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TMCNet: Don't Let Fireworks Dampen Your 4th of July Celebration; 15,500 Fires Started by Fireworks in 2010

[June 29, 2012]

Don't Let Fireworks Dampen Your 4th of July Celebration; 15,500 Fires Started by Fireworks in 2010

Chicago, IL, Jun 29, 2012 (PRWeb.com via COMTEX) -- As the Fourth of July nears, the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America encourages homeowners to enjoy the holiday, but to practice safety particularly with the use of fireworks. A new report from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) shows that in 2010 alone, an estimated 15,500 reported fires were started by fireworks.
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"With record-setting fires burning in several western states, there is heightened awareness regarding fire safety," said Chris Hackett director of personal lines for PCI. "Traditionally from now through mid-July the majority of fires caused by fireworks occur. Fireworks can set off house fires and with dry conditions, the risk of grass fires and brush fires increases as well. By following state laws and taking extra precaution many fires resulting from fireworks can be prevented." However, generally PCI encourages homeowners to take the necessary steps to protect their families and property in the event of a household fire or wildfire. PCI encourages homeowners and renters to prepare by regularly reviewing their property insurance policy with their insurance company or agent. Conduct a home inventory of your personal possessions; keep receipts in a fire proof cabinet; and make a video of the contents of each room in your home. Create a family evacuation plan so each member of the family knows where to meet, and what to do in the case of a fire.

"With dry conditions in many parts of the US, it is very important for individuals to exercise extreme caution this Fourth of July," said Hackett. "Fire losses damage more than just property, cherished possessions like photo albums and family memorabilia can be gone forever. All homeowners should make certain they have adequate insurance protection and for families in areas prone for wildfires, they also take steps to reduce their exposure to the risk of loss." Insurance Tips for Wildfires Create Defensive Space a^' For individuals in high fire hazard areas the best protection is the creation of defensive space - clearing the land around dwellings of all vegetation. Experts recommend the cleared area extend 30 to 100 feet from the dwelling in all directions - depending on local ordinances or your individual property.

Maintain Adequate Insurance a^' Homeowners also should be certain to have their dwelling adequately insured because once a wild fire turns into a fire storm there is little that can be done to halt its path of destruction.

Review Policy Regularly a^' Review your property insurance policy with your insurance company or agent. If you have recently remodeled or built a new addition onto your property, be sure to increase the amount of protection to cover the cost to repair or rebuild your home in today's building costs. Consider policy endorsement to help cover building ordinance upgrades.

Notify Insurance Agent a^' If you have a loss, notify your insurance agent or company representative as soon as possible. If you are unable to live in your home, let the insurer know where you are , how to contact you and the extent of the damage to your property. Keep receipts for hotels and restaurants for reimbursement.

Keep an Inventory a^' To speed the claims processing along, keep an inventory of your personal items and photograph or videotape them for documentation purposes. After a fire, list the items that were destroyed or damaged along with a brief description that includes the age, current value or appraisal, make, model and serial number.

For More Information: PCI's Wildfire Center & Preparedness Tips Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety Wildfire Preparedness PCI is composed of more than 1,000 member companies, representing the broadest cross-section of insurers of any national trade association. PCI members write over $180 billion in annual premium, 38.3 percent of the nation's property casualty insurance. Member companies write 44.3 percent of the U.S. automobile insurance market, 31.6 percent of the homeowners market, 36.3 percent of the commercial property and liability market, and 42.6 percent of the private workers compensation market.

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