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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDRB140403_Vail 2014 AIG Wildfire Consultation Report_1410215160.pdfPrepared For: James C Calano 784 Potato Patch Drive Vail, CO 81657 Prepared By: Michael Stricklen Wildfire Mitigation Specialist 970-646-8067 michael.stricklen@aig.com Kenneth Josselyn Wildfire Mitigation Specialist 970-309-5437 kenneth.josselyn@aig.com In Partnership With: Bruce Gendelman Company Inc. 800-845-4145 Date of Site Visit:6/20/2014 Policy Number: 0005526599 The information contained herein is not meant to imply that every possible hazard has been identified, or that no other hazards exist. Private Client Group and the member companies of American International Group, Inc. disclaim any guarantee or warranty that by following the advice contained herein, any premises or operations will be safe nor do we promise it will comply with any health standards, laws, rules or regulations. Nothing contained herein shall be construed as an indication of insurance coverage under any policy for any property or for any type of loss or damage. Wildfire Protection Report Introduction This wildfire protection report has been designed to assist you in identifying wildfire hazards and steps needed to mitigate them. The purpose of this report is to provide you with advice on how to increase your home's protection during a wildfire. It provides specific action steps that should be taken prior to wildfire season and maintained year round. The report is organized into the following sections: • Current Wildfire Mitigation Features and Practices • Proactive measures to protect your home • Evacuation tips • Additional offerings and information Should you have any questions concerning the contents of this report or regarding Wildfire Protection Unit® please contact: Michael Stricklen Wildfire Mitigation Specialist michael.stricklen@aig.com 970-646-8067 Need to report a claim? In the event you need to report a claim, please contact our claims department at (888) 760-9195. Mitigation in Place Current Wildfire Mitigation Features and Practices The following wildfire mitigation features were identified during our inspection and may minimize the potential for a loss to occur. As a result, you may qualify for a discounted premium via a specific premium credit. To find out if you qualify, please contact Bruce Gendelman Company Inc. Features Comments Fire Resistive Roof Cover Class A Roofing Materials Debris Free Roof/Gutters Removes Roof Ignition Source Enclosed Eaves Prevents Heat Traps/Ember Intrusion Fire Resistive Exterior Siding Protects Structure Interior Attachments Free of Combustibles Prevents Ember Ignition Fire Resistive Windows Prevents Radiant Heat/Shattering Proactive Protection Measures to Safeguard Your Property The following measures have been identified to help reduce the likelihood of a loss due to wildfire. The loss prevention solutions proposed are based on our knowledge of the most frequent causes of loss. Required Actions: The following actions are required as a condition for maintaining insurance with Private Client Group: Clear Undergrowth Under Trees and Limb Trees 6'-10' Your property includes trees that have low-hanging branches and flammable undergrowth around their trunks. In the event of a wildfire, this undergrowth could spread the fire to the low-hanging branches, and ultimately to the tree canopies. Tree canopies represent large fuel loads that can spread a fire to your home. To help prevent a fire from reaching the tree canopies, it is important that all dead and low-hanging branches be removed 6 to 10 feet from the ground. In addition, the area directly beneath these branches should be kept clear of all flammable vegetation. Remove or Prune Trees to Provide Canopy Spacing of Minimum 30' There are several large trees close to your home that are connected by their canopies. During a wildfire, flames can easily spread from one tree canopy to another. Closely-spaced and connected fuel sources like this provide a conduit for fire to reach your home. Adequate fire protection requires a minimum spacing between tree canopies of 30 feet. To provide this type of canopy spacing on your property, trim the treetops so they are a minimum of 30 feet apart, or strategically remove trees to provide similar protective spacing. Suggested Actions: The following actions are provided as a suggestion to help you reduce the potential or severity of damage: Install Ember Resistant Venting Your home has ordinary non-ember resistant vents in your roof, exterior walls, and/or foundation areas. Airborne burning embers can easily become lodged in the vent, quickly burn through the material, and allow a fire to enter your home. To make your home more fire resistant, it is suggested that you install flame and ember resistant venting in all ventilation openings on your home. These vents must meet current building code standards to allow sufficient ventilation. One of the products available is Brandguard Vents. For more information on these vents, please refer to www.brandguardvents.com. For additional information, please contact your independent insurance advisor or your AIG Wildfire Mitigation Specialist. Additional Offerings Brandguard Vents Protect Your Home from Fire Damage Fire damage is a problematic cause of homeowner's insurance