Wildfire preparation and safety tips for businesses

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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
Have a plan in place - Develop a written business continuity plan that includes wildfire preparedness. Make sure employees know what to do if a wildfire is coming.
Purchase a weather radio – Obtain a radio with local discrimination capability. 
Stay alert - Sign up for and pay attention to weather alerts.
Back it up - Have emergency backup power lined up for your facility before you are faced with a weather hazard.
Assess security needs - Depending on the type of business you run, you may need additional security at the site after a wildfire moves through. 
Check your coverage - Review your business insurance coverage. 

If you are evacuating your business when a wildfire is approaching
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.
Turn off HVAC – Cover vents and turn off cooling systems to help keep out smoke.
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.
Light it up - Turn on interior and exterior lights to help with visibility in case of smoke.
Take it down - Remove window treatments and move furniture away from doors and windows. 
Move combustible items inside or away – Bring outdoor materials and furniture inside and move larger items as far away from the business as possible.
Close doors and windows securely.   
Wet property with hoses.
Fill trash cans and buckets with water – Place water receptables so they are easy to find.
Evacuate.

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

How to report a claim

Online at www.hanover.com

By phone: 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.