Preparedness Day encourages people and organizations to come together on a single day to take action to raise awareness and reduce wildfire risks, and it provides a platform to share information and offer guidance to residents as they make changes to improve the survival of their homes and neighborhoods.  Thanks to support from State Farm, 150 grant recipients across 24 states will receive project funding awards of $500 each to support their wildfire mitigation activities on Preparedness Day. See the list of winners.

Over the past decade, the U.S. has witnessed a steady rise in wildfire activity. Experts predict this trend will continue. Despite the $2 to $3 billion per year to support wild land fire suppression efforts, the number of homes lost in wildfires per year has increased by more than 160 percent.

Wildfire risk exists in all 50 states. There is still time to make homes and communities safer from wildfire. NFPA and State Farm encourage people to get involved by planning a project and participating on May 1. Take the first step with the help of the free NFPA Wildfire Community Preparedness Day Toolkit. NFPA suggests a three-stage process to reduce wildfire fuel and fashion a buffer around property. To create defensible space and reduce your risk:

• Raking and removing pine needles and dry leaves within a minimum of 3 to 5 feet of a home’s foundation. As time permits, continue up to a 30-foot distance around the home. Dispose of collected debris in appropriate trash receptacles.
• Cleaning pine needles from roof and gutters and paying attention to maintaining the home ignition zone.
• Getting out your measuring tape and seeing how close wood piles are located to the home. If closer than 30 feet, they need to be relocated and moved at least 30’ away from structures.
• Sweeping porches and decks clearing them of leaves and pine needles. Raking under decks, porches, sheds and play structures.
• Removing items stored under decks and porches and relocating them to a storage shed, garage, or basement. Gasoline cans and portable propane tanks should never be stored indoors and should be located away from the home.
• Posting and sharing Facebook and Twitter messages with tips and best practices with others in your community. (See sample posts from NFPA here.)

State Farm also recommends policyholders:

• Review your insurance policy to make sure you’re covered in the event of a wildfire
• Create a home inventory to assist in the claims process
• Create a disaster preparedness plan that includes your pets and animals

For more resources and information about national Wildfire Community Preparedness Day including videos and tip sheets, visit www.wildfireprepday.org.

January 11, 2021 – The threat of wildfire is becoming increasingly prevalent and dangerous, posing greater risks to people and property than ever before. With challenges to holding large public gatherings in many areas this year, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and State Farm® are hosting the eighth annual Wildfire Community Preparedness Day (Preparedness Day) event on Saturday, May 1, 2021 with a focus on what homeowners can do now to help protect their personal property from wildfire.

Years of scientific research support the prescription of removing fuel sources from the area around the home – known as the “home ignition zone” – and is a key component to making a home safe from embers and radiant heat from wildfires. Simple, low cost home improvement projects such as clearing dead leaves, debris, and pine needles from roofs and gutters, keeping lawns and native grasses mowed to a height of four inches, removing anything stored underneath decks or porches that could burn, and other similar actions are being actively supported by NFPA and State Farm on Preparedness Day and can be easily undertaken by the majority of homeowners.

Since 2014, community groups and individuals have taken part in the campaign, completing hundreds of wildfire safety projects across the United States. Preparedness Day gives people of all ages a chance to plan and participate in a risk reduction or wildfire preparedness activity that makes their homes and community a safer place to live.

Financial support from State Farm will once again enable NFPA to provide 150 applicants from across the country with $500 awards to complete a wildfire risk reduction project on Saturday, May 1. Project applications can be submitted through February 26, 2021. Apply for an award.

Over the past decade, the U.S. has witnessed a steady increase in wildfire activity. Experts predict this trend will remain. Despite billions of dollars to support wildland fire suppression efforts, the number of homes lost in wildfires per year has increased by 163 percent and wildfires now cost the U.S. an estimated $63 to $285 billion per year in losses.

“There are nearly 45 million homes in areas prone to wildfire today, and wildfire risk is nearly present in every state,” said Lorraine Carli, NFPA vice president of Outreach and Advocacy. “In preparation for a future with more wildfire activity, homeowners need to understand their role and take action in reducing wildfire risk. Preparedness Day 2021 offers communities a unique opportunity to engage in this process.”

