Wildfires: A Heartfelt Call to Prepare and Protect What Matters Most

Washington, Are You Ready?

We are fortunate that our state has historically been less prone to the kind of intense wildfires seen further south. However, with the frequency and intensity of wildfires increasing across the Pacific Northwest, we can no longer take our safety and preparedness for granted. Washington State, particularly in areas like Eastern Washington, has experienced devastating wildfires in recent years, and experts predict that the risk of wildfire will continue to grow. This year, Western Washington is expected to face above-normal fire risks during the peak summer months, and communities near forests or dry grasslands may find themselves at higher risk.

At North Town Insurance, we are here to help you stay one step ahead of the threat by ensuring that you are adequately prepared should wildfires strike closer to home. Here are some essential steps to take now to safeguard your property, family, and future.

1. Review Your Insurance Coverage

Insurance coverage is your safety net in times of disaster, but it’s important to remember that not all policies are created equal. Many homeowners are surprised to learn that their standard insurance policies may not fully cover wildfire-related damage, particularly when it comes to rebuilding or replacing personal belongings.

To ensure you’re adequately protected, take the time to carefully review your homeowner’s insurance policy and consult with one of our experts about potential gaps in coverage. Be sure to ask about:

• Wildfire-specific endorsements: While many policies cover fire damage, specific wildfire endorsements may be needed to provide additional protection.
• Personal property coverage: Wildfires can reduce a home and all its belongings to ashes. Ensure that your policy accurately reflects the value of your personal items, such as electronics, furniture, clothing, and jewelry.
• Additional living expenses: If you’re displaced by a wildfire, having coverage for temporary housing (hotels, rentals, etc.) is crucial.

2. Create and Maintain a Home Inventory

One of the most important yet often overlooked steps in preparing for any disaster is creating a comprehensive inventory of your belongings. In the aftermath of a wildfire, having a record of your possessions, along with photos, videos, and receipts, can significantly speed up the claims process and ensure that you’re properly reimbursed.

Take time today to document your belongings, room by room. Store your inventory in a secure location—ideally in both digital and physical formats—and update it regularly. The more detailed your inventory, the better protected you’ll be if you need to file a claim.

3. Mitigate Your Risk From Wildfires

While we can’t control the weather or the speed at which a fire spreads, there are proactive steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of a wildfire affecting your home. The state of Washington, particularly in high-risk areas, encourages homeowners to create defensible space around their properties. This means clearing away dead vegetation, trimming trees, and reducing flammable materials near your home.

At North Town Insurance, we support these measures, as they can help reduce the fire’s potential impact and may even lower your premiums. Additionally, consider speaking with forestry experts or local agencies about other ways to protect your home.

4. Develop an Emergency Evacuation Plan

Preparation goes beyond insurance and property protection; it’s essential to have a clear and practiced plan for what you’ll do in case of an evacuation. In the event of a wildfire, every second counts, so knowing the evacuation routes, having an emergency kit ready, and having a designated meeting place for your family can make all the difference.

Ensure that everyone in your household is familiar with the plan, and practice evacuation drills. Be sure to pack essentials such as medications, important documents, and personal items that will be hard to replace in the chaos.

5. Stay Informed About Local Wildfire Risks

While we may not face wildfires on the same scale as those in California, we cannot afford to be complacent. Stay updated with local advisories, fire risk reports, and emergency alerts from local fire departments or the Washington State Department of Natural Resources. Being prepared and aware of changing fire conditions will help you act swiftly when necessary.

Watch Our Client’s Powerful Testimonial

We encourage you to take a few minutes to watch a testimonial from one of our clients who tragically lost their home in the 2023 Spokane wildfires. Their story is a reminder of how quickly disaster can strike and the importance of being prepared. A house fire is a traumatic event, and we hope their experience will inspire you to take action.

In their video, they share their honest experience of losing everything in the fire and provide practical tips for homeowners:

• Schedule an annual review with your insurance company: Regularly reviewing your coverages ensures that you are up-to-date on what’s included and what’s not. It’s a crucial part of your preparedness plan.
• Consider purchasing additional coverage: Ask your agent about extra coverages that may be necessary for your unique situation, especially if you live in a high-risk area.
• Ask “what if” questions: Don’t hesitate to ask your agent about different scenarios and what your coverage would look like in those cases. Our team loves these types of questions and is always happy to help!

We strongly encourage you to spend just five minutes watching this eye-opening clip. It could make all the difference in ensuring you’re truly prepared.

In Conclusion: We Are in This Together

While wildfires may feel like a distant concern for many in Washington, the reality is that our state’s wildfire risk is increasing, and it’s only a matter of time before we are affected on a larger scale. At North Town Insurance, we are committed to helping you prepare for the unexpected. Our team is here to help you understand your coverage, mitigate risk, and ensure that you are as protected as possible from wildfire damage.

We understand the deep emotional toll that natural disasters take, and our goal is to provide not only the coverage you need but also the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’ve taken the right steps to protect your home and loved ones.

Please reach out to us today to review your policy, ask questions about wildfire coverage, and discuss the best ways to protect your home. Together, we can ensure that you are prepared, no matter what the future holds.

Stay safe, stay informed, and stay protected.

Read the January 2025 Edition of our Newsletter: Your Source for the Latest Insurance Industry Insights

Fine Print: This is a general overview with the intention of bringing awareness to coverage options and general industry standards. Coverage varies between carriers and states. Check your policy for specifics.