Getting Ahead of California Wildfires

By a News Reporter-Staff News Editor at Insurance Weekly News -- Church Mutual Insurance Company and Church & Casualty Insurance Agency are taking bold steps to help customers prepare for California's 2018 fire season, which is expected to rival last year's deadliest season on record. They have launched CM Wildfire Solutions?, an innovative, no-cost, multifaceted program to keep customers and their property safe from the devastation of wildfires.

"Every year, Church Mutual and Church & Casualty customers suffer from property loss, business disruption and the health risks caused by wildfires," said Rich Poirier, Church Mutual president and CEO. "These fires can start and spread quickly, resulting in dangerous conditions and costly damages. But early detection and the right preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk of wildfire-related losses. This program is one of many investments we make to keep our customers safe."

CM Wildfire Solutions is being piloted in California with a limited group of policyholders. Church Mutual expects to expand the program to additional markets in 2019. A comprehensive approach to wildfire defense Church Mutual has more than 120 years of experience protecting faith-based customers. It is leveraging this experience and the company's network of partnerships in a multistep approach designed to protect customers and their property from wildfires: MonitorAll organizations that enroll in CM Wildfire Solutions will receive access to 24/7 wildfire monitoring services through REDZONE, a leader in its industry. The monitoring system sends an alert to people in the path of a wildfire, giving them time to prepare and evacuate. Customers will receive alerts via email or text message. PreventFor policyholders who can't avoid high-hazard areas, a member of Church Mutual's Risk Control team can schedule a walking tour of their grounds, offering important wildfire prevention recommendations such as removing brush and combustible materials, covering vents, and more. DefendIf wildfire danger is imminent and the situation allows, Church Mutual can send a fire mitigation service to a customer's location to help protect property in the wildfire's path. Defense tactics may include removing combustible items such as outdoor furniture and dead or dying tree limbs, deploying temporary sprinklers or using a fire-suppression truck to apply fire-retardant gel to the building and grounds.

"Wildfires present a real and potentially devastating threat to our customers, especially at this time of year," said Travis Tjepkema, president of Church & Casualty. "Partnering with Church Mutual allows us to offer a comprehensive solution to ensure the safety of customers' people, property and future."

Keywords for this news article include: Business, Risk and Prevention, Church Mutual Insurance Company.

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