Wildfires can disrupt all aspects of life, including business plans. Ensuring that you're ready for all types of business interruptions means you'll be prepared for the fire and ready to recover after the fire subsides. Having a business continuity plan that focuses on wildfire recovery will ensure a smooth transition from uncertainty to business-as-usual. Our wildfire preparedness guide offers advice on planning, preparation, evacuation and filing an insurance claim after a wildfire.

Planning your business's safety before a wildfire

Planning and preparing can make a big difference in staying safe during a wildfire and rebounding afterwards. Recovering quickly from a wildfire requires planning, understanding what to do in the event of a wildfire and knowing how to report any losses.

In anticipation of a wildfire, start talking to your Gallagher representative as early as possible to be sure you secure appropriate insurance coverage, update current location schedules and understand what your current property policy covers.

Preparing for a wildfire

Awareness and preparation are key to minimizing risk during a wildfire. By understanding your vulnerabilities and properly planning, you can reduce the effect on your organization and employees. The best protection is to have a solid wildfire disaster plan in place.

Evacuation preparation during a wildfire

  • Gather essential items in case you must evacuate. Refer to the Evacuation Checklist or items to bring.
  • Heed evacuation warnings. It may seem like you have time, but conditions can change in an instant, making evacuation more difficult. In addition, leaving when local officials order an evacuation clears the roads so firefighters can get the necessary equipment in place to fight the fire.
  • When evacuating, prepare yourself, employees and tenants for exposure to heat and embers. If possible, wear long pants made from 100% cotton, a long-sleeved shirt, heavy boots or shoes, a dry bandana to cover your face, and goggles or glasses to protect your eyes.
  • Shut off the gas, if possible, to prevent an ignition source.

Make sure your phone can receive emergency alerts

The National Public Alerting System sends geo-targeted emergency alerts. To make sure your mobile phone can receive them, test your phone's compatibility at Alert Ready.

Post-wildfire recovery guidelines for your business

After receiving the all-clear signal from your local agencies or emergency personnel, you can begin your post-wildfire procedures. Review the Natural Catastrophes: Preparing for Business Interruption and Extra Expense Claims list for assessing business interruption impacts, as well as potential claims coverage. It's important that your claims advocate receive this information as soon as possible.

  • Inspect your property for immediate dangers — watch for falling debris, embers, exposed electrical wires or wild animals.
  • Remove dead plants, trees and dry vegetation near the building in case flyaway embers ignite.
  • Secure dangerous areas with caution tape. Keep areas cordoned off until a determination is made regarding safety.
  • From outside buildings, use a flashlight to examine interior walls, floors, doors and windows. Don't enter any building if you suspect it could be structurally unsound.
  • Inspect the foundation for cracks and other significant damage, paying particular attention to retaining walls.
  • If the power is on, turn it off immediately. Look for exposed wiring or electrical lines.
  • Complete an incident report and forward pictures to your supervisor, corporate office and insurance broker.
  • Notify staff and corporate of the situation.
  • Help all staff exit the building, especially those with disabilities and special needs.
  • Ensure you have the following items: cellphones, smartphones, tablets, laptops, a battery-operated handheld radio, flashlights, cameras, additional chargers and batteries, water, food, first aid supplies and additional items from the Disaster Supply List.
  • Check local emergency broadcast radio for updates about the wildfire's path.

You might need to contact the following after a wildfire:

  • Emergency services — such as the fire department, and gas and electric companies — as necessary, based on the review of the property.
  • A security company if there's sufficient damage to the property to arrange for surveillance. Instruct them to assist in directing emergency vehicles into the area and supply a list of approved employees, to reduce the possibility of looters.
  • Local hospitals regarding injured staff. Keep a log of all calls.
  • Your corporate office and insurance carrier to verbally report damage, so an adjuster can be sent to the site.
  • Vendors — such as cleaning services, biohazard companies, tree-trimming services, electricians or plumbers — to help reduce further damage to the property.

While organizing the post-wildfire recovery efforts for your business, review your wildfire emergency plan and update as necessary. Complete any mitigation items as directed by your municipal or provincial government, the Canadian Red Cross or your insurance carrier.

Filing a commercial insurance claim for wildfire damage

When your local agencies or emergency personnel say it's safe to return to your business, you can begin your post-wildfire recovery measures. Take photos and/or video of the damage and inspect the facility for structural damage.

Provide the inspection information to your Gallagher broker or claims advocate. You can also provide the Natural Catastrophes: Preparing for Business Interruption and Extra Expense Claims list.

It's important that your Gallagher broker or claims advocate receive this information as quickly as possible.

Claims Resources for Commercial Businesses

Claims Resources for Small Businesses

Starting a commercial insurance claim for wildfire damage

For a commercial insurance claim to be initiated and an investigation to begin, the claims advocate must have as much detail as possible. If possible, provide before and after photos or videos.

Claims process for commercial insurance: What to expect

Throughout the claim investigation process, you may have various coverage-related questions. Please reach out to your Gallagher advisor with specific policy and claim questions. During this high-volume claim-reporting period, you should anticipate the following:

  • The adjuster assignment and initial contact may take some time. Some insurers may use adjusters under contract rather than staff adjusters, so the adjuster's contact information may be different from expected.
  • Access to the affected areas may be limited for some time after the wildfire.
  • Competition for labor and materials may be high, which could affect the timeframe and costs associated with repair and remediation.
  • Work closely with your adjuster. If you have questions regarding the resolution process, your Gallagher advisor is here to assist and ensure you're in control of the claim process.

Your policy and insurance company's website will contain important information about how to handle claims and manage losses. To summarize your policy details, use the Policy and Claim Reporting Information Directory.

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