Wildfire safety tips and resources for businesses

Wildfires can spread quickly, threatening lives and businesses and can cause extreme heat and dangerous conditions. We are here to help you get back to business should you need to file a claim.

Here are some tips to help you prepare for the fire and keep your employees and property safe. Please follow local emergency personnel evacuation plans and routes to take.
 

Prepare today

1. Have a plan in place - Develop a written business continuity plan (OFB-EZ) and emergency preparedness plan (EZ-PREP) that includes wildfire preparedness. Make sure employees know what to do if a wildfire is coming.
2. Purchase a weather radio – Obtain a radio with local discrimination capability. 
3. Stay alert - Sign up for and pay attention to weather alerts.
4. Back it up - Have emergency backup power lined up for your facility before you are faced with a weather hazard.
5. Assess security needs - Depending on the type of business you run, you may need additional security at the site after a wildfire moves through. 
6. Check your coverage - Review your business insurance coverage. 

If you are evacuating your business when a fire is approaching

1. Stay safe – Always evacuate if you feel it’s unsafe to stay. DO NOT wait to receive an emergency notification if you feel threatened from a fire.
2. Put plans into place – If wildfires may be nearby, put your Business Continuity Plan (OFB- EZ) and Emergency Preparedness Plan (EZ-PREP) into action. Begin last-minute preparations. Note that employees may need time to prep their homes as well.
3. Shut off gas – Turn off gas at the meter or propane at the tank if you know how to do it safely. Call a professional if you need assistance.
4. Turn off HVAC – Shut off cooling systems to help keep out smoke.
5. Cover vents – If your vents are easily accessible and you do not have the metal mesh covers, a lightweight material (such as sheet metal or 1/2 inch plywood) can be installed. These covers should be removed once the fire front passes.
6. Install fire-resistant shutters – Carefully install fire-resistant shutters or plywood to help protect from radiant heat and embers. If assistance is needed, contact a professional. If you do not have fire-resistant shutters, installing ½-inch plywood will provide an extra measure of protection from radiant heat and windblown embers (but not flames).
7. Light it up - Turn on interior and exterior lights to help with visibility in case of smoke. Open your gate(s) and leave a ladder so firefighters can easily access your property and see under smoky conditions.
8. Take it down - Remove window treatments and move furniture away from doors and windows. 
9. Move combustible items inside or away – Bring outdoor materials and furniture inside and move larger items as far away from the business as possible.
10. Close doors and windows securely.   
11. Wet property with hoses.
12. Fill trash cans and buckets with water – Place water receptacles so they are easy to find.
13. For apartment and condominium complexes – Request all residents to clear balconies, porches, and breezeways of all items including furniture and plants.
14. Evacuate.

When you can safely return

1. Carefully put the fire out if safe to do so (otherwise contact fire officials for help).
2. Extinguish any exterior sparks or embers. Do not climb on roof to extinguish embers. 
3. Extinguish burning trees or piles of materials.
4. Keep doors and windows closed.
5. Access and document damage – Take photos and video of any damage you can safely access prior to clean up.
6. Save all receipts.

Be sure to notify our claims team immediately if there is damage and protect the property while mitigating any future risk.

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