What to Do When Fire Strikes
The California wildfire that started August 26 now has scorched about 122,000 acres and is threatening at least 10,000 homes, according to news reports.
You are now subscribed
Your newsletter sign-up was successful
Want to add more newsletters?
Delivered daily
Kiplinger Today
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more delivered daily. Smart money moves start here.
Sent five days a week
Kiplinger A Step Ahead
Get practical help to make better financial decisions in your everyday life, from spending to savings on top deals.
Delivered daily
Kiplinger Closing Bell
Get today's biggest financial and investing headlines delivered to your inbox every day the U.S. stock market is open.
Sent twice a week
Kiplinger Adviser Intel
Financial pros across the country share best practices and fresh tactics to preserve and grow your wealth.
Delivered weekly
Kiplinger Tax Tips
Trim your federal and state tax bills with practical tax-planning and tax-cutting strategies.
Sent twice a week
Kiplinger Retirement Tips
Your twice-a-week guide to planning and enjoying a financially secure and richly rewarding retirement
Sent bimonthly.
Kiplinger Adviser Angle
Insights for advisers, wealth managers and other financial professionals.
Sent twice a week
Kiplinger Investing Weekly
Your twice-a-week roundup of promising stocks, funds, companies and industries you should consider, ones you should avoid, and why.
Sent weekly for six weeks
Kiplinger Invest for Retirement
Your step-by-step six-part series on how to invest for retirement, from devising a successful strategy to exactly which investments to choose.
The California wildfire that started August 26 now has scorched about 122,000 acres and is threatening at least 10,000 homes, according to news reports. It's a reminder that disaster can strike at any time, and it pays to be prepared.
Howard Mills, chief advisor of Deloitte & Touche's Insurance Industry Group and the former New York superintendent of Insurance, offers these tips for preparing before disaster strikes and what to do after a fire. Also see When Disaster Is at Your Doorstep to learn what the 2003 and 2007 California wildfires can teach you about protecting your possessions.
How to prepare
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Become a smarter, better informed investor. Subscribe from just $107.88 $24.99, plus get up to 4 Special Issues
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
- Know what you have to lose. Take a home inventory, by video if possible.
- Know what your homeowners policy covers and difference between assessed value and actual replacement value. Too many people learn only after a fire that they were underinsured.
- Clear your yard of items that could fuel a fire.
- Prepare an emergency kit that includes medical supplies, cash, enough food and water for up to a week, pet supplies and camping equipment.
- Make sure your entire household knows the drill. Rehearse a ten-minute evacuation with your family – that may be all the advance warning you are given.
What to do after
- Take stock after the fire. If it's safe, take an inventory of damage. If you have been evacuated and didn't prepare an inventory of your belongings, do it now.
- Contact your insurance agent as soon as possible – get losses on record immediately.
- Be smart about hiring contractors. Beware of fly-by-night service providers and keep receipts to ensure a smooth claims process.
- Reach out to your state insurance department if you are having difficulty reaching your insurer.
- Don't forget about the extras included in your insurance policy. Some policies offer payment for living expenses and temporary housing, among other perks.
-
Ask the Tax Editor: Federal Income Tax DeductionsAsk the Editor In this week's Ask the Editor Q&A, Joy Taylor answers questions on federal income tax deductions
-
States With No-Fault Car Insurance Laws (and How No-Fault Car Insurance Works)A breakdown of the confusing rules around no-fault car insurance in every state where it exists.
-
7 Frugal Habits to Keep Even When You're RichSome frugal habits are worth it, no matter what tax bracket you're in.
-
Five Ways to Save on Vacation Rental PropertiesTravel Use these strategies to pay less for an apartment, condo or house when you travel.
-
How to Avoid Annoying Hotel Fees: Per Person, Parking and MoreTravel Here's how to avoid extra charges and make sure you don't get stuck paying for amenities that you don't use.
-
How to Appeal an Unexpected Medical Billhealth insurance You may receive a bill because your insurance company denied a claim—but that doesn’t mean you have to pay it.
-
Amazon Prime Fees Are Rising. Here’s How to Cancel Your Amazon Prime MembershipFeature Amazon Prime will soon cost $139 a year, $180 for those who pay monthly. If you’re a subscriber, maybe it’s time to rethink your relationship. Here’s a step-by-step guide to canceling Prime.
-
How to Haggle for Almost AnythingSmart Buying Learning how to haggle is an invaluable skill. These strategies will help you negotiate a better price for just about any product or service.
-
Disability Insurance Can Provide COVID CoverageCoronavirus and Your Money If you are concerned about long-term complications from COVID-19, consider disability insurance coverage.
-
21 Things You Can't Return to Amazon — Either Online or In-StoreDid you know there are things you can't return to Amazon? Before adding these 21 items to your cart, be sure to read Amazon's return policy first.
-
How to Avoid a Charity Scampersonal finance Scammers never quit, even when you're trying to be altruistic. But you can avoid getting duped if you do your homework.
