Coalition is Letting Californians Know May is Wildfire Awareness Month

Now is the time for Californians to prepare homes and communities for the coming wildfire season, the StrongerCA Coalition is warning.

Last year saw a record-breaking wildfire season, with five of the 10 largest wildfires in California.

The group is a coalition committed to ensuring that homeowners, communities and businesses are protected with improved vegetation management, land practices and the availability of affordable insurance.

The group has been busy telling people about Wildfire Awareness Month in May, and has released informational resources and statements from experts encouraging preparedness.

“While it is not possible to eliminate wildfire risk, we are not powerless against it. We must come together as communities and homeowners with a pragmatic approach to mitigate risk at all levels and ultimately reduce property damage,” said Roy Wright, president and CEO of the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety.

The key to wildfire preparation is in comprehensive, community and regional solutions, said Kate Dargan, board co-chair of the California Fire Safe Council.

“When it comes to wildfire, no single person alone can protect a community. Residents throughout California are joining forces to create local Fire Safe Councils to effectively reduce and prevent wildfire losses,” Dargan said. “Working together, local Fire Safe Councils are here to help you and your neighbors with grant funding and education for wildfire mitigation.”

Janet Ruiz, director of strategic communication for the Insurance Information Institute, stated:

“Knowing your home insurance policy is a huge part of being wildfire ready. Simple steps such as completing an annual home insurance check-up, ensuring your policy coverage is adequate and making sure your home inventory is up-to-date can make a huge difference should disaster strike.”

The group also released a list of resources that may be useful for residents and insurance agents:

• Update Your Home Inventory
• Home Insurance Checkup
• FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program
• IBHS Wildfire Ready Guide
• California Fire Safe Council Brochures

Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters Wildfire