The 2021 wildfire season is already outpacing that of 2020, which broke historic records.
California is suffering a severe drought this year, and Mercury homeowners insurance customers are being urged to take action to ensure their properties and their families are prepared for a rough wildfire season.
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection shows that wildfires are worse than last year.
According to recent California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) data, the drought is contributing to wildfire numbers and acres burned to the point that they are substantially higher than they were at the same time in 2020. Last year’s wildfire season broke records and this year’s is already looking worse. Therefore, Mercury homeowners insurance policyholders are being reminded of measures they can take to protect their homes and properties, as well as their families.
This year’s high temperatures and drought are creating the perfect opportunity for a single spark to become additional wildfires. Mercury Insurance company is encouraging its own customers – as well as all Californian property owners – to learn how to protect themselves.
Mercury homeowners insurance has issued a list of helpful actions property owners can take.
“Californians who live in fire-susceptible areas can’t afford to play the odds by relying solely on firefighting efforts to save their homes,” said Mercury Insurance director of personal property underwriting Kelly Glover. “Be proactive and take action to help keep your home safe.”
The following are among some of the tips the insurer is offering homeowners to keep their properties and homes safe this California wildfire season.
- Create a minimum of 5 feet of defensible space around all buildings. Increase that to 30 feet in high wildfire risk areas.
- Clear away all leaf and pine needle buildup from lawns, rooftops and gutters. Trim all tree limbs to at least 10 feet from chimneys and remove any dry limbs overhanging structures such as homes and garages.
- Plant native fire-resistant plants around the property
- Replace combustible exterior home materials with those with a minimum one-to-two-hour fire resistance rating.
- Move flammable and combustible materials to at least 50 feet from the home.
- Check and maintain irrigation systems and have a ladder available for roof access.
- Keep pools accessible for fire engine water sources. Make it possible for fire engines to get within 10 feet.
- One Mercury homeowners insurance tip many people typically forget is to ensure the home street number is extremely visible to make it simple for emergency responders to rapidly identify the address in an emergency.