If you need more coverage, talk to your insurance advisor about an umbrella policy, which will provide much greater coverage.

 

What else you could do

• Remove your fur baby from the Halloween chaos. If your dog is crate-trained, he may feel most comfortable there.

• Keep your pet inside the house and give out candy on the porch or at a table at the curb.

 

 

Injured Trick-or-Treater

Slips and falls could occur on your property. Other injuries may happen, too. When visitors to your home are hurt, you could be held accountable.

 

Are you covered?

Your homeowner’s or renter’s policy includes liability coverage. This can be used to cover medical bills when someone is injured on your property. It can also cover legal expenses if they decide to sue you.

 

What you need to know

Liability coverage protects you if someone is injured and you’re legally liable. You want to make sure you have enough coverage to protect your assets – a minimum amount is $100,000. Higher limits are strongly recommended and may be increased for a nominal fee.

• Bodily injury or property damage that results from a business in your home is not covered by your policy. You could however purchase an endorsement for your business to get that coverage.

 

What else you could do

• Make sure your property is well lit.

• Make sure paths to your house are clear.

• Be aware that trick-or-treaters may travel across your lawn. You do not want them tripping over tombstones or other decorations.

 

 

Alcoholic Incidents

Just as in the case of a trick-or-treater who slips and falls, an intoxicated guest who injures himself at your party could hold you liable.

 

Are you covered?

Again, your liability coverage will cover medical bills and legal expenses. Your policy also provides a coverage called “Medical Payments to Others.” The policy includes $1,000 but, for an additional premium, it can be increased to $3,000 or $5,000. This coverage will pay the necessary medical expenses to a person at the insured’s home with the permission of the insured. The insured doesn’t have to be liable for this coverage to pay out.

 

What you need to know

• Some states follow a “social host liability” law. If you host a party, and one of your drunken guests leaves and causes harm to someone else, you could be liable.

• You may be able to purchase social host liquor liability insurance. This is a short-term policy to cover a party where you are serving alcohol.

 

What else you could do

• Plan ahead for guests to stay at your place or arrange a safe ride home for them.

• Do not serve underage party guests. You could face fines and even criminal charges.

• Hire a professional bartender. They typically carry their own liability insurance.

• Stop serving alcohol at a designated time.

 

Finally, an annual review of your homeowner’s policy and your auto policy will ensure you are fully covered in any situation.

Happy Halloween!

 

 

This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.

Tips for Parents Teaching Their Teens to Drive

Tips for Parents Teaching Their Teens to Drive

Teaching your child to drive can be exciting and emotional, and you want it to go as smoothly as possible. If you’re getting ready to slip into the passenger seat alongside your teen, remember, you’ve got this. In honor of Teen Driver Safety Week, we’ve put together a guide to help.

 

 

Tip #1: Remember there is no common sense for new drivers.

Your teen is used to zoning out on car rides, maybe listening to music on headphones or playing with his/her phone. As a result, teens may not even know familiar routes. They also probably won’t understand the impact of some decisions that they make behind the wheel. Before you even get in the car, prepare your young driver for the road.

    • Make sure your son or daughter knows the special driving rules for teens in your state, such as curfews and number of passengers allowed.
    • Show your teen where the car’s registration and insurance are kept.
    • Set the rules to minimize distracted driving. If you allow the radio or other music, make sure it’s set before you drive. Avoid eating while driving. Keep cell phone use for emergencies only.
    • Discuss when your teen should pull over to the side of the road, such as when he or she is drowsy or when ambulances or police cars sound their sirens.
    • Note that there are rules of the road to follow, and sometimes being nice (e.g. braking hard on a major road to let a car in) is an unexpected move that could cause an accident.

 

 

Tip #2: Practice in the parking lot.

Remember that basic driving skills are natural to you but new to your child. Take the time to practice in a low-pressure environment, such as an empty parking lot. Spend at least three 45-minute sessions with your teen in the lot before moving on to other driving scenarios.

