Quality Claims Offers Timely Tips for Fire Prevention & Preparation

Aug. 3, 2012 - PRLog -- Wildfire season is upon us, and presents an annual threat to homes and businesses.  Factors such as climate change, urbanization, and flammable vegetation present a perfect storm to fuel these intense fires.  Quality Claims, a leader in hazard claim recovery services, has compiled some advice for protecting against destruction.  

“Though the threat of wildfires affects us annually, the conditions seem to worsen every year both in Southern California and across the country. Many people are not adequately prepared, which results in unnecessary loss and disruption,” said Ron Reitz, President of Quality Claims and of The National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters.  “Through some basic steps and precautions, home and business owners can lessen the impact of a potential tragedy.”

Ensuring sufficient insurance coverage:  It is an important first step.  As construction and rebuild costs increase, so should policy limits.  Many standard policies are limited to only rebuilding what is currently there.  Homeowners should determine appropriate levels of coverage for their property, and not trust that basic policies are enough.

Taking home inventory:  All household items should be documented with a description, age, replacement cost, and place purchased.  Expensive items should be photographed.  Companies such as Docuhome offer photo-tagging options, which simplify the time-consuming process of tallying hundreds or thousands of items found in a home.  These efforts will pay off when it comes time to settle an insurance claim.  

Creating evacuation plan:  Homeowners should review their insurance policy to see what type of emergency help they are entitled to.  They should then identify nearby hotels or lodging options to fit their family’s need as a temporary residence.  No one wants to start these discussions after fire is rapidly approaching and time is of the essence in seeking refuge.  

While checking policies, making inventory lists, and creating an evacuation plan are all essential steps to preparing for wildfires, it is also important to fire-proof homes as much as possible.  Residents should remove branches and leaves from chimneys and sweep gutters and roofs on a regular basis.  If fire is imminent, flammable items such as wood piles, lawn furniture, grills, and doormats should be removed from premises.

About Quality Claims:
Quality Claims Management Corporation provides hazard claim recovery services to investors, mortgage servicers, homeowners and businesses. All claims are adjusted by licensed insurance professionals for an equitable settlement and accelerated resolution timelines. Contact Quality Claims Management at (866) 450-1183 or www.qualityclaims.com.