California is no stranger to natural disasters, especially in recent years. Some of the most destructive and deadly wildfires in California history have occurred in just the past few years, including the Camp Fire, which blazed through Butte County in 2018 and destroyed 18,804 structures and 153,336 acres.
Rising sea levels and climate change are also expected to put more than 2.4 million homes and 107,000 commercial properties at risk of flooding by 2100, and California is overdue for a devastating earthquake that could cost the state billions of dollars in property damage.
As a homeowner, it’s important to take the necessary steps toward protecting your home. Should a natural disaster cause any property damage, you want to be able to replace the things you own easily and without having to pay thousands of dollars out of pocket.
As a renter or homeowner, it’s recommended you take the following steps to protect yourself and your home in case disaster strikes:
- Buy renter or homeowner insurance: If a wildfire or earthquake takes place and destroys your home or belongings, you’ll save thousands of dollars in expenses by having insurance.
- Have an inventory of your belongings: By having a written record of the valuable items in your home, you’ll have an easier time during the claims process if your things are destroyed. If you’re about to evacuate your home in case of a fire, be sure to take photos of your valuables.
- Keep all your important documents in one place: Make sure you have documents you’ll need in case your home is destroyed, like contracts and insurance documents, in one place so they can be found and transported easily.
- After a disaster hits, save all receipts and keep a record of purchases: Make sure you keep a record of expenses like clothes, meals, gas and any additional mileage required due to being displaced, hotel expenses, and toiletries. This will be used for your insurance claim.
Overall, having an insurance policy and staying organized with your documentation is important if you own or are renting a home. Your house may be destroyed in an earthquake or wildfire, but with insurance, you’ll be able to replace your things without breaking the bank.
Helping Clients Make Informed Decisions
At Allen, Semelsberger & Kaelin LLP, our real estate attorneys won’t leave you in the dark while we work on your case. We strive to educate our clients on the complexities of the legal system, as well as the nature of their unique situations, so that they can make informed decisions that will benefit them as residents and homeowners. We prioritize the attorney-client relationship, and we know that the best relationships are those built on trust. We hope that by being transparent with you on each step of your case, you can trust us to put your needs first and advocate for you relentlessly when needed.
Whether you’re a condominium, home, or business owner, or a renter dealing with contract or landlord issues, we aim to help individuals and families who have been failed by responsible parties.
For skilled legal counsel on your real estate case, call the attorneys at Allen, Semelsberger & Kaelin LLP at (888) 998-2031, or contact us online. With over 35 years of experience helping homeowners and residents settle their cases successfully, we can be relied on to bring professionalism and action to each of our clients.