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What do I do after a catastrophe that could damage my home?

I live in an area where wildfires are common. One is near our home now and I'm not sure what I should do if we need to evacuate. We have wildfire insurance on our home.

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Emily Maracle · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
“If you need to evacuate your home due to a wildfire or other catastrophe, you should do a few different things.
First, pack important files and documents. This includes:
  • Passports
  • IDs
  • Birth certificates
  • Title to your home
  • Other important documents that can’t be duplicated
Since you have catastrophe insurance, it may also be wise to have a copy of your current policy along with any information for your home and
car insurance
policies. You’ll also want to have pictures of your home and any property inside. If you need to file claims, it’ll be important to have easy access to all of this information.
Next, pack a bag with any or all essentials. If you take any prescription medication or wear glasses or contacts, you want to be sure you have them ready. Also, make sure your wallet, keys, and phone are nearby.
While you should have plenty of notice for evacuation, wildfires are extremely dangerous. Their conditions change quickly, and you want to be sure you’re ready to leave at any given moment.
If you were required to evacuate, do not return to your home until it’s deemed safe. When you do return, be sure to survey the damage and take pictures. You’ll then need to call your insurance company to confirm what the next steps to file a claim.
Since wildfires can come along with little warning, you might also want to think about insuring your vehicles. Using the
Jerry
app, you can add comprehensive coverage to your policy to protect your car(s) from wildfires and other acts of God.”
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