Wildfires can be a serious problem for people living in areas where they are common. They can cause significant damage to property and belongings. The aftermath of a wildfire is challenging to deal with, but knowing what you’re up against can make it easier to handle. This article will give you an idea of the steps that need taking to safeguard your property and possessions in case of a wildfire.
Be prepared and stay informed
It may not be possible to prevent a wildfire from occurring, but you can still do your best to avoid damage and loss of property and belongings by taking some precautions. Unfortunately, no one can guarantee that they’ll be completely untouched by a wildfire, but taking some steps to prepare for this type of damage can make the aftermath less stressful. According to experts from https://kerleyschaffer.com/, hiring a legal representative can help you deal with the legislation and compensate for the potential damage or distress you may have suffered. The process can be frustrating on its own, but having an expert on your side can alleviate some stress.
#1. Not All Losses Are Covered
This is the first thing most people think about when they contemplate wildfires. Home insurance doesn’t usually cover all fire damage, which can lead to some problems if you weren’t aware of this before disaster strikes.
If your home is damaged by the spread of a wildfire, most home insurers won’t compensate you for it entirely. This includes any losses that result from smoke damage or water used to put out the fire. Not all home insurance policies are the same, so it’s a good idea to read your policy and check with your insurer before you assume that wildfire damage is covered.
Your most reliable option is to contact your insurer and ask them if they will cover these losses. Go through all of their packages and options, as there are quite a few coverage options. If not, then turn to homeowners associations or firefighting organizations for help. Your local fire station will have links to firefighting groups that might be able to help you.
#2. Wildfires Can Distort Real Estate Value
If your home was affected by the spread of a wildfire, it can make it difficult to sell or rent out later on. You need to understand what sort of impact the wildfire had on your property before you try to sell it on.
The two main factors that affect a property’s value after a wildfire are smoke damage and fire damage. In the instance of both, the real estate market will take these as some serious defects to your property. These will be visible from outside and inside it, so anyone viewing your home will see them straight away. Sellers may have to reduce the asking price or face a much harder time selling their homes.
#3. What You Can Do To Preserve Your Property
If you know that there is a wildfire heading your way, try your best to safeguard your property and belongings on-site. Protect vulnerable areas of your property by clearing brushes away from the house and taking valuable items outside.
You should try your best to cover your roof with a fireproofing material, but this might not be possible depending on the situation. Don’t forget about any exterior walls either – they are particularly vulnerable to wildfires. If you can afford it, consider investing in some form of fireproofing that will protect vulnerable areas of your home.
Finally, turn off any electrical items that might cause a fire and take in pets. Leaving them outside is a death sentence in most cases, so bring them indoors with you if they’re at risk of being injured by the wildfire.
#4. Insurance Is Your Friend
In the aftermath of a wildfire, it can be difficult to keep your head straight. The situation is stressful and confusing, so you might find yourself making bad decisions about what steps to take.
For the most part, your insurer will help you through this process by providing you with a claims adjuster who can guide you through it step-by-step. In some cases, they may even lend a hand in getting a temporary place to stay.
If you have a good relationship with your insurer, then they might even put you in contact with a specialized wildfire damage-claim attorney or group that can help you through the process of getting compensation. This is an expensive option but could help cut down on legal costs if there are any disputes with your claim later on.
In the end, you should always try to keep an open and honest dialogue with your insurer. This will help them assess the damage and figure out what needs to be done next.
When a wildfire comes through, it can leave behind a lot of debris and damage to property in its wake. It’s impossible to protect everything, but you can do your best to minimize the impact with preparation. Once the fire has been put out, you may be able to submit a claim to receive compensation from the responsible party, which may be a local government agency, your insurance company, or another party. A fire lawyer can help you deal with the paperwork involved in the claim process and gather all of the evidence that is necessary to get what you deserve.
