Preparing your home for a natural disaster or fire includes checking that insurance coverage is adequate and creating an up-to-date home inventory. Keep a copy of your home inventory in a firebox and with your Go Bag.
Check insurance coverage
Check your policy limits and coverage annually and make sure the policy reflects the correct square footage, features in the home and any recent improvements. Consider purchasing building code upgrade coverage. Keep a list of insurance contacts and policy details in your Go Bag.
What’s covered | The details matter. Understand if you have a replacement cost policy that pays to replace all your items at current market price or an actual cash value policy that takes depreciation into account and pays less for aged items.
Home improvements | If you make home improvements, be sure to update your coverage including for new countertops, floors, etc.
Maintain insurance | If your home is paid off, be sure to maintain homeowner’s insurance. Without insurance, you likely won’t have the funds to rebuild.
Renters | Renters can lose everything in a fire and be left to start over, so be sure to have renters insurance for your belongings. Many insurers bundle coverage with an auto insurance policy at affordable prices.
Additionally, if you are under a mandatory evacuation, insurance may cover additional living expenses. Make sure to save all hotel and meal receipts for a refund. Read your policy carefully to understand what it covers.
Prepare a home inventory
Filing insurance claims will be easier if you have an accurate home inventory by documenting the contents of your home. Use a smartphone to make a video of your belongings, including vehicles and equipment. Keep the inventory and photos outside the home or stored in the cloud.
Make an inventory | Video or photograph each room of the home. Remember to document drawers and closets. Don’t forget the garage and sheds. Download the Home Inventory app from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners or use the Household Inventory List developed by University of Nevada Cooperative Extension (available for download at YourTahoeGuide/fire).
Document value | Keep a record of prices of items and where and when you purchased them. Make note of important or expensive items like electronics, appliances, sports equipment, TVs, computers, jewelry, etc.
Save receipts | Save receipts for all major purchases and store them in the cloud or a fireproof case. | ready.gov/plan, readyforwildfire.org
Courtesy Cal Fire & FEMA
Download a Home Inventory Checklist / Descargar un inventario de vivienda
Lista de Verificación | naic.org
Download Tahoe Guide’s 5th Annual Wildfire Preparedness Guide
