Three takeaways from the California wildfires

The recent California wildfires have caused billions in losses and tragic loss of life. With wildfires becoming a risk in more areas of our state, we can empathize with their devastating loss and risk of wildfires. Below are a few takeaways we can glean from the fires:

Winter & post storm cleanup

California wildfires in winter show that even in the colder dryer months, fires can still be a risk.

Throughout the year but especially in the spring it’s important to clear lawns, storm drains, and areas close to buildings of leaves, branches, and debris that have fallen or are likely to fall. These are all natural elements that add fuel to a fire.

Emergency management preparations

The time to start planning for an emergency is now.

Whether your city has its own fire department or has one through interlocal agreement, make sure to maintain strong lines of communication with them and conduct emergency management planning meetings or tabletop exercises with them.

It’s also important that you and your fire department are in communication with your County’s Emergency Management Department on wildfire response and mitigation. They provide critical information, resources, exercises and help municipalities prepare and mitigate disasters.

Reinsurance rates

While your RMSA rates are determined at the state level, reinsurance companies, the companies RMSA purchases coverage from to insure you, are global, so national and even international losses can have an impact on both commercial and personal insurance policies across the country.