claims. Structures are very susceptible to windblown flames and embers. Building code requirements have changed in response to the extensive loss of properties and lives from wildfires. Structures in affected areas must now have flame and ember resistant vents. This impacts both new construction and remodels. Brandguard Vents help to save homes from fire damage with new flame and ember resistant vent technology. “I've seen first-hand how windblown flames and embers can burn a house down in minutes. So I invented these products to save homes. Please try my products and let me know what you think.” -Brent Berkompas, Founder, BrentB@BrandguardVents.com Proven Design • Only one with “overlapping baffles” • Air flows through but flames and embers can't penetrate • Reliable protection - not dependant on chemical reactions or moving parts • Patent pending • Proven by contractors in the field Easy Install • Little difference from conventional vents • Instruction sheets available with large pictures High Quality Materials • Made with 26 gauge galvanized steel, G90 for long life • Easy to paint, or custom-order colors needed • Custom materials and sizes available Meet Airflow Requirements • Brandguard Vents deliver code required NFVA air flow values • Note that the new code allows fire prevention vents to be used under eaves in fire hazard areas • Venting in the under eaves is the best way to ventilate Code Compliant Vents • Vents must “resist the intrusion of flames and embers” • Brandguard Vents are “clearly superior” to ¼” mesh • Accepted & recommended by building officials and fire marshals throughout the state For more information contact: Brandguard Vents, Inc., 1001 Avenida Pico, Ste. 221 San Clemente, CA 92673 www.BrandguardVents.com Tel: (949) 481-5300 Fax: (949) 606-8329 Or, contact your independent insurance broker for assistance. Preparing Your Family Tips for a Safe Evacuation The following information, provided by the Ventura County Fire Department, is intended to assist you in preparing for an evacuation. Before you Leave · Alert family and neighbors. · Dress in appropriate clothing (i.e., clothing made from natural fibers, such as cotton, and work boots). · Have goggles and a dry bandana or particle mask handy. · Ensure that you have your emergency supply kit on hand that includes all necessary items, such as a battery powered radio, spare batteries, emergency contact numbers, and ample drinking water. · Stay tuned to you TV or local radio stations for updates, or check the fire department website. · Remain close to your house, drink water and keep an eye on your family and pets until you leave. Indoor Checklist · Shut all windows and doors, leaving them unlocked. · Remove flammable windows shades, lightweight curtains and close metal shutters. · Move flammable furniture to the center of the room, away from windows and doors. · Shut off gas at the meter. Turn off pilot lights. · Leave your lights on so firefighters can see your house under smoky conditions. · Shut off the air conditioning. Outdoor Checklist · Gather up flammable items from the exterior of the house and bring them inside (e.g., patio furniture, children's toys, door mats, etc.) or place them in your pool. · Turn off propane tanks. · Don't leave sprinklers on or water running - they can waste critical water pressure. · Leave exterior lights on. · Back cars into the driveway. Shut doors and roll up windows. · Have a ladder available. · Patrol your property and extinguish all small fires until you leave. · Seal attic and ground vents with pre-cut plywood or commercial seals if time permits. If you are Unable to Leave · Shelter away from outside walls. · Bring garden hoses inside house so embers don't destroy them. · Patrol inside your home for spot fires and extinguish them. · Wear long sleeves and long pants made of natural fibers such as cotton. · Stay hydrated. · Ensure you can exit the home if it catches fire (remember if it's hot inside the house, it is four to five times hotter outside). · Fill sinks and tubs for an emergency water supply. · Place wet towels under doors to keep smoke and embers out. · After the fire has passed, check your roof and extinguish any fires, sparks or embers. · Check inside the attic for hidden embers. · Patrol your property and extinguish small fires. · If there are fires that you cannot extinguish with a small amount of water or in a short time, call 9-1-1. Go Early By leaving early, you give your family the best chance of surviving a wildfire. You also help firefighters by keeping roads clear of congestion, enabling them to move more freely and do their job. When to leave Leave early enough to avoid being caught in fire, smoke or road congestion. Don't wait to be told by authorities to leave. In an intense wildfire, they may not have time to knock on every door. If you are advised to leave, don't hesitate! Where to go Leave to a predetermined location (it should be a low-risk area, such as a well-prepared neighbor or relative's house, a Red Cross shelter or evacuation center, motel, etc.) How to get there Have several travel routes in case one route is blocked by the fire or by emergency vehicles and equipment. Choose an escape route away from the fire. What to take Take your emergency supply kit containing your family's and pet's necessary items. Emergency Supplies The American