As 34 North Carolina counties and Cherokee tribal lands continue to operate under a declared state of emergency, North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey is offering tips to property owners who may be affected by growing wildfires in the western part of the state.
The state of emergency declaration includes the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians tribal lands and Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Cabarrus, Caldwell, Catawba, Cherokee, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Iredell, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mecklenburg, Mitchell, Polk, Rowan, Rutherford, Stanly, Swain, Transylvania, Union, Watauga, Wilkes and Yancey counties.
Approximately 105 wildfires burning more than 8,600 acres were active across the state, according to the N.C. Forest Service.
“A wildfire’s path and possible destruction are difficult to predict,” said Commissioner Causey. “But there are precautions you can take before the wildfire has the opportunity to impact your property and actions you can take if it does.”
Commissioner Causey urges homeowners to take the following items with you if you have to evacuate your property:
- Identification
- Vital medicines such as insulin or blood pressure regulating drugs
- Eyeglasses, hearing aids, prosthetic devices or other personal aids
- Valuables such as credit cards, checkbooks, insurance policies, savings account books, money, etc.
“I encourage everyone to make a home inventory to document what you own,” Commissioner Causey added. “This will help the insurance company evaluate any loss.”
Commissioner Causey also provided the following tips if a resident’s home is damaged or destroyed by a fire:
- Make sure your home is safe before entering it. Secure the site from further damage, theft or vandalism. Contact police if you home is uninhabitable as they will keep an eye on your property during your absence.
- Contact your insurance agent or carrier as soon as possible to get the claim process started.
- If you are in need immediate funds, ask your insurance agent about how soon you might get an advance on your eventual insurance claim settlement.
- Take photos or video of the property and save any damaged items for inspection by the insurance company. Homeowners are also advised to keep a list of damaged items.
- Do not attempt to clean or repair damage before consulting with the insurance company or a restoration professional.
- Scammers and fraudsters are out there! Never feel pressured to sign documents that you do not understand. And never pay for work upfront or in full until you are satisfied with the repairs.
NCDOI has more tips on what to do during a disaster on its website.