“State Farm finds it important to inform and encourage homeowners and communities to adopt effective wildfire mitigation programs that produce stronger, safer homes where lives are saved and a family’s largest investment is better protected,” said Vickie Hodges, State Farm Underwriting Analyst.

For more information about Wildfire Community Preparedness Day, funding awards, project ideas, and free resources to download, please visit www.wildfireprepday.org.

For this release and other announcements about NFPA initiatives, research and resources, please visit the NFPA press room.

Resources:

• www.nfpa.org
• Wildfire Education
• Firewise
• Creating a Home Inventory
• Tips to help prepare for and recover from wildfires
• What to Do After a House Fire

With over 360 active fires across California and elsewhere, State Farm® is committed to the people and communities we serve. As acres continue to burn, evacuate if ordered to do so or if risk appears imminent. 

Customers impacted by wildfires can visit st8.fm/claim or call 1-800-SFCLAIM to file a claim.

Your agent can also help and give you more time to pay your premium if needed.

Visit CalFire for Information and Resources

Part of a mandatory evacuation?

• Safety first:  Material things can be replaced but the loss of life or serious injury can’t be fixed.
• Stay tuned:  Follow news reports and information from first responders.
• Keep living expenses receipts:  They may be reimbursable after meeting your deductible.
• What to expect from the claims process:  We will work with you closely to resolve your claim.

Steps to take now before your home is threatened

• Know Your Evacuation Plan:  Create it, discuss it and include where to go/reunite, who to call, etc.
• Make a home inventory:  Take pictures and video to document your personal possessions, because proof of ownership can make your claim settlement easier and faster. A quick video of each room can help later on.
• Back up your information:  Back up vital photos, documents and financial information.
• Create an evacuation package:  Put original vital documents and irreplaceable items (paper photos, family heirlooms, etc.) in one place so it is ready to go.
• Talk to your agent:  Discuss your coverage needs, understand your deductible and the difference between the current market value of a property and its replacement cost.

When it is safe to do so, file a claim.

• Contact us to get the process started - contact your agent, call 1-800-SF-Claim, go to st8.fm/claim or use our mobile application.

Face-to-Face protocols, adjustments and staffing during COVID-19

• First and foremost, we are committed to the health and safety of our customers, the communities where we live and work, and our claim employees.
• Our claim operations remain open and available to service your claims. We are monitoring this changing health issue and continually evaluating our response.
• Virtual claim inspection options are available in most states if legally permitted.
• Claims can always be submitted and managed by calling or emailing your State Farm agent, calling 1-800-SFCLAIM, submitting a claim through our mobile app or through our website at statefarm.com/claims.
• Continuous innovation and adaptation have positioned State Farm as the insurance industry leader. The pandemic is a rapidly changing situation and the decisions we are making balance health concerns with our obligation to continue to serve you.

Resources:

• Wildfire Preparation Infographic
• Cal Fire
• www.nfpa.org
• National Interagency Fire Center
• NFPA Firewise
• Creating a Home Inventory
• Insurance Information Institute: Road to Recovery: 3 Key Steps to Simplify Filing Wildfire Damage Claims

Visit Simple Insights for more articles and tips to help you and your family prepare for and recover from wildfires.

Join the conversation on Yammer!

Already through July 7, there have been 26,321 fires in the United States*. Though they have burned more than 1.5 million acres and are above last year’s pace, the numbers are lower than the 10-year average.

There's still time to get your property more wildfire-ready. And, it can be completed over the course of a weekend, leaving you time for your summertime pool parties or backyard BBQs.

Wildfire risk exists in all 50 states. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) suggests a three-stage process to reduce wildfire fuel and fashion a buffer around property. To create defensible space and reduce your risk:

• remove dead vegetation
• trim tree branches overhanging your roof, and
• remove combustible materials around structures.

“Preparing our communities for wildfire is more critical today than ever before,” said Lorraine Carli, NFPA vice president of Outreach and Advocacy. “NFPA and State Farm work closely together on this yearly campaign in a continued effort to raise awareness and educate homeowners that they have the power to save their homes and communities before a wildfire ignites, and we have the resources and information to help.”

