Your life can change in the blink of an eye.
With the 2025 destructive spring tornado season underway, and Hurricane Season approaching the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH)® is offering the Strong Homes Scale (Scale), a groundbreaking new tool designed to help homeowners assess their home’s ability to withstand six natural disasters.
On March 25, 2025 the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH)® launched Strong Homes Scale (Scale), a groundbreaking new tool designed to help homeowners assess their home’s ability to withstand six natural disasters, including earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires, and winter storms. The Scale and new tools are part of the enhanced InspectToProtect.org platform that empowers users with information to answer the questions, “How will my home hold up in a disaster?” and “How can I make it stronger?”
Arizona home insurance costs are soaring, and a growing number of homeowners near wildfire risk areas can’t even get insurance. Wildfires are a big driver behind the state’s growing home insurance problems.
The Southern California fires make it clear wildfires are no longer seasonal, and the devastated area’s losses likely mean higher rates for Arizona property owners.
With more than $40 billion in insured losses due to wildfire in just the past three years, understanding wildfire threats to homes and families is vital. This episode offers an in-depth conversation about the continuing toll of wildfire losses across the United States, making it clear that there is STILL more to do. You can do your part by participating in the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) Wildfire Community Preparedness Day, on Saturday, May 4.
Thanks to the generous support from National Wildfire Preparedness Day sponsor State Farm, 150 communities received project funding awards to support activities aimed at reducing potential loss of life, property, and natural resources to wildfire.
Please join me and my guest Michele Steinberg, Wildfire Division Director with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). We discuss the new Outthink Wildfire Initiative, wildfire mitigation, defensible space, and the importance of wildfire prevention.
I hope you enjoy this podcast episode and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, share, and provide a review on iTunes. Don’t miss these helpful resources and links too:
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
Healthy Forest Restoration Act
Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety
Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH)
National Disaster Resilience Conference
The nonprofit Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH) invites experts to submit presentations for consideration by the National Disaster Resilience Conference (NDRC24) committee. Set to take place from November 20 to 22, 2024, in Clearwater Beach, Florida, the conference seeks to explore innovative approaches and programs that drive advancements in resilience policy, practice, science, and engineering.
Preparing for potential disasters is crucial no matter where you call home. Families can enhance their safety and home resilience by using these free and low-cost ways to strengthen their homes against a variety of perils. From earthquakes and extreme heat to floods, hail, hurricanes, tornados, and wildfires, these top mitigation strategies are accessible on the nonprofit Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH) website FLASH.org.
Now in its 25th year, the event will bring together private and public sector leaders, nationally- recognized engineers, meteorologists, practitioners, risk communicators, scientists, and trade professionals to share best practices and create innovative solutions.
Protecting your home’s eaves, gutters, soffits, and vents from wildfire is crucial to prevent wildfires. Evaluate and modify these building components to keep wildfire embers from entering and igniting your home.
Eaves, Overhangs, and Soffits
Eaves, overhangs, and soffits are not typically fabricated with fire-resistant materials. That is why they pose a potential hazard in wildfire-prone areas. These critical home components, including those made with thin metal, untreated wood panels, and vinyl material, are highly vulnerable to wildfire because they melt or ignite, allowing the fire to spread onto the roof, into the attic, or onto and through the exterior wall.
Overhangs and the top part of exterior walls can trap windborne embers, convective heat, and radiant heat, so it is critical to construct overhangs and walls using noncombustible or fire-resistant materials.
Vents
There are various types of vents in a home, including vents for attics; ventilated cathedral ceilings; crawlspaces; and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. During a wildfire, embers and hot gasses can enter vent openings and attic spaces, crawlspaces, and ductwork, spreading fire to the interior of your home. Dust, lint, and other debris collected at vent openings can also catch fire.
Gutters and Downspouts
Gutters and downspouts fabricated with plastic can melt during a wildfire.
Branches, leaves, pine needles, and other debris and vegetation trapped in gutters can catch ignite, create a fuel path, and spread wildfire to the roof.
FEMA P-737 Home Builders’ Guide to Construction in Wildfire Zones
FEMA Rebuilding After a Wildfire
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection: Wildfire Home Retrofit Guide
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection: Readyforwildfire.org
Wildfire-resistant roofing refers to using building materials and construction techniques designed to minimize the risk of fire damage to roofs and homes during a wildfire. This is especially important in areas prone to wildfires, where traditional roofing materials such as wood shingles or asphalt may be vulnerable to ignition.
Embers, or firebrands, are small particles of combustible building material, trees, shrubs, or other vegetation that ignite during a wildfire. Windborne embers can fly up to two miles ahead of a wildfire perimeter and cause the ignition to 90% of destroyed homes.
Flying embers can land on or near your home, especially your roof, so it is critical to have a fire-resistant roof and reduce the chances of your home catching fire.
