Momentous Insurance, Fireman’s Fund Urge California Wildfire Preparedness

June 17, 2009

Momentous Insurance Brokerage of Van Nuys, Calif., has partnered with Fireman’s Fund Insurance Co. and the Burbank Fire Department to help protect Southern Californians from wildfires.

In 2006, Momentous secured a $157,000 grant from Fireman’s Fund; the funds were used to construct a flashover fire survival facility and provide training to Burbank area firefighters. The facility will be used by 11 cities throughout Los Angeles county, representing over 800,000
residents and covering more than 126 square miles.

On June 12, California Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner and Fireman’s Fund Chairman Chuck Kavitsky met with local firefighters to
discuss wildfire dangers and prevention tips.

“Fire season already started,” Poizner said. “8,700 acres were burnt in Santa Barbara last month. Over 4,000 families lost their homes in the last three years. I’m asking every Californian to take four simple steps to save their assets and their family.”

Poizner urged Californians to secure adequate fire insurance, record home inventory by film or video, have a preparation kit assembled and draft a family action plain in the event of a fire.

In addition to consumers taking responsibility to prevent fires, Kavitsky said “it is important for the private sector to step up and support fire departments with strategic grants for much needed equipment — because local governments are having a hard time meeting fire departments’ needs.”

In partnership with Momentous, Fireman’s Fund said it has donated nearly $250,000 to the Burbank Fire Department.

Sources: DOI, Fireman’s Fund, Momentous Insurance