- May 29, 2023
- Category: News, Home, Tips & Advice
A fire has been ravaging parts of Nova Scotia, from Tantallon to Sackville, leaving destruction in its wake. As this devastating event continues to unfold, it is crucial for residents to prioritize their safety. Ensure you are in a safe place and follow all orders on evacuation. In this blog post, we will discuss wildfire safety measures and address common questions regarding insurance coverage for affected homes.
How Wildfires can start and how to avoid it
Wildfire ignition can happen by a very high number of factors. All across Canada, Wildfires are a part of the season that some provinces have to deal with. In Nova Scotia, we are often affected by wildfires but only minimally. While our climate does get dry in the summer season, most causes of wildfires are due to negligence or illegal burning.
It is essential to check before burning, especially during the summer months. Climate change has made this more necessary than ever, all year long. If you often have campfires or barbecues, it’s easy to become complacent about fire safety. When things are dry, it only take a few small embers to light up before things become completely out of control.
Looking for more tips on staying safe from fires? Read this article on fire safety tips. It will help you avoid having to use your home fire insurance.
Understanding Fire Safety:
- Create an Emergency Plan: Work with your family to create a detailed plan. Include evacuation routes, communication methods, and a designated meeting point.
- Stay Informed: Pay close attention to local news, weather updates, and evacuation orders. Follow the instructions of authorities and evacuate immediately when advised to do so.
- Prepare an Emergency Kit: It should include food, water, medications, important documents and a first aid kit. Ensure the kit is well-stocked.
Home Fire Insurance Coverage:
- Homeowner’s Insurance: Most homeowner’s insurance policies typically cover damage caused by wildfires. However, it is essential to review your policy and understand the specific terms, limits, and exclusions related to wildfires.
- Dwelling Coverage: Dwelling coverage provides financial protection for your home’s structure. If your home is damaged or destroyed by a wildfire, this coverage can help cover the cost of repairs or rebuilding. It is crucial to ensure that your coverage amount is sufficient to rebuild your home in current market conditions.
- Personal Property Coverage: Personal property coverage helps replace or repair your belongings, such as furniture, electronics, and clothing, if they are damaged or destroyed by a wildfire. Take inventory of your possessions and consider purchasing additional coverage if necessary.
- Additional Living Expenses: If you’re unable to stay in your home due to a wildfire, additional living expenses coverage can help pay for temporary play to live, meals, and other related costs while your home is being repaired or rebuilt.
- Exclusions and Limitations: Some homeowner’s insurance policies may have specific exclusions or limitations for wildfires. For instance, coverage may be limited in high-risk areas or certain types of damage may not be covered. Review your policy carefully or consult with your insurance agent to understand any potential limitations.
- Claim Process: In the event of wildfire damage, promptly contact your insurance company to initiate the claims process. Document the damage with photographs and keep records of any expenses incurred due to the wildfire.
Community Support
At Cluett Insurance we are big believers in community. We invest back into our community, fundraise, support local initiatives and keep our workforce local. We support our community not because of any specific business decision but because we believe that life is better with a community behind you.
In times like these it’s incredibly important to support each other. For those affected, there will need to be support systems in place outside of the government supplied evacuation centres.
An event like this wildfire also highlights the importance of community. There are many stories coming to light right now of people helping their neighbours evacuate, retrieving pets for people who weren’t home and couldn’t get back home, and so much more.
While it’s often over looked, a great tip to put yourself and your family in a better position when it comes to dealing with home fires in general is to know your neighbour.
Staying Safe
The ongoing wildfires in Nova Scotia serve as a reminder of the importance of fire safety and understanding insurance coverage.
Take proactive measures to protect your home. Have appropriate insurance coverage. This can help to mitigate potential losses. It will also ensure a smoother recovery process after a fire.
Stay informed, prioritize safety, and consult with your insurance provider to clarify any doubts or concerns you may have. Together, we can navigate these challenging times and work towards rebuilding stronger and safer communities.