    • Practice adjusting and using side and rearview mirrors.
    • Remember to look where you want to go.
    • Start and stop smoothly. Experiment with stopping distances based on speed.
    • Understand the vibrations of the anti-lock braking system which can startle drivers.
    • Practice driving on the right side of the road and making turns into the correct lane.
    • Pull into parking spots and back out.

 

 

Tip #3: Build skills slowly.

Slowly progress to roadways requiring different levels of driving skill. Spend at least 2 hours each on the following areas before moving on to the next level.

On neighborhood roads, practice:

    • The position of your car on roads with and without lines.
    • Turning right and left, with and without stop signs.
    • Giving the right of way.
    • Parking at the curb including parallel parking.

On easy main roads, practice:

    • Lane changing (check mirrors, then signal, check blind spot and then change lanes).
    • How far back a car is in reality based on how it looks in the mirror.
    • Right of way at intersections.
    • Sharing the road with other vehicles, pedestrians, and bicycles.
    • Using the shared left turning lane to exit the road.

On high-speed main roads, practice:

    • Lane changing at high speeds (different in feel from changing at low speeds; less steering required).
    • Merging onto a high-speed road.
    • Negotiating traffic circles and U-turns.

On highways, practice:

    • Merging onto a highway from an entrance ramp and exiting on an exit ramp.
    • Using mirrors to merge and change lanes.
    • Which lane to use for which purpose (e.g. left is the passing lane).
    • How to identify your location if your car breaks down on the highway.

Tip #4: Lead by example.

Your son or daughter may inherit your driving habits, so make sure to model the behavior that you want to see. As your teen becomes more comfortable driving, he or she may become critical of your driving habits. Use those as teaching opportunities.

When you drive:

    • Enter the GPS destination before you leave.
    • Wear your seatbelt.
    • Don’t text and drive. Don’t eat and drive. Don’t drink and drive.
    • Don’t speed.

 

When your teen drives:

    • Respect your teen as an adult. Don’t micromanage the driver.
    • Avoid high levels of emotion. That can create fear. Anticipate dangers and discuss them calmly before you reach them.
    • Remember to praise your teen for a job well done.

Make sure that your car is well maintained and fully insured with your teen listed on the policy. Talk to your insurance agent about ways that you can save with a teen driver.

 

This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.

How to Fireproof Your Home – Inside & Out

How to Fireproof Your Home – Inside & Out

It takes just about 30 seconds for a small fire to turn into a major blaze. That same fire can destroy your home in minutes. Spending some time to fireproof your home, inside and out, can help to protect it. Fireproofing can also buy you precious time if you need to escape your home and get to safety.

Whether it’s a fire that accidentally started in your home or a wildfire in your area that could affect you, the following guide lists ways to reduce the risks.

 

Inside Your Home

The kitchen is a common place for fires to start while we’re cooking.

    • Clean the grease and oil on your stovetop and around your stove. These oil deposits are fuel for a fire.
    • Avoid storing things above or around the stove that can catch fire, such as pot holders, paper towels, and wooden spoons. Make sure flammable cleaning chemicals are stored safely away, too.
    • Stay in the kitchen when you’re cooking. Don’t leave your home with the oven on.
    • If a fire occurs in the kitchen, cover the flames and remove it from the heat. Don’t douse it with water. That can cause an explosion of oil. See our blog for tips on how to prevent and handle cooking fires.

 

Electrical outlets can only handle a certain amount of power. Overloading them can lead to a fire.

    • Don’t overload outlets. Limit the use of extension cords. Don’t plug too many appliances into one outlet.
    • Unplug appliances (coffee maker, toaster) when not in use.
    • Plug large appliances directly into wall outlets, not into extension cords.
    • If you’re constantly tripping the breaker or blowing a fuse, you’re either overloading your outlets or you may have something wrong with your electrical system. Get it checked out.

 

Space heaters can sometimes spark a fire. Position them carefully.

    • Place your space heater on a hard non-flammable and level surface.
    • Keep space heaters at least 3 feet away from anything that can burn.
    • Avoid putting heater cords where they can be pinched by furniture, under rugs, or carpets.
    • Turn off the heater and unplug it when you leave the room or go to bed.

