Wildfire preparation and safety tips for homeowners

View transcript

Fast facts

• 38 states have areas at risk for wildfires. Eight out of the ten costliest wildfires took place in California; however, Texas has been known to have double the number of wildfires as California in an average year. (iii link) 
• 89% of wildfires between 2017-2021 were caused by humans. (Congressional Research Service)

Prepare today

1. Create a family communications plan – Develop a family contact sheet with names, addresses and phone numbers of important contacts including doctors, schools and out-of-state family members. Keep an online backup available. (Need a place to start? Download a plan here.)
2. Make a home inventory – Insurance claims are typically process faster when an inventory is available.
3. Purchase a weather radio – Obtain a radio with local discrimination capability. 
4. Stay alert - Sign up for and pay attention to weather alerts.

If you are evacuating your home when a fire is approaching:

1. Shut off gas – Turn off gas at the meter or propane at the tank if you know how to do it safely. Call a professional if you need assistance.
2. Turn off HVAC – Cover vents and turn off cooling systems to help keep out smoke.
3. Install fire-resistant shutters – Carefully install fire-resistant shutters or plywood to help protect from radiant heat and embers. If assistance is needed, contact a professional.
4. Light it up - Turn on interior and exterior lights to help with visibility in case of smoke.
5. Take it down - Remove window treatments and move furniture away from doors and windows. 
6. Move combustible items inside or away – Bring furniture and smaller items inside and move larger items as far away from the home as possible
7. Close doors and windows securely.   
8. Wet property with hoses.
9. Fill trash cans and buckets with water – Place water receptables so they are easy to find.
10. Evacuate. 

When you can safely return

1. Carefully put it out if safe to do so (otherwise contact fire officials for help)
2. Extinguish any exterior sparks or embers. Do not climb on roof to extinguish embers. 
3. Extinguish burning trees or piles of materials.
4. Keep doors and windows closed.
5. Access and document damage – Take photos and video of any damage you can safely access prior to clean up.
6. Save all receipts.
7. Call your insurance agent as soon as possible to start a claim.

How to report a claim

• Online at www.hanover.com
• Prestige claims:877-922-2774
• Platinum policy service: 800-799-6977
• General claims: 800-628-0250
• By mobile app: Hanover mobile

This material is provided for informational purposes only and does not provide any coverage or guarantee loss prevention. The examples in this material are provided as hypothetical and for illustration purposes only. The Hanover Insurance Company and its affiliates and subsidiaries (“The Hanover”) specifically disclaim any warranty or representation that acceptance of any recommendations contained herein will make any premises, or operation safe or in compliance with any law or regulation. By providing this information to you, The Hanover does not assume (and specifically disclaims) any duty, undertaking or responsibility to you. The decision to accept or implement any recommendation(s) or advice contained in this material must be made by you.