* according to the National Interagency Fire Center

Break your property into three zones.

Zone 1: the five feet closest to your home or business

• It requires the most careful selection and management of plants and materials. Maintaining this zone reduces the chance fire will ignite near your building and lead to a direct flame contact exposure

Zone 2: runs from five to 30 feet from your home or to the property line

• Maintaining plants in this zone helps prevent fire from climbing into the top portion of trees or shrubs. It stops fire from burning directly to your home.
• Wind-blown embers can still ignite individual islands of plants in this zone. It makes plant selection and maintenance in Zone 1 and plant spacing in Zone 2 critical. NFIP suggests removing dead materials and lower tree branches.

Zone 3: the remaining space of the property

• Maintain vegetation and be mindful of the spacing. This will reduce the energy of a wildfire, slowing its advance on your building. Proper spacing of trees and brush should force any fire in the tops of the trees, brush or shrubs to fall to the ground.

And don't forget...

• Maintain your decks. Remove debris and vegetation from on top of your deck, and do not store wood on or underneath it. Store combustibles, like patio umbrellas and furniture, inside.
• Don’t neglect rain gutters. Clear leaves and other debris from gutters, eaves and porches. This prevents embers from igniting your home.
• Assess your wildfire risks and review your insurance policy to make sure you’re covered in the event of a wildfire.
• Create a home inventory to assist in the claims process if wildfire does strike.

Resources:

• Wildfire Preparation Infographic
• www.nfpa.org
• Firewise
• Creating a Home Inventory

Visit Simple Insights for more articles and tips to help you and your family prepare for and recover from wildfires.

There's still time to get your property more wildfire-ready. And, it can be completed over the course of a weekend, leaving you time for your summertime pool parties or backyard BBQs.

Wildfire risk exists in all 50 states. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) suggests a three-stage process to reduce wildfire fuel and fashion a buffer around property. To create defensible space and reduce your risk:

• remove dead vegetation
• trim tree branches overhanging your roof, and
• remove combustible materials around structures.

“Preparing our communities for wildfire is more critical today than ever before,” said Lorraine Carli, NFPA vice president of Outreach and Advocacy. “NFPA and State Farm work closely together on this yearly campaign in a continued effort to raise awareness and educate homeowners that they have the power to save their homes and communities before a wildfire ignites, and we have the resources and information to help.”

* according to the National Interagency Fire Center

Break your property into three zones.

Zone 1: the five feet closest to your home or business

• It requires the most careful selection and management of plants and materials. Maintaining this zone reduces the chance fire will ignite near your building and lead to a direct flame contact exposure

Zone 2: runs from five to 30 feet from your home or to the property line

• Maintaining plants in this zone helps prevent fire from climbing into the top portion of trees or shrubs. It stops fire from burning directly to your home.
• Wind-blown embers can still ignite individual islands of plants in this zone. It makes plant selection and maintenance in Zone 1 and plant spacing in Zone 2 critical. NFIP suggests removing dead materials and lower tree branches.

Zone 3: the remaining space of the property

• Maintain vegetation and be mindful of the spacing. This will reduce the energy of a wildfire, slowing its advance on your building. Proper spacing of trees and brush should force any fire in the tops of the trees, brush or shrubs to fall to the ground.

And don't forget...

• Maintain your decks. Remove debris and vegetation from on top of your deck, and do not store wood on or underneath it. Store combustibles, like patio umbrellas and furniture, inside.
• Don’t neglect rain gutters. Clear leaves and other debris from gutters, eaves and porches. This prevents embers from igniting your home.
• Assess your wildfire risks and review your insurance policy to make sure you’re covered in the event of a wildfire.
• Create a home inventory to assist in the claims process if wildfire does strike.

Resources:

• Wildfire Preparation Infographic
• www.nfpa.org
• Firewise
• Creating a Home Inventory
• What to Do After a House Fire

Visit Simple Insights for more articles and tips to help you and your family prepare for and recover from wildfires.

Thanks to support from State Farm, 150 communities across 26 states will receive project funding awards of $500 each to support activities aimed at reducing potential loss of life, property, and natural resources to wildfire. See this year’s list of winners.

