Wildfire Season Is Getting Longer Every Year: What Homeowners and Insurance Carriers Can Do to Mitigate the Risk

The recent devastation of the wildfires in Canada and California has sparked widespread media attention and conversations about climate change. Canada’s National Wildland Fire Situation Report states that this year, there have been 3,582 wildfires. Not only have these disasters caused severe damage and losses, but they’re also impacting air quality throughout Canada and the United States.

In California, 820,948 acres have been consumed by wildfire this year alone, with 45 active fires; this number is expected to rise. According to the New York Post, the wildfires in Los Angeles alone have caused over $250 billion in damages, and this number increases as the state continues to burn.

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Why Are Wildfires Getting Worse?

You may be surprised to learn that human activities are the main contributors to wildfires, and climate change is compounding the situation. When a spark catches from unattended campfires, discarded cigarettes, burning brush, or equipment malfunctions, rising temperatures and droughts cause these fires to explode and get out of control. With terrifying images of orange blazes filling news coverage and lighting our screens, it’s hard not to worry. Knowing the dangers of rising temperatures and longer fire seasons, however, allows policyholders and insurance carriers to prepare for these disasters.

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What Can You Do?

Although these facts seem grim, you can help by taking precautions! Never leave a campfire unattended, for example, and always properly dispose of waste. Your preparation in the event of a disaster is another factor that you can control. 

Here’s what to do for wildfire safety:

  • Be prepared: Pack an emergency kit with supplies such as first aid, medications, water, and important records.
  • Think ahead: Have an evacuation route planned in case you need to leave your home.
  • Stay in touch: Make sure your phone is charged, and consider purchasing a battery-powered radio for important news updates.

Create defensible space:

  • Clear debris: Remove leaves, needles, and other flammable debris from your roof, gutters, decks, and around your foundation. 
  • Create a buffer zone: Maintain a clear zone of at least 5 feet around your home by replacing flammable mulch with hardscaping materials like gravel or pavers.
  • Manage vegetation: Keep firewood stacks and propane tanks at least 30 to 50 feet away from your home.
  • Prune trees and shrubs: Remove any overhanging branches that touch your roof or could carry fire into the treetops.
  • Hydrate plants: Keep your lawn and other plants well-watered to reduce their flammability. 

You can also make sustainable choices to mitigate the effects of climate change. These include:

  • Reducing your energy use at home, such as by switching to LED lightbulbs or installing solar panels.
  • Taking public transit, carpooling, walking, or riding a bike.
  • Reducing your waste and recycling.
  • Planting a garden with native species.

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How Insurance Carriers Can Prepare

The abundance of claims rolling in after a disaster causes large payouts and rising premiums, creating difficulties for both insurance carriers struggling to keep up with financial losses and homeowners who cannot afford the increased rates. HOMEE’s innovative strategies help insurance carriers avoid these challenges. Through AI-powered automation and early-engagement tools, we expedite the claims process, increasing its efficiency by 5 to 10 times to help you cut costs and handle more claims. With our technology, HOMEE:

  • Reduces loss adjustment expense (LAE) by 66%
  • Reduces cycle time by 41%
  • Averages 8 - 12% indemnity saving per claim

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HOMEE Is Here For You

HOMEE is your partner in the claims process, should you need to report any damages. We are here to reduce your stress and get your home up and running again. We will:

  • Assign you a credentialed HOMEE Pro for your specific repair needs.
  • Coordinate inspection and manage repair estimates so they get approved with the least amount of hassle.
  • Complete your repairs once your coverage and estimates are approved.

Fire damage is a frightening thought, but with HOMEE by your side, you’re not alone. To learn more about how HOMEE can help you prepare for wildfire season and expedite your claims process, contact us at claims@homee.com or give us a call at (855) 964-6633.

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