Southern Calif. Residents Reminded Wildfire Season Not Over

LOS ANGELES, Calif., Sept. 27 -- The California Department of Insurance issued the following news release:

Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones today joined the Los Angeles County Insurance Commission and the Los Angeles County Fire Department to educate and encourage Southern California residents to remain vigilant and prepare for the Santa Ana wind season. Residents are advised to prepare for wildfires and other potential disasters by conducting a home inventory and updating their insurance policies to ensure they have sufficient replacement value coverage.

"Some of the state's most damaging wildfires have occurred in the fall, during the Santa Ana wind season. Everyone should review their homeowner and renter policies, conduct a home inventory, and have an escape plan," said Commissioner Jones. "With today's mobile technology, doing a home inventory is easy using a smart phone to record your belongings and store them in the Cloud so you can retrieve them later when filing a claim with your insurance company."

Californians are encouraged to prepare for wildfires today. Learn quick and easy tips to prepare a home inventory and make recovery easier.

"We must always be prepared in Los Angeles County for emergencies and natural disasters such as wildfires, landslides, earthquakes and floods," said Scott Svonkin with the LA County insurance commission. "September is national disaster preparedness month-take time to prepare today."

"One of the most important things a resident can do is to protect their home from a brush fire. Non-combustible building materials, fuel modification, and a defensible space are key to whether your home survives a brush fire," said Chief Ron Larriva.

Additional tips and information for consumers for before, during, and after a wildfire are available from CDI. Download a free home inventory guide from the department Web site, or receive a hard copy by calling the California Department of Insurance Consumer Hotline at 800-927-HELP (800-927-4357).

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