INSURANCE
Fire Preparedness
Plan ahead to safeguard what matters most in case of a fire.
By Alexis Nicols
It is essential to have working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors — it’s not only the law, more importantly it saves lives. | PHOTO: BRIAN JACKSON/ADOBE STOCK
A RESIDENTIAL FIRE is one of the most devastating emergencies a homeowner or renter can encounter. Fire spreads rapidly, often leaving you mere minutes to react. The top priority is, of course, getting yourself, your family and your pets to safety, but taking proper precautions now can help minimize losses, especially when it comes to irreplaceable belongings and financial recovery.
FIRE RISK
The first step in preparedness is identifying your fire risks. Assess the area surrounding your home to determine the factors that may help or hinder the spread of fire.
- Discard all flammable debris, dry vegetation and firewood near the structures on your property.
- Install fire-resistant roofing, siding and windows for additional protection.
- Create a defensible space around your home by choosing fire-resistant plantings such as deciduous trees and shrubs, as well as non-combustible materials such as rocks, concrete and brick.
BASIC SAFETY MEASURES
Start with working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors on every floor of your home, including all sleeping areas and the basement. Opt for one of three types of fire-prevention devices — one that is hardwired to your home’s electrical system; one that plugs into a conventional power outlet; or a 10-year tamper-proof battery-operated alarm. Whichever device you pick, make sure it’s always in working order by testing it once a month, being aware of the expiry date and replacing the device accordingly. It’s also essential to have fire extinguishers in all key locations, such as the kitchen, garage and utility room. A vital step in fire preparedness is to have a detailed evacuation plan for people as well as pets. Develop a two-exit escape plan — and do a dry run — so everyone in the household knows what to do should an emergency arise. Make sure also that you have a “ready bag” containing emergency essentials — including medications, copies of important documents, basic supplies and emergency cash — so these are easily accessible when you need them most.
“A vital step in fire preparedness is to have a detailed evacuation plan for people as well as pets. Develop a two-exit escape plan — and do a dry run — so everyone in the household knows what to do, should an emergency arise.”
SAFEGUARDING YOUR MOST PRECIOUS ITEMS
A fireproof safe is essential for storing important possessions, such as passports, birth certificates and valuables. It’s also ideal for irreplaceable items — say, jewellery, small family heirlooms, photos and valuable collectibles. For additional security, upload digital copies of crucial documents and family photos to a cloud storage service. Keep a video inventory of your home’s interior, which could be utilized when submitting an insurance claim. The video should document furniture, electronics, décor, clothing, personal possessions and valuables, as well as the basics. You may think that the less expensive items are negligible, but those entries in your inventory can add up quite quickly.
THE RIGHT INSURANCE COVERAGE MATTERS
Standard home or tenant insurance may not fully cover high-value possessions such as jewellery, art or collectibles. You should check the maximums and exclusions on your insurance policy and review the particulars with your insurance advisor. Consider adding insurance riders to protect those items. Note too, that if your vehicle is parked in a garage during a fire, it could be a total loss. Make sure your car insurance includes fire damage coverage. CAA Members can save by bundling their home and car insurance, and in the event of a claim, will only need to deal with one adjuster for both. CAA