Wildfire Mitigation

Many of our employers, colleagues, friends, and families were affected by the Oregon wildfires this past month. We reached out to David Willis, State Farm Agent here in Springfield, to provide his expert industry advise for further guidance involving wildfire mitigation. 

David Willis, CLU,ChFC, State Farm Agent

Foremost we should be very grateful that mortality was not worse, and especially grateful for the valiant efforts of the First Responders, Red Cross and the numerous volunteers and citizenry who have donated time, money, and sometimes housing to friends and neighbors.  In addition I salute my fellow insurance agents and companies who are stepping forth with their concern, time, expertise, adjustors, and millions of dollars of current payments and more for projected recovery  and restoration expenses.

Wildfire mitigation is based upon the idea of having defensible space around your dwelling and or business. Intensity of fire is impacted by amount of fuel, dryness of that fuel, oxygen (amount of wind), and the spark. The concept is to keep any type of fire, running low to the ground and not being able to jump up into the tree canopy where it can jump from tree to tree and creates its own weather and wind system.   

While you cannot control what your neighbors do to create their defensible space and any land that is neglected and not tended will create fire hazards, you can do your best to prepare. Also, more homes have been built in what are called wildfire urban interface zones. There are three articles that are pertinent for you to read and review.  In addition, this would be a good time to review your preparedness for the Cascadia Fault. 

Other Tips:

• Be careful of insurance scammers online, by phone, and even in person. 
• Be cautious with contractors from outside the state, gather and verify anyone’s insurance and contractor’s license. 
• Be aware that most surveys about insurance are done towards the end or after a claim has been submitted.