Category: Fire

Insurance tips

Whether you’re a homeowner or renter:

• It’s wise to take photos of any high-value items and save the photos in cloud storage or a thumb drive that’s stored away from the home.

• Check with your insurance company to see if your coverage is limited by “special limits,” because many policies put limits on items like artwork, jewelry, musical instruments, antiques, firearms, business-related computers, etc.

Renter’s insurance is a small investment in protecting renters from the devastating impact of a major fire.

Defensible space around your house

To protect your house and the community, create a Clear Zone 15-30 feet around buildings and decks.

• Prune or remove trees that touch or overhang the house, deck or outbuildings.

• Reduce ladder fuels (dead branches, etc.) on the ground and up to about four feet high. Dispose of cut materials in the Baca mitigation pit.

• Clear vegetation and flammables from around propane tanks.

• Keep other stored fuels (gasoline, kerosene) away from structures.

• Remove trash and flammable debris from around the house and outbuildings.

• Store firewood away from the house, preferably uphill from any building.

• Mow or cut grass to less than 6 inches high.

Let’s all pitch in to have a safe summer as the hot, dry season approaches.