Saturday, May 2 is national Wildfire Community Preparedness Day. For the past seven years, this day has been a focal point for community projects to reduce wildfire risk. This year, due to COVID-19 and related state and local measures to combat its spread, NFPA and State Farm support communities postponing organized preparedness efforts until later in the year or such time that it is safe to do so.

In the meantime, NFPA is sharing ideas for actions that individuals and families can take to reduce wildfire risk and potential losses where they live, including:

• Raking and removing pine needles and dry leaves within a minimum of 3 to 5 feet of a home’s foundation. As time permits, continue up to a 30-foot distance around the home. Dispose of collected debris in appropriate trash receptacles.
• Cleaning pine needles from roof and gutters and paying attention to maintaining the home ignition zone.
• Getting out your measuring tape and seeing how close wood piles are located to the home. If closer than 30 feet, they need to be relocated and moved at least 30’ away from structures.
• Sweeping porches and decks clearing them of leaves and pine needles. Raking under decks, porches, sheds and play structures.
• Mowing grasses to a height of four inches or less.
• Removing items stored under decks and porches and relocating them to a storage shed, garage, or basement. Gasoline cans and portable propane tanks should never be stored indoors and should be located away from the home.
• Posting and sharing Facebook and Twitter messages with tips and best practices with others in your community. (See sample posts from NFPA here.)

Over the last few years wildfire events have made the need for preparedness activities more important than ever. In 2018, nearly all of the $13 billion in property damage and losses from large fire incidents in the U.S. was due to just six wildfires. As annual federal spending for wildfire management has gone from roughly $1 billion per year in the mid-1990’s to close to $4 billion per year today, the average annual area burned from wildfires has jumped from about two million to eight million acres over the same period.

For more information about national Wildfire Community Preparedness Day including videos and tip sheets, visit www.wildfireprepday.org.

Resources:

• www.nfpa.org
• Wildfire Education
• Firewise
• Creating a Home Inventory
• Tips to help prepare for and recover from wildfires
• What to Do After a House Fire

State Farm is providing funding to NFPA for the Preparedness Day event and a portion will be awarded to 150 neighborhood wildfire risk reduction projects being implemented on Saturday, May 2. Preparedness Day gives people of all ages a chance to plan and participate in a risk reduction or wildfire preparedness activity that makes their community a safer place to live.

Project applications can be submitted through February 29, 2020. Apply for an award.

Motivate neighbors and community members to work together to make where they live a safer place from wildfire.

During Preparedness Day 2019, hundreds of projects were undertaken across the United States. Of those projects, 150 received funding from State Farm for activities that helped make residents and firefighters safer when wildfires happen.

According to reports, on average, wildfires burn twice as much land area each year as they did 40 years ago, and the threat continues to increase. In 2018, California saw its deadliest and most destructive fire, the Camp Fire, burn more than 150,000 acres and claim the lives of 88 people. Wildfires once described by “seasons” are now burning earlier and later in the year across the U.S.

"According to the recent, staggering statistics, preparing our communities for wildfire is more critical today than ever before,” said Lorraine Carli, NFPA vice president of Outreach and Advocacy. “NFPA and State Farm work closely together on this yearly campaign in a continued effort to raise awareness and educate homeowners that they have the power to save their homes and communities before a wildfire ignites, and we have the resources and information to help.”

“State Farm finds it important to inform and encourage homeowners and communities to adopt effective wildfire mitigation programs that produce stronger, safer homes where lives are saved and a family’s largest investment is better protected,” said Vickie Hodges, underwriting analyst.

For more information about Wildfire Community Preparedness Day, funding awards, project ideas and free resources to download, please visit www.wildfireprepday.org.

For this release and other announcements about NFPA initiatives, research and resources, please visit the NFPA press room.

Resources:

• www.nfpa.org
• Wildfire Education
• Firewise
• Creating a Home Inventory
• Tips to help prepare for and recover from wildfires
• What to Do After a House Fire

Rebuilding homes and neighborhoods takes time. Putting lives back together takes a toll on individuals, families and the community-at-large. The commitment to helping our customers recover continues.

