As fires ravage California each year, more homeowners are at risk of losing their insurance, making it a struggle for them to find and maintain affordable rates. Susie Steimle reports. (11-11-2019)

Homeowners in fire-prone areas of California will find it easier and possibly cheaper to buy fire, liability and other types of insurance for their homes thanks to a recent court ruling. KTVU’s Andre Senior reports.

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We talked to the Texas A &M Forest Service about how to protect our homes from wildfire. As more people build homes closer to natural areas, it becomes even more important to reduce the risk of wildfire.
 
How to protect you home from wildfire
 
You can do some simple things: clean gutters, get rid of dead winter vegetation, rake away vegetation from sides of home, and check attic vents for screening to prevent embers from getting inside.
You can also create a defensible space around your home. Experts recommend at least a 30-foot clearing around your house. That space doesn’t need to be void of vegetation, but get rid of dead vegetation and remove low tree limbs. A defensible space can help slow the wildfire spread to your home and make it easier for you to evacuate your home. It also gives firefighters a safe area to work if there is a fire.
 
If you don’t have a 30-foot space, work with your neighbors to create and build that space.
 
Where do wildfires occur in Texas?
 
All parts of our state can be affected by wildfire. Weather changes throughout the year can create hazards. For example, in the northwestern range of the state we have cold fronts that bring high winds, creating more hazards for fast-moving grass fires. And in the summer months in East Texas there are heavier fuels that can create slower moving wildfires.
 
Review your insurance
 
We recommend that your review your home insurance to make sure coverage is keeping up-to-date with rebuilding costs. And create a home inventory in case you have to make a claim. That detailed list and images can make a difference on how smoothly the claim process goes.
 
For tips that can protect your home from wildfire risks, visit https://www.tdi.texas.gov/tips/protect-home-wildfire.html
 
#Wildfire #Insurance #FireSafety

00:00 How to protect your home from wildfire
00:29 Will 2021 be a bad year for wildfires?
01:02 Will there be more wildfires because of the 2021 Texas winter storm?
02:21 Do new homes and neighborhoods create more danger for wildfires?
03:12 Where are wildfires worse in Texas?
04:20 How can I protect my home from wildfires?
06:53 Insurance tips before a wildfire (review your coverage, make a home inventory)
07:15 For insurance questions visit https://www.tdi.texas.gov or call 1-800-252-3439

In 2019 alone, insurance companies dropped the policies of about 230,000 homeowners in California — a 31 percent increase from the year before. Homes are traditionally judged by neighborhood or zip code, but new technology could help change the system to evaluate homes individually.» Subscribe to NBC News: http://nbcnews.to/SubscribeToNBC
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#California #Wildfires #Insurance

California Homeowners Losing Fire Insurance Coverage As Threat Grows