To protect your property, you need to consider a wide variety of factors. Some are as simple as purchasing tools. Some are ongoing issues and others are seasonal.

SEASONAL MATTERS

If you live in a high-risk area, know your seasonal variations and how to monitor fire break outs and alerts. Make sure you monitor the changing risk levels frequently. Be ready to go into action and review your emergency plans when wildfire risk is high.

DOCUMENTATION AND OTHER PAPER WORK

Since the risk of property damage is high, be sure you have a complete record of your home and its contents. Video your house, and even certain contents, using a camcorder or your phone. Also, be certain to prepare a list of your valuable items, updating it regularly as you make new purchases. Make sure these items are kept where fire cannot destroy them. Online records are inherently fire safe, but to be on the safe side, make physical copies, too. You can store them with a friend, a family member or a lawyer for safekeeping.

Above all, take out and keep current a solid homeowner’s insurance policy. Choose the best you can afford and opt for replacement cost coverage instead of actual cash value. It costs more upfront, but will help you rebuild a solid, comfortable home after a fire as opposed to getting a minimal cash settlement based on the insurance company’s assessment of your old home’s worth.