As of mid-September 2019, State Farm has received approximately 8,100 home and auto claims related to these fires. Almost $1.3 billion has been paid on those claims.*

History of the State Farm response to the 2018 wildfires:

• As each wildfire event broke out, State Farm immediately began to position resources. People and equipment from across the country was deployed to the areas most impacted.
• Paid almost $1.3 billion in indemnity for the approximately 8,100 claims from the fires.*
• Community grants and volunteer efforts provided by the company and our associates continue to focus on emergency relief, home safety and wildfire preparedness.
• Advanced up to 50% for total loss of building coverage limit.
• Advanced up to 75% for total loss of content coverage limit without an inventory.
• Expedited payment of automobile claims for comprehensive loss coverage.
• Granted billing leniency for at least 30 days for customers in designated disaster areas.
• Allowed grouping of categories of personal property to ease itemization of contents.
• State Farm claim handlers are available to help policyholders complete every step of the inventory process.

* These numbers include the Ventura/Santa Barbara mudflow event. Heavy Jan. rains in the aftermath of the Dec. 2017 Thomas fire triggered that earth movement.

As the country's largest provider of auto and home insurance, we have faced countless significant weather and other major disasters throughout our 97-year history. Our State Farm agents, agent’s staff, local employees and claims specialists are always prepared to help customers with their claims. Before, during and after a catastrophic event, we help people manage the risks of everyday life, recover from the unexpected, and realize their dreams.

Don't Get Burned Twice: Hire a Reputable Contractor:

• Contact your local home builders association or remodelers council for a directory of reputable contractors.
• Make sure the contractors are currently licensed, registered and insured.
• Get at least three different estimates.
• Insist on a written contract that includes: contractor's contact information, project timeline, payment schedule and permit requirements.

Signs of Poor Business Practices or Possible Scam Involving a Contractor:

• Pushy door-to-door sales tactics or unsolicited calls are common after a disaster.
• Promising discounts for using leftover materials or for referring other customers.
• Insisting on a large deposit or cash payments in full.
• Asking you to secure building permits.
• Unwillingness to provide local contact information.

Visit CA.gov for Power Outage and Fire Recovery Resources

State Farm is deeply committed to the communities we serve. We stand ready to help.

Customers impacted by the California wildfires can visit st8.fm/claim or call 1-800-SFCLAIM to file a claim.

Your agent can also help and give you more time to pay your premium if needed.

Problems paying your loan? Call 1-877-SF4-BANK.

Part of a mandatory evacuation?

• Safety first:  Material things can be replaced but the loss of life or serious injury can’t be fixed.
• Stay tuned:  Follow news reports and information from first responders.
• Keep living expenses receipts:  They may be reimbursable after meeting your deductible.
• What to expect from the claims process:  We will work with you closely to resolve your claim.

If you have not been evacuated but your home could become threatened - time is of the essence.

• Know Your Evacuation Plan:  Create it, discuss it and include where to go/reunite, who to call, etc.
• Make a home inventory:  Document your personal possessions, because proof of ownership can make your claim settlement easier and faster. A quick video of each room can help a lot later on.
• Back up your information:  Back up vital photos, documents and financial information.
• Create an evacuation package:  Put original vital documents and irreplaceable items (paper photos, family heirlooms, etc.) in one place so it is ready to go.
• Talk to your agent:  Discuss your coverage needs, understand your deductible and the difference between the current market value of a property and its replacement cost.

If you suffer damage, file a claim.

• When it is safe to do so, file a claim. Contact State Farm® to get the process started - contact your agent, call 1-800-SF-Claim, go to st8.fm/claim or use our mobile application.

Wildfires are causing more damage to homes and businesses each year. So far in 2019, there have been more than 44,537 wildfires*. These have burned almost 4.5 million acres and resulted in widespread damage, firefighter injuries, and the deaths of local residents.

There are currently seven active large fires in California. Residents are encouraged to take necessary action with regard to wildfire safety and to take steps to be prepared for wildfire.

* according to the National Interagency Fire Center

Resources:

• Wildfire Preparation Infographic
• Cal Fire
• www.nfpa.org
• Firewise
• Creating a Home Inventory
• What to Do After a House Fire

Visit Simple Insights for more articles and tips to help you and your family prepare for and recover from wildfires.

