Home Preparations for Wildfires

MIDLAND -- No one wants to anticipate a wildfire destroying their home. By preparing ahead of time, you can reduce the destruction. 

Although natural disasters are inevitable, their arrival can be predicted. If you are aware of the potential for a natural disaster -- such as wildfires -- there are a few ways to prepare your house, beginning with the yard.
 
"Within thirty feet of your home, remove any brush or leaves lying around any flammable thing," said Pam Nichols, Owner of Allstate Agency in Midland.  "Put them away."
 
Make sure to do this in advance, because if there is a wildfire approaching, all evacuations should be immediate.  A lot of items may be running through your head to pack, but keep in mind that clothes, TV’s, and mattresses are covered by your insurance policy and should be left behind. 
 
"You want to get things you wouldn't think of -- like your checkbook," said Nichols. "You want to get your bills, your insurance policy. Because you're going to want to talk to your agent. Your agent can help with anything."
 
Don't forget your financial papers and bonds.
 
"If you lost that piece of paper, you lost that piece of the pie" said Nichols.
 
As for what’s left behind, take inventory.
 
"If you have record of the kind of TV you have, how many TVs you have if you have serial number -- that can make things a lot easier," said Nichols. "Your claims go through much quicker."
 
Every so often, make sure to update that list to keep track of recent purchases.  But the most important thing to keep in mind during a fire hazard is, if asked to evacuate, do so immediately.