The fires that annually rage through California destroying thousands of homes remind residents that they need to be prepared for any disaster. To carefully safeguard your home against the threat of a fire, the Insurance Information Network of California suggests that homeowners follow these guidelines:

• Clear the space around your home. Clear brush areas from 100 to 200 feet (500 feet on sheer slopes is recommended as flames will shoot up faster). This can reduce the risk of fire by 50 percent. It will also provide room for firefighters to battle the blaze. Also be sure to remove dead leaves and brush from around your home and on the roof and gutters regularly.
  
• Landscape the area around your home with fire-resistant plants. For example, ice plants or citrus trees withstand high temperatures and do not support open flames when ignited. Consult a nursery or your local fire department about all types of fire-retardant plans. Also place native shrubs and trees at least 10 feet apart, and prune branches on trees taller than 18 feet within six feet of the ground.
  
• Use non-combustible building materials. A non-combustible or fire-resistant shingle roof can prevent against flaming wood shingles or other debris carried by the wind. Also seal the eaves under your roof to prevent flying embers from lodging on your home. Decking should be concrete, tile or protected with fire-resistant coating. Install fire-resistant shutters or shades instead of drapes that can easily catch on fire.
  
• Check the area around your home for any fire hazards. Place woodpiles and propane tanks at least 30 feet away from the home. Cover chimneys or stovepipe outlets with a non-flammable screen of 1/2 inch or smaller mesh.
  
• Have an adequate water supply handy for fire fighting. You can do a number of things such as installing a water tank and water pump, buying a pool pump or storing extra trashcans filled with water. You may also consider buying a fire hose as regular garden hoses may not be enough to battle high blazes or able to withstand extreme temperatures.
  
• Make sure there are accessible roads to your home. Your driveway must be at least 15 feet wide and have enough turnaround space for emergency vehicles.

CHECK YOUR HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE

Unfortunately, thousands of homeowners affected by fires discover that they're underinsured. Many homeowners do not periodically review and update their policy to include changes or additions to their home, inflation rates or new building code requirements. Also, some homeowners base the amount of their insurance on the current market value of the home instead of the cost to replace their home that is a more accurate figure. So homeowners should check their insurance by using these guidelines:

• Base your insurance on the cost to replace your home and not the current market value. Consult your real estate agent, appraiser or an architect for average building costs in your area to estimate the cost of your home. The average cost of a home in California is between $100 to $300 per square foot. Also factor in the design and the quality of materials used for your home (do you have hardwood floors or marble counters?)
  
• Have enough coverage for the contents of your home. Normally, the contents of your home are covered for up to 50% of your overall homeowner's coverage. Check if you have actual cash value or replacement cost coverage on your contents. Replacement cost coverage is your best bet because your insurer will replace damaged contents with new ones rather than paying you for the current value of your possessions. If you have guaranteed replacement cost coverage, check your policy to make sure there are no limits placed on this coverage. Finally, you should buy additional coverage in the form of "floaters" for high-ticket items such as computers, jewelry, collectibles, furs or artwork since most insurers place a limit on how much they will pay for these items (usually $2,500).
  
• Take an inventory of all your possessions and keep it off the premises. The hardest part of filing a claim after a fire is remembering what was lost and how much it was worth. Your inventory list should describe the item, the date and amount of purchase as well as brand names and model numbers. It's also a good idea to save receipts. You may also want to videotape or take photos to make the claims process easier.
  
• If your home is insured by a state-offered FAIR Plan, you should talk to you agent about purchasing a "wrap-around policy" from another insurer to cover any gaps in coverage.
  
• You can possibly lower your insurance premium rates by taking preventative measures such as installing a non-combustible roof, clearing the brush around your home or landscaping with fire-retardant plants. Consult your agent or broker for details.
  
• Review your policy today. Make sure it includes increases in inflation, costs for current building codes or any changes to your home such as an additional room or newly remodeled kitchen -- or else they won't be covered. If your home is in a high-risk area such as on a hillside or brush area, ask your agent or broker about special coverage such as "code ordinance coverage" which pays for new building code requirements.

IINC offers a number of brochures on fire prevention, home insurance and how to take a home inventory. If you would like copies of these publications, please send a self-addressed stamped business envelope.