In the News

• The Weather Channel:  Southern California Will Experience Strongest Santa Ana Winds Yet in New Round of Dangerous Fire Weather Conditions (10/29/19)

Preparedness Day serves as an opportunity for residents to participate in wildfire safety activities. Thanks to the generous support from State Farm, 150 communities across 27 states will receive project funding awards of $500 each to support activities on Preparedness Day aimed at reducing potential loss of life, property, and natural resources to wildfire.

"Since NFPA and State Farm first partnered together on Preparedness Day, the number of projects has grown tremendously. We are pleased to provide 150 communities with a grant to fund their wildfire risk reduction activities on May 4," said Vickie Hodges, P&C underwriting analyst, State Farm. "For State Farm, the largest home insurer in the U.S., it is important to us to take a leadership role in helping homeowners stay safe and better protect their property."

Recent wildfire events make the need for Preparedness Day more important than ever before. Last year, California wildfires burned nearly one million acres, the largest amount of burned acreage recorded in a fire season. Several other states that experienced large fires in 2018 including Nevada, Utah, and Oklahoma, are putting the U.S. on pace to exceed the average acreage burned annually over the past 10 years.

"NFPA and State Farm are pleased to be working together on the Preparedness Day campaign," said Lorraine Carli, NFPA vice president of Outreach and Advocacy. "Since our initial launch of Prep Day in 2013, participation has continued to grow. We are inspired by the number of residents who feel empowered to take the necessary steps to keep their homes and neighborhoods safer from wildfire."

There is still time to take action and NFPA and State Farm encourage people to get involved by planning a project and participating on May 4. Download a free Getting Started: Wildfire Community Preparedness Day Toolkit.

For more information about national Wildfire Community Preparedness Day including resources, videos, and tip sheets, and to see the list of winning projects and their locations, visit www.wildfireprepday.org.

For this release and other announcements about NFPA initiatives, research and resources, please visit the NFPA press room.

Resources:

• www.nfpa.org.
• Wildfire Education
• Firewise
• Creating a Home Inventory
• Protect Your Home from Wildfire
• State Farm Wildfire Mitigation
• What to Do After a House Fire

State Farm is providing funding to NFPA for the Preparedness Day event and a portion will be awarded to 150 neighborhood wildfire risk reduction projects being implemented on Saturday, May 4. Preparedness Day gives people of all ages a chance to plan and participate in a risk reduction or wildfire preparedness activity that makes their community a safer place to live.

Project applications can be submitted through March 1. Apply for an award.

Motivate neighbors and community members to work together to make where they live a safer place from wildfire.

During Preparedness Day 2018, more than 500 projects were undertaken in 32 states and the District of Columbia. Of those projects, 150 received funding from State Farm for activities that helped make residents and firefighters safer when wildfires happen.

According to reports, on average, wildfires burn twice as much land area each year as they did 40 years ago, and the threat continues to increase. In 2018, California saw its deadliest and most destructive fire, the Camp Fire, burn more than 150,000 acres and claim the lives of 85 people. Wildfires once described by “seasons” are now burning earlier and later in the year across the U.S.

"NFPA and State Farm are pleased to be working together again on this, our sixth Preparedness Day campaign," said Lorraine Carli, NFPA vice president of Outreach and Advocacy. "Since our initial launch of Prep Day in 2013, we have watched participation continue to grow. In 2018 we saw devastating wildfires affect communities in California and across the United States, but we are encouraged and inspired by the number of residents who feel empowered to take the necessary action with regard to wildfire safety."

“State Farm finds it important to inform and encourage homeowners and communities to adopt effective wildfire mitigation programs that produce stronger, safer homes where lives are saved and a family’s largest investment is better protected,” said Vickie Hodges, underwriting analyst.

For more information about Wildfire Community Preparedness Day, funding awards, project ideas and free resources to download, please visit www.wildfireprepday.org.

For this release and other announcements about NFPA initiatives, research and resources, please visit the NFPA press room.

