California Commissioner Talks Wildfire Dangers

Reminding consumers that wildfire season is nearly year-round in California, Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner has urged consumers to take precautionary steps to prevent future wildfire losses. Poizner joined CAL FIRE to emphasize the importance of risk mitigation, maintaining home inventories and keeping insurance policies up-to-date.

"A wildfire can erupt at any time, leaving tremendous devastation in its wake," said Poizner. "Last year's wildfires left thousands of homes burned and more than $2 billion in losses. It is vital that all Californians are ready for the possibility of disaster at any time. I urge consumers to inventory their assets today to minimize future losses."

Poizner offered the following tips to homeowners:

• Homeowners should complete a home inventory to keep track of their belongings and valuable items. A home inventory guide is available to all consumers through the Department of Insurance website.
• Photographs of household goods are especially helpful when an item is hard to describe on paper, or if a purchase receipt cannot be obtained. Each photograph should be labeled with date stamps and any additional pertinent information. If a video recorder is used, commentary about each item should be included.
• A copy of the inventory and supporting documentation, such as receipts and model numbers, should be stored in a safe place, such as a safe-deposit box, work office, or a relative's house. These records should also include financial documents such as insurance policies and mortgage information.
• Home inventories should be updated at least once per year, and homeowners should notify their insurance company of new purchases so that they are adequately insured for the entire amount of their belongings.

Last October, Poizner and CAL FIRE Chief Ruben Grijalva signed a Memorandum of Understanding to help prevent and mitigate fire losses in California. Throughout 2007, Poizner traveled throughout the state, urging homeowners to be prepared for the possibility of disaster.