Independent agents’ role in protecting California from wildfires

Homeowners need resources to prepare for a wildfire event, as well as to manage the aftermath. In an industry built upon helping others in their time of need and cultivating strong relationships, independent agents have a responsibility to become trusted confidants for their insureds and help safeguard communities across California. To become that trusted advisor, agents must understand the forces amplifying wildfire risks and raising premiums, and the latest tools to mitigate fire risk.

Wildfire risk is not one-size-fits-all

One of the primary challenges for homeowners regarding fire safety is a lack of understanding of their property's specific wildfire risks. From the vulnerabilities of a property’s location to increasingly intense seasonal weather factors and outdated construction standards that exacerbate wildfire risks, many property owners only find out they are ill-equipped to manage a major fire event when it’s too late. Fortunately, agents can help educate policyholders on wildfire risk. Consider the following:

• Understanding wind: As seen during the Pacific Palisades, Altadena and Paradise fires, wind played a crucial role in intensifying and spreading wildfires throughout California. Winds strong enough to rip shingles off rooftops carried embers miles away from one fire’s origin, landing in attics, crawl spaces and backyards and setting new fires ablaze. As a result, areas that were once considered somewhat safe from wildfires like Moreno Valley, Fullerton, Napa and Cupertino, are now considered at risk.
• Location, location, location: Communities located in valleys are more at risk than some homeowners may think. Valleys trap heat and tend to serve as wind tunnels, helping spread embers and fuel fires, while the sloped terrain throughout a valley and flammable vegetation pose an additional threat.
• Outdated construction standards: Though California has minimum fire safety construction standards for new builds, there are no mandates requiring California homeowners to retrofit existing homes for fire safety. Homeowners are consequently left with weak defenses when fire strikes.

Tackling the problem

For California homeowners to truly safeguard their largest investments, their homes and properties, they must take proactive action. Independent agents can play an effective role in helping to protect the communities and people throughout California by directing homeowners to tangible best practices to improve fire safety. A few such insights might include:

• Ember-proof venting: Ember-proof vents consist of fine-mesh, fire-resistant materials that block embers without blocking airflow and can cost as little as $30 per piece. The 2021 Paradise Fires showed just how effective ember-proof venting can be. Nearly 14,000 homes were destroyed in the fire, but the ones that survived had attic and foundation vents in line with California Building Construction Code for wildfire-prone areas, according to the University of California’s Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Agents should ensure property owners understand that 60 to 90% of homes ignite due to embers, according to CALFire, and strongly advise insureds to invest in ember-proof vents.
• Leveling up: In addition to ember-proof venting, there are several updates property owners can make to their homes and businesses to better protect them from wildfires. Features including fire-resistant siding, Class A roofing and double-paned or tempered glass windows have proven effective. Such upgrades may mean more significant investments, but agents can also recommend lower cost options such as installing fire-resistant window film or sealing exterior walls with fire-resistant caulk or sealant.
• Yard maintenance: Property owners should keep at least the first five feet from the foundation of a structure clear of any items or foliage. Outdoor wooden decks, furniture and storage spaces should be completely avoided, as well as any flammable trees and foliage. For insight on fire-smart landscaping, agents can visit the CALFire website, as well as refer their policyholders to the site.

As Californians struggle to rebuild from the wildfire events of years past, property owners will continue to need insightful resources from knowledgeable people who genuinely care about protecting their communities. Independent agents have a crucial role to play in making sure their insureds understand how individual fire safety can protect entire communities. They can do this by offering policyholders actionable advice to improve fire safety efforts.