Resources:

• www.nfpa.org.
• Wildfire Education
• Firewise
• Creating a Home Inventory
• Protect Your Home from Wildfire
• State Farm Wildfire Mitigation
• What to Do After a House Fire

• Stay tuned: follow news reports and information from first responders
• Safety first: material things can be replaced but the loss of life or serious injury can't be fixed.

What to expect from the claims process: we will work with you closely to resolve your claim.

• If you suffered damage, start your claim as soon as possible: contact your agent, call 1-800-SF-Claim, go to st8.fm/File-a-Claim or use our State Farm mobile app.
• Keep living expenses receipts: they may be reimbursable after meeting your deductible.

Customers impacted by wildfires can contact their local agent, call 1-800-SFCLAIM (1-800-732-5246), or visit st8.fm/File-a-Claim to start the claim process.

Wildfires are causing more damage to homes and businesses each year. Already in 2018, there have been more than 37,000 wildfires*. These have burned almost more than 4.7 million acres and resulted in widespread damage, firefighter injuries, and the deaths of local residents.

Residents are encouraged to take necessary action with regard to wildfire safety and to take steps to be prepared for wildfire.

* according to the National Interagency Fire Center

Don't Get Burned Twice: Hire a Reputable Contractor:

• Contact your local home builders association or remodelers council for a directory of reputable contractors.
• Make sure the contractors are currently licensed, registered and insured.
• Get at least three different estimates.
• Insist on a written contract that includes: contractor's contact information, project timeline, payment schedule and permit requirements.

Signs of Poor Business Practices or Possible Scam Involving a Contractor:

• Pushy door-to-door sales tactics or unsolicited calls are common after a disaster.
• Promising discounts for using leftover materials or for referring other customers.
• Insisting on a large deposit or cash payments in full.
• Asking you to secure building permits.
• Unwillingness to provide local contact information.

Resources:

• Cal Fire
• Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control
• www.nfpa.org
• Wildfire Education
• Firewise
• Creating a Home Inventory
• Protect Your Home from Wildfire
• State Farm Wildfire Mitigation
• What to Do After a House Fire

Visit Simple Insights for more articles and tips to help you and your family prepare for and recover from wildfires.

• Stay tuned: follow news reports and information from first responders
• Safety first: material things can be replaced but the loss of life or serious injury can't be fixed.

What to expect from the claims process: we will work with you closely to resolve your claim.

• If you suffered damage, start your claim as soon as possible: contact your agent, call 1-800-SF-Claim, go to st8.fm/File-a-Claim or use our State Farm movile app.
• Keep living expenses receipts: they may be reimbursable after meeting your deductible.

Don't Get Burned Twice: Hire a Reputable Contractor:

• Contact your local home builders association or remodelers council for a directory of reputable contractors.
• Make sure the contractors are currently licensed, registered and insured.
• Get at least three different estimates.
• Insist on a written contract that includes: contractor's contact information, project timeline, payment schedule and permit requirements.

Signs of Poor Business Practices or Possible Scam Involving a Contractor:

• Pushy door-to-door sales tactics or unsolicited calls are common after a disaster.
• Promising discounts for using leftover materials or for referring other customers.
• Insisting on a large deposit or cash payments in full.
• Asking you to secure building permits.
• Unwillingness to provide local contact information.

Customers impacted by wildfires can contact their local agent, call 1-800-SFCLAIM (1-800-732-5246), or visit st8.fm/File-a-Claim to start the claim process.

Wildfires are causing more damage to homes and businesses each year. Already in 2017, there have been more than 56,000 wildfires*. These have burned almost more than million acres and resulted in widespread damage, firefighter injuries, and the deaths of local residents.

Residents are encouraged to take necessary action with regard to wildfire safety and to take steps to be prepared for wildfire.

* according to the National Interagency Fire Center

Resources:

• www.nfpa.org
• Wildfire Education
• Firewise
• Creating a Home Inventory
• Protect Your Home from Wildfire
• What to Do After a House Fire

Visit Simple Insights for more articles and tips to help you and your family prepare for and recover from wildfires.

In the News:

• KTVU: Insurance Agent Camps Out In Office to Serve Customer

• Stay tuned: follow news reports and information from first responders
• Safety first: material things can be replaced but the loss of life or serious injury can't be fixed.

