Wildfires cause millions of dollars in property losses and a number of fatalities every year. The number one way to protect your family from a wildfire is to know your risks, have an evacuation plan in place, and make sure your home is protected with insurance.

A Tennessee independent insurance agent can help you shop insurance for your home and personal property, which is a big step toward protecting yourself and your family. Here's how insurance and other critical preparations can keep you safe against one of the costliest natural disasters.

How Common Are Wildfires in Tennessee?

You won't see Tennessee taking over the news with wildfire stories, but several hundred fires do take place in the state every year. More than 50% of the state is forestland, and 37% of individuals who live in Tennessee live in an area of elevated risk. 

Historically, the state experienced its most disastrous fire in 2016 when the Great Smoky Mountain fire burned through the mountains and into the city of Gatlinburg.

Great Smoky Mountain Fire Effects

Whether you're at high risk or not, it's best to know what to do if a wildfire is near your home to keep your family safe.

How Do You Protect Your Home in a Wildfire?

Even though fire is one of the most damaging natural disasters, there are steps you can take around your home to help lessen potential damage. With a few upgrades and alterations, you can make your home less of a target for incoming flames.

• Remove any dead vegetation on your land, including tree branches and plants.
• Clean your gutters to remove any debris or leaves.
• Use Class A roofing materials and keep your roof clear.
• Add protection or box in any outdoor vents or eaves to prevent embers from entering.
• Replace any single-pane windows
• Create a defensible border at least 100 feet around your entire home.
• Make sure your home has emergency responder access with clearly labeled street names and house numbers.

What's the #1 Thing You Can Do to Stay Safe During a Tennessee Wildfire?

If a wildfire is burning in your vicinity, the safety of you and your family is top priority. The most important thing to stay safe during a wildfire is to protect yourself from smoke exposure. Inhaling smoke can result in coughing, trouble breathing, and lung damage.

Steps to reduce smoke exposure

1. Stay in a room that is closed off from outside air.
2. Use a portable air filter in the room.
3. Wear a mask or respirator. 
4. Avoid products that create additional smoke such as candles, wood-burning stoves, fireplaces, and frying food.
5. Minimize smoke exposure to your pets.
6. Keep track of fires near you.

What Types of Insurance Coverages Can Protect You against Losses Due to a Wildfire?

Fortunately, damage from wildfires is included in several types of insurance that you probably already own. However, it's still important to understand your policy limits and what exactly is covered.

• Dwelling coverage: This is found in your homeowners insurance, and helps pay for any damage that is done to the structure of your home and any detached structures, like garages. This includes rebuilding costs based on the value of your home. 
• Personal property coverage: This is also in your homeowners insurance, and pays to repair or replace any of your possessions that are ruined in the fire. This can include everything from jewelry to office equipment.
• Other structures coverage: If you have other structures on your property, like a barn or shed, they're covered under your dwelling coverage. The limit will be based on a percentage of your dwelling coverage limit.
• Temporary living coverage: Dwelling coverage also includes temporary living expenses that will pay for hotels or rentals if you are evacuated from your home.
• Car insurance: If your vehicle is damaged by a wildfire, you'll need comprehensive car insurance in order to receive coverage. Comprehensive coverage is not required in Tennessee, but is recommended for auto owners.

Your Tennessee independent insurance agent can help you understand your policy limits and advise you on the amount of insurance you should purchase. It's important to review your policies annually to make sure your dwelling coverage limits are equal to the value of your home.

How a Tennessee Independent Insurance Agent Can Help

Protecting your family from a wildfire means understanding how to protect your home and belongings from destruction, which starts with proper insurance coverage. A Tennessee independent insurance agent will help you find the right coverages for an affordable price.

Agents speak with you, free of charge, and shop multiple carriers for quotes. They will present you with several different options and work with you to choose the best set of policies for you. You cannot control a wildfire, but you can control how you prepare and protect your family.