It is, unfortunately, apparent that fire season in California is no longer limited to a few months. It now poses a year-round threat.
Residents in fire-prone areas may find it difficult to obtain affordable home insurance. In some cases, finding insurance at any cost is impossible because insurers refuse to cover certain homes, especially those of homeowners who have not taken steps to make their property as fire-proof as possible.
A Framework for Enhanced Fire Safety
-To rectify the issue, the State of California has created a “Safer From Wildfires” framework.
-Culled from best practices developed by consumer groups and other entities, the goals are to save lives, reduce losses, hold down premiums, and make coverage more widely available.
-Many recommended upgrades are already required for new homes being built in areas with an elevated fire risk.
-Upgrades can be expensive, but probably less than a fire that destroys your entire home.
-Some insurers offer discounts to homeowners who have made safety improvements.
-Regulations currently under consideration could make this rate credit mandatory. Harden Your Home “Safer From Wildfires” recommends structural upgrades to harden your home and decrease risk.
-Some upgrades you can inexpensively do yourself, such as covering vents with fire-resistant metal screens to block burning embers from a wind-blown fire.
-Others, such as installing a Class A fire-resistant roof, will cost thousands.
-Many communities already require creating “defensible space” to reduce potential fuel.
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GOOD NEWS FOR SAN DIEGANS: The California Office of Emergency Services (OES) offers a pilot program to people in San Diego County. We are one of just two counties where OES provides grants to local agencies to assist low- and moderate-income homeowners conduct fire mitigation projects.
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For more information on steps, you can take to be “Safer From Wildfires” and other ways to prepare for the unexpected, such as identifying an emergency evacuation route, visit https://uphelp.org/californias-safer-from-wildfires-shows-how-to-protect-homes-get-insurance-discounts/.
Our Advice: Be proactive! Be prepared! Stay safe!
We’re Here for You: If you are considering selling your current home and moving to a senior community, Greenwald & Gerke will help make sure your prospective new community meets or exceeds fire safety requirements. Call us at (844) 782-9674 for a complimentary initial consultation.