One common type of wildfire-resistant roofing is metal roofing, which is highly resistant to flames and flying embers. Metal roofing is typically more expensive than traditional roofing materials but can provide excellent protection against fire. Metal roofs can be made of various materials, such as aluminum, steel, or copper. They can be installed in shingle, tile, or standing seam configurations.
Another option is using fire-resistant shingles, typically made of asphalt or fiberglass, and treated with fire retardants to make them less flammable. These shingles can be slightly more expensive than traditional shingles. Still, they are highly effective in reducing the risk of fire damage.
Additionally, installing a fire-resistant underlayment beneath the roofing material can provide extra protection against embers and flames. This underlayment is typically made of non-combustible fiberglass or mineral wool.
Understanding roof classification differences is essential for choosing a wildfire-resistant covering.
• Class A roofs are preferred as they are the most fire-resistant roof covering type. They include asphalt fiberglass composition shingles, flat/barrel-shaped clay and cementitious tiles, and some metal materials.
• Class B roofs include treated wood shake roofs but are not allowed or recommended in most wildfire-risk locations.
• Class C roofs made from recycled plastic, rubber, or aluminum are treated with fire-resistant coating and installed with fire-resistant materials such as an additional fireproof layer. Still, the coatings can wear out over time due to weather and exposure.
Installing a fire-resistant roof is an important safety measure that can help protect your home and property from fire damage. Here are some steps to follow when installing a fire-resistant roof:
FLASH Buyers Guide to Resilient Homes – Wildfire Checklist
FEMA P-737, Home Builders’ Guide to Construction in Wildfire Zones
FEMA How to Prepare for a Wildfire
FEMA Rebuilding After a Wildfire
If your home is damaged or destroyed in a storm or natural disaster, you can take steps to protect your family’s safety, comfort, and financial stability during recovery.
Seek guidance from reliable sources, including emergency management officials, local government leaders, insurance company representatives, and nonprofit organizations that specialize in disaster response and recovery. Determine if your disaster-affected community has formed a long-term recovery task force and follow task force news to learn about relevant resources, services, and deadlines.
You may never forget your disaster experience, but you can recover and bounce back with the physical, emotional, and financial support available after the worst happens.
Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible to begin the claims process. Be aware that certain disasters, such as floods and earthquakes, may not be covered by standard homeowners policies.
Take reasonable steps to protect your property from further damage, like placing blue tarps over roof damage or broken windows. Save your receipts for any materials you use, and submit them to your insurance company for reimbursement.
Document your loss, and preserve damaged items until your adjuster has visited your home or your company advises that you may dispose of the items. Take photos and use videos to prepare a home inventory to document your claim. Assemble copies of receipts from damaged items.
You may have coverage for lodging and other living expenses while you are displaced from your damaged home, so be sure to include those receipts in your claim documentation.
For more information about insurance considerations during a disaster, check out our guide to homeowners insurance to find out more about filing a claim.
Throughout recovery, stay up-to-date and monitor local radio, television, and other information sources about where to get emergency housing, food, first aid, clothing, and financial assistance. Check out options for how to stay informed.
Post-disaster economic assistance programs may be available for individuals under certain circumstances. Direct assistance of food, shelter, supplies, and cleanup may come from any number of organizations, including the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, and others. The federal government may help individuals and families with temporary housing, counseling, loans and grants, and other assistance. There are also programs to help small businesses and farmers.
FEMA provides housing assistance for qualifying disaster victims. Homeowners within a designated federal disaster area can call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) to register.
Applicants should be prepared to describe losses and provide their Social Security Number, financial information, and the location of the damaged property.
Disasters can have an emotional toll, and adults may need crisis counseling or stress management assistance. Children, older adults, people with disabilities, and people who speak English as a second language may be especially at risk for emotional distress post-disaster.
Seek crisis counseling if you or a family member is experiencing disaster-related stress. Local faith-based organizations, voluntary agencies, or professional counselors can provide counsel and advice. FEMA, state, and local government agencies may also provide crisis counseling assistance.
Make sure you understand the personal effects of a disaster, recognize signs of disaster-related stress, and are familiar with how to manage that stress.
If in doubt, do not give out your personal information. Report to local authorities anyone claiming to be a government worker. Safeguard against disaster-related fraud by taking these precautions:
When returning home after a natural disaster, there are ways to make sure you and your family are safe. There may be immediate dangers like contaminated water and wild animals or less obvious threats like structural damage to your home.
Be careful when entering your home. Wear leather gloves and solid, thick-soled shoes with steel toes. Look out for loose boards and slippery floors.
Any kind of cleanup work can be hazardous, but cleaning up after a hurricane, tornado, flood, wildfire, or other natural disaster requires special care and attention. If your home is damaged and your yard is littered with debris after a disaster, there are ways to ensure that cleanup is safe and environmentally friendly.