Pro Tip: Choose a space heater with an automatic shutoff safety switch if it is overheated or tipped over.

 

Dryers are filled with dust, fibers, and lint that is fuel for fires.

    • Clean the lint filter in your dryer before each use.
    • Check the air vent pipe at least once a year and remove built-up lint.
    • Clothes stained with chemicals or cooking oil should not be put into a hot dryer, even after a wash cycle. Use the lowest setting.

 

Smoke detectors and fire extinguishers are your best defense in the event of a fire.

    • Install a smoke detector in each bedroom and in areas outside bedrooms. Make sure there is at least one on every floor.
    • Test batteries every month. Change batteries twice a year. Replace smoke alarms at least every 10 years.
    • Get a fire extinguisher and keep it in an easily accessible location. Make sure it is an ABC-rated extinguisher that is good for fires involving combustible materials, flammable liquids, and electrical equipment.

 

If you’re planning a home improvement project, consider fire doors and fire-resistant flooring.

    • Fire doors can hold flames and smoke back, giving you time to escape.
    • Synthetic and wool carpets spread fire. Fire-resistant carpets slow down the spread.
    • You can also treat your carpet with flame retardants.

 

 

Outside Your Home

Depending upon the material, roofs and siding can catch fire. Chimneys also can ignite.

    • You may not have a choice in the material of your roof. But if you do, choose fireproof options such as tile, metal, or concrete.
    • Similarly, choose materials like stucco or stone for siding. If you must use wood, paint it with a fire-resistant coating.
    • Embers can enter through openings. Cover soffit vents and gable end vents with 1/8-inch wire mesh.
    • If you have a chimney, get it professionally inspected and cleaned once a year. The buildup that sticks to the inner walls is flammable.

 

Clogged gutters filled with leaves, branches, and other debris are flammable.

    • Clean your gutters regularly and consider gutter guards to keep debris out.
    • Choose metal gutters rather than vinyl ones that can melt during a fire.

 

Windows can break when exposed to extreme heat.

    • Install dual pane window glass, which is thicker and can last longer than traditional glass in a fire. These windows are also energy-efficient and can save you money.
    • Windows are usually framed in wood, which can be a way for fire to enter your home. Instead, frame windows in metal.
    • Replace nylon window screens, which may melt, with metal screens.
    • Consider nonflammable shutters, which are similar to hurricane shutters.

 

When doing home improvement projects, choose materials that are fire-retardant.

    • Replace wood decks with tile, concrete, brick, or stone.
    • Use fire-resistant materials, when possible, with your projects. Examples include gypsum boards, perlite boards, calcium or sodium silicates, treated fibers (cotton, hemp, flax), treated lumber, brick, concrete, and cement.

 

Fire prevention starts in the yard. Create a border around your home that is fireproof.

    • Get rid of flammable vegetation and replace it if desired with fire-resistant plants. Examples include California lilac, ornamental strawberry, French lavender, California Fuchsia. These plants are high in moisture content.
    • Similarly, plant fire-resistant trees such as cherry, birch, and poplar.
    • Replace mulch with gravel. Mulch is highly flammable while gravel is not.
    • Consider paving with stone or concrete to create an additional barrier.

 

Trees could fall and carry the fire danger right to your home.

    • Trim trees near your house so that fiery branches will have fewer chances to drop on your roof.
    • Downed power lines are electrical fire hazards. If your trees are growing between the power lines, report them to your power company, which may come and trim them for you.

 

Water can be effective in slowing down a fire.

    • Invest in fire sprinklers which release water when they detect fire. (These are also available for the interior of the home.)
    • Wet down your deck, bushes, and grass if you are anticipating a wildfire danger.

 

Make sure you have home insurance that protects against damage caused by accidental fires and wildfires. The right insurance provides peace of mind in the event of a fire.

If you’d like to learn more, see our blog about fire zones and what they mean for your home.

 

This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.

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