Home Protection Tips

I hope this newsletter finds you and your family healthy and safe. Last month the focus of the newsletter was the local real estate market. Today, while real estate is still near the top, most of the talk in Flagstaff surrounds the Tunnel Fire and the Pipeline Fire. Both fires burned tens of thousands of acres of forest and threatened homes. In the Tunnel Fire, more than two dozen homes in east Flagstaff were lost. The Pipeline fire claimed one home in the same area. Now with the monsoon season upon us, there is worry about flooding as a result of these fires as well as earlier fires. So what can you do to keep your home safe. 

First, speak with your insurance agent about your homeowner's insurance. They can provide guidance on their many programs to ensure you have the most comprehensive coverage. We found we could actually keep the same premium by decreasing certain coverage we didn't need while increasing coverage we desired. Your agent may also be able to give you information on changes to the FEMA flood maps. The best time to talk about these things are well before they may happen.

Second, sign up to receive emergency alerts on your smart phone. The alerts can range from covering the state to just a county or city. You can choose the geographical range in many cases. The emergency alerts can keep you informed of any evacuations and pertinent information. It's also a great idea to have a family emergency plan that includes a safe place to meet and what items should be collected if you happen to be evacuated. 

Finally, make your home as fire-safe and flood-safe as you can. Clear all pine needles and debris away from your home. Screen or box-in areas below patios and decks with wire mesh to prevent debris and combustible materials from accumulating. Remove flammable materials (firewood stacks, propane tanks) within 30 feet of your home’s foundation and outbuildings, including garages and sheds. If it can catch fire, don’t let it touch your house, deck or porch. Be sure rain gutters are clear and drain away from the house. Use landscaping to drain water away from the house. These are just a few ideas. 

If you have any questions, please reach out to the experts in these fields. As always, if you have any real estate questions, don't hesitate to reach out to me.

Wishing you many blessings,

Kim