Wildfires RMS strategy- Philadelphia Insurance Companies

Wildfires RMS strategy

The risk of wildfires is currently high and no region of the country is excluded from this danger. Here is some information to help you lower the risk and damage from wildfires.

Nationwide Wildfire Risk

The risk of wildfires is currently high and no region of the country is excluded from this danger. Here is some information to help you lower the risk and damage from wildfires. While the western states have the greatest predicted potential for wildfires, areas in the Southeast have experienced wildfires in recent years. California has declared a State of Emergency due to drought conditions. The drought produces drier conditions and increases the probability of wildfires.

U.S. Drought Map

Current U.S. Drought Monitor Map

Brush Fires

Smaller than wildfires, there are three ways a brush fire can attack a building:

Flying embers blown by the wind ignite combustible external elements (most common)
Fire spreads from the bush to walls of the structure

Heat from flames causes building to catch fire

Mitigation

PHLY has more than a dozen recommendations to help protect businesses, including:

Create and maintain defensible space around your property
Strategically place fire-resistant plants to resist the spread of fire
Cover chimneys with a screen
Ask your utility company to trim trees away from power lines

Check condition of fire extinguishers
Practice fire drills and emergency evacuation
Note the location of the closest fire hydrant or water supply