Although wildfire season may seem a long way off, summer is just around the corner and it is a good idea to take steps to help protect your home against the damage that can be caused by this potentially devastating event. Wildfire damage is generally covered by your homeowner’s insurance policy but it is worth checking with your Texas insurance agency to ensure your policy limits are sufficient to pay for the cost of rebuilding your home if it is damaged in a wildfire.
A few basic preventive measures you can take include:
• Use fire resistant roofing materials if you are building a new home or re-doing the roof of an existing building. When you live in a wildfire susceptible area, it may be best to choose roofing material that has a fire resistance rating of ‘C’ or above.
• Create a fire defensible space around your home, preferably using non-combustible materials such as rock or a well irrigated lawn.
• Regularly clear your gutters of fallen leaves or any other potentially flammable debris.
• Make sure you have access to a water supply on your property in case you or firefighters need to put out a fire.
By keeping your home as safe as possible from wildfire damage, you could save yourself a lot of time and money in rebuilding costs. Fire proofing your home may even help to reduce your insurance premiums. Speak to your Texas insurance agency for more information.
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