What to expect from the claims process: we will work with you closely to resolve your claim.

• If you suffered damage, start your claim as soon as possible: contact your agent, call 1-800-SF-Claim, go to st8.fm/File-a-Claim or use our Pocket Agent App.
• Keep living expenses receipts: they may be reimbursable after meeting your deductible.

Don't Get Burned Twice: Hire a Reputable Contractor:

• Contact your local home builders association or remodelers council for a directory of reputable contractors.
• Make sure the contractors are currently licensed, registered and insured.
• Get at least three different estimates.
• Insist on a written contract that includes: contractor's contact information, project timeline, payment schedule and permit requirements.

Signs of Poor Business Practices or Possible Scam Involving a Contractor:

• Pushy door-to-door sales tactics or unsolicited calls are common after a disaster.
• Promising discounts for using leftover materials or for referring other customers.
• Insisting on a large deposit or cash payments in full.
• Asking you to secure building permits.
• Unwillingness to provide local contact information.

Customers impacted by wildfires can contact their local agent, call 1-800-SFCLAIM (1-800-732-5246), or visit st8.fm/File-a-Claim to start the claim process.

Wildfires are causing more damage to homes and businesses each year. Already in 2017, there have been more than 50,000 wildfires*. These have burned almost 8.5 million acres and resulted in widespread damage, firefighter injuries, and the deaths of local residents. Last year, 14 people lost their lives in Tennessee wildfires that burned more than 2,400 structures. 

Residents are encouraged to take necessary action with regard to wildfire safety and to take steps to be prepared for wildfire.

* according to the National Interagency Fire Center

Resources:

• www.nfpa.org
• Wildfire Education
• Firewise
• Creating a Home Inventory
• Protect Your Home from Wildfire
• What to Do After a House Fire

Visit Simple Insights for more articles and tips to help you and your family prepare for and recover from wildfires.

In the News:

• KTVU: Insurance Agent Camps Out In Office to Serve Customers

At a time when wildfires are causing more damage to homes and businesses each year, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and State Farm™ are helping communities take steps toward safety with the fourth national Wildfire Community Preparedness Day event (Preparedness Day) on May 6, 2017. Thanks to the generous support from State Farm, 150 communities will receive project funding awards to support activities aimed at reducing potential loss of life, property and natural resources to wildfire.

Recent wildfire events make the need for Preparedness Day clearer than ever before. Last year, 14 people lost their lives in Tennessee wildfires that burned more than 2,400 structures. During the past month, wind-driven wildfires across the Southeast and the Plains states have resulted in widespread damage, firefighter injuries, and the deaths of local residents. Preparedness Day is a reminder that there are many things we can do to be prepared for wildfire. The event serves as means to inspire and encourage residents to take the necessary action with regard to wildfire safety.

A total of 150 projects were selected from 420 entries that span 42 states and Washington, D.C. As a co-sponsor of Preparedness Day, State Farm, with its long history of providing proactive wildfire safety education to its policyholders in high-risk regions, is providing $500 each to help fund these winning community projects.

"Since NFPA and State Farm first partnered together on Preparedness Day, the number of entries has grown tremendously. We are pleased and encouraged to see these communities so dedicated to reducing the risk of wildfire in their area," said Vickie Hodges, P&C underwriting analyst. "For State Farm, the largest home insurer in the U.S., it is important to us to take a leadership role in helping homeowners stay safe and better protect their property."

To be eligible for an award, applicants provided a brief description of the proposed project and how the State Farm award would fund the project that will begin or be completed on May 6, 2017. Descriptions included how groups or individuals would work toward reducing the risk of wildfire or impact of a recent fire, and/or advance preparedness for wildfire in the community.

For more information about national Wildfire Community Preparedness Day and to see the list of winning projects and their locations, please visit www.wildfireprepday.org.

For this release and other announcements about NFPA initiatives, research and resources, please visit the NFPA press room.

Resources:

• www.nfpa.org.
• Wildfire Education
• Firewise
• Creating a Home Inventory
• Protect Your Home from Wildfire
• State Farm Wildfire Mitigation
• What to Do After a House Fire