Lake Arrowhead, fire season, and you

I am often asked by clients “How hard is it to get fire insurance up here?” or “What happens if there’s a forest fire?” We’ve had several large fires in the past decade and sometimes it still feels like yesterday that the last one happened. I won’t gloss over it – living in Lake Arrowhead and the surrounding communities means you’re living in National Forest, and that means that at some point you are very likely to be exposed to some kind of wildfire situation.  If you are aware of what to do in the event of a fire, and you are prepared for it, you’ll be able to relax a bit more during fire season.

First, make sure your property has defensible space. Clear away dead brush and make sure you aren’t overgrown with trees that will create an unhealthy environment not only for your home but also for the forest. We have a very knowledgeable Fire Safe Council that can help guide you, via their website or in person, how to create defensible space, identify trees and brush that can be removed,  and help protect your home.

Have a plan in case of evacuation.  Make sure family members know where your meeting point is if you’re separated, and have a list of things you want to be sure to take with you if you need to go. Include prescription medication, any medical items needed such as eyeglasses, and any important documents that would be difficult if not almost impossible to replace. If you have pets be sure to have a carrier accessible in the house so you can transport them safely with you. Remember – stuff is stuff. Your life is what counts.

Don’t panic if you are evacuated. I’ve been through this a few times and I have to say, it’s very organized and safely done. Just be patient because obviously not all roads will be open and everyone is being sent the same way that you are. You will be directed by safety personnel as to the route to take – TAKE IT. That’s the route that they’re doing their best to keep open and as safe as possible. Don’t deviate because you think you know a short cut or you think there are too many people on the road. Just keep the pace and move as directed – you don’t know when the fire might jump.

Make sure your insurance is up to date. Periodically take photos of your belongings, and if you have time before evacuation take new shots with date and time stamp on them. If worse comes to worse and something does get damaged, you will have fresh proof of your belongings in case of an insurance claim.

After the Old Fire a local Boy Scout from Troop 89, Patrick Carlson, made an emergency preparedness video for kids as his Eagle Project. This is a super video that I recommend you watch that is geared for ages 5 to 8 – it won’t scare you and has good information.

And please remember – don’t flick your cigarette out a car window, and be sure to drown your campfire or bbq embers. Fireworks are prohibited at all times, period.  A little extra time and consideration can prevent a disaster and preserve the beautiful forested area that we all enjoy!

#ColdwellBanker #firesafety #fire #insurance #fireinsurance #FireSafeCouncil #Recreation #Emergencymanagement #LakeArrowhead #evacuation #boyscouttroop89