Check with your local government for cleanup procedures before disposing of debris.
You can expedite cleanup by separating debris:
Put debris at your curbside, away from fire hydrants, trees, power lines, mailboxes, valves, or other items that could be damaged or make collection difficult.
Keep building debris and building contents separate from vegetative material and regular garbage. Check for special requirements like designated disposal sites other than curbside.
Start cleanup once you know you can safely enter your home, and follow this checklist to ensure your safety.
Attempting to dry out the contents of your home can take several weeks, and if the humidity remains high, microorganisms may continue to grow. If the house and its contents are not properly dried out and you notice musty odors, consider throwing out the wet materials.
Damage to your home can have a significant impact on you, your family, and your friends. It’s best to have a plan for how to re-enter your home safely before a hurricane, tornado, flood, or other storm strikes.
The greatest threat to personal safety exists during a storm and in the immediate aftermath. Use this checklist for what to do after the storm to minimize potential harm.
If your home is damaged by a covered peril, you will need to notify your insurance company as soon as possible. All companies have toll-free telephone numbers for claims reporting, and most have company websites and app with online claims reporting options.
An insurance policy is a contract between you and your insurance company, so there are rules and procedures that you and your insurer must follow. The best way to understand your role is to read your insurance policy.
Installing and maintaining carbon monoxide detectors, smoke alarms, and fire extinguishers in your home can make the difference between life and death because they will alert you when toxic fumes and dangerous fires are present and help you put out a fire.
Having the right amount and type of insurance for your car, home, boat, and other high-value possessions will ensure that you will have the money you need to recover after disaster strikes.
Start with A Homeowners Guide to Natural Disasters for an introduction to basic mitigation and policy benefits, limitations, and opportunities to save with credits and discounts.
Then schedule a checkup with your insurance company or agent to ask critical questions like:
Different types of insurance policies are available to cover various weather or geophysical perils, such as earthquakes. The most appropriate insurance product for your needs depends primarily on your type of dwelling.
Homeowners: If you own a home, there are two available policy forms: homeowners and dwelling forms. The main difference between these two types of forms is that a homeowners form combines property coverage with liability coverage, while the dwelling form only covers property losses. Additionally, a dwelling form is more commonly used for a dwelling that an insured person owns but does not live in or only lives in for part of the year. Both types of policy forms have various peril coverage options available for the dwelling and its contents.
Manufactured homeowners: There are policy forms specifically designed to insure manufactured homes. This type of policy covers both the dwelling and its contents and provides liability protection.
Condo owners: There are policy forms specifically designed to cover condominiums. This type of policy typically covers contents, such as your personal property and liability. A small amount of dwelling coverage is provided to cover the portions of the condominium that you are responsible for, as defined by the governing rules of the condominium association; this may include condominium common areas. You can purchase additional dwelling coverage if the protection included in the package is insufficient.
Renters: There are renter’s insurance policy forms specifically designed for you if you are renting and do not own your residence. These forms provide coverage for your contents and liability.
Farm homeowners: Farm owner’s policy forms are specifically designed to cover farms or ranches which may not qualify for standard homeowners insurance. This policy may be the most appropriate form to cover property losses to your home and other structures, such as barns and silos, from the damage of tornadoes, hail, and other perils. Farm owner’s policies also cover personal and commercial exposure of farms, along with liability coverage.
Two exceptions worth noting
Earthquake and flood policies typically need to be purchased separately or as additional endorsements to your standard policy, regardless of your dwelling type. The limits of these policies can match the homeowner’s or renter’s policy, or they can be set as separate limits.
Generally, insurance may be purchased from property casualty insurance companies through the voluntary market, meaning that the insurance companies voluntarily provide coverage to customers who meet the underwriting requirements. Availability and types of coverage may vary across states and companies, so consumers should research property coverage for specific perils in their area.
There are four main distribution systems employed by property casualty insurance companies in the U.S.:
Involuntary market mechanisms (sometimes referred to as shared markets) provide coverage for entities that do not qualify for coverage in the voluntary market. There are many reasons why coverage may not be available through the voluntary market in a particular place. For example, living in a high-risk area, such as a designated wildfire zone, near a coastline, or in an area affected by a recent catastrophic event may lead to reduced availability of coverage.
The following kinds of property insurance market mechanisms exist in certain areas:
Market conditions in some states have made it difficult for voluntary insurers to provide affordable coverage. Under those circumstances, coverage may be available through a FAIR plan. If you find that you are unable to obtain insurance through the voluntary market, your insurance agent may help you find coverage through the involuntary market, or you may be able to contact the plans directly. Because these entities vary greatly by locality, your state insurance department is likely the best source of information on how to obtain coverage through the involuntary market in your state.