Red Cross recommends every family have an emergency supply kit assembled long before a wildfire or other emergency occurs. Use the checklist below to help assemble yours. For more information on emergency supplies, visit the American Red Cross Web site at www.redcross.org. · Three-day supply of water (one gallon per person per day) · Non-perishable food for all family members and pets (three-day supply) · First aid kit · Flashlight, battery-powered radio, and extra batteries · An extra set of car keys, credit cards, cash or traveler's checks · Sanitation supplies · Extra eyeglasses or contact lenses · Important family documents and contact numbers · Map marked with evacuation routes · Prescriptions or special medications · Family photos and other irreplaceable items · Easily carried valuables · Personal computers (information on hard drives and disks) · Chargers for cell phones, laptops, etc. · Note: Keep a pair of old shoes and a flashlight handy in case of a sudden evacuation at night For more information, visit www.fire.countyofventura.org. If you have questions about protecting your residence or our wildfire protection program, please contact Deserie Thigpen, Director of Loss Prevention, Western Zone, at 619-682-1256; deserie.thigpen@aig.com. If you have questions concerning the protection of your collection or valuables, please contact our art collection management department at artcollections.pcg@aig.com. If your location is ordered to be evacuated by local authorities, you should always follow their guidance. We have seen homeowners take all reasonable steps to protect their property, including having their property treated, and still their home was damaged or destroyed by a wildfire. Wildfires are extremely dangerous. Exclusive Policyholder Services In addition to comprehensive loss prevention advice, superior claims service and structural valuation guidance, Private Client Group offers a broad range of capabilities to help you proactively reduce risk and enhance your peace of mind. Art Collection Management Our highly specialized collection management services can help protect, preserve, and enhance the value of any collection (paintings, sculpture, jewelry, wine, furniture, rare books, etc.). Our seasoned curatorial experts can handle virtually any collection-related need, from appraisal referrals to full-time management projects. Services include: · Arranging proper packing, transport and storage · Coordinating conservation and framing · Overseeing museum and exhibition loans · Organizing and tracking collection documentation Personal Security Our confidential, best-in-class security services are designed to help you effectively protect your family, lifestyle and assets. We are pleased to introduce you to industry-leading security professionals who specialize in personal safety and customized crisis response. Services include: · Complimentary background checks on private/domestic staff · Lifestyle and personal safety vulnerability analysis · Security training for family and staff · Travel advisory services · On-road and on-water crisis avoidance Disaster Planning Private Client Group partners with a network of industry-leading vendors to ensure clear and effective responses in the event of fire, theft or natural disaster -- even when a home is unoccupied. Taking proactive measures against these threats not only protects assets, but also may result in premium savings. Services include: · Wildfire suppression and emergency response · Water damage prevention technology · Storm preparedness and shuttering · Personal property inventory and documentation · Art transit and warehousing Superior Claims Service Going Above and Beyond to Meet Your Needs “…I was overwhelmed with the superior attention and service which [my Private Client Group claims representative] provided to me…” -- A Private Client Group policyholder We handle complex losses everyday, and each comes with its own set of circumstances, but tailoring our efforts to address your specific needs is simply business as usual. Taking Swift Action · We respond to all new losses on the same day of report. Of course, claims specialists are always available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. · If you face an immediate crisis, you will be contacted within one hour, regardless of time of day. · Property damage is inspected within 48 hours of initial report. · Payment of first-party claims will be made within 48 hours following satisfactory documentation of loss and agreement on damages. · If a sentimental item is lost or stolen, we try to recover the item even after you've received settlement. Safety Tips In the event of a fire: In the event of water intrusion: · Exit the residence immediately · Shut off the main water valve · Notify the fire department · Do not touch electrical appliances · Do not attempt to re-enter the building · Contact your plumber · Do not attempt to clean any smoke damage · Remove valuable objects from harm's way · Do not disturb the area in which the fire may · Protect carpeting or floors with buckets and have started tarps To report a claim, contact your independent insurance advisor: Bruce Gendelman Company Inc. at 800-845-4145 For immediate assistance, contact us at (888) 760-9195; (866) 858-1472 (fax) Assistance for US-based clients traveling abroad: +1(302) 482-6000 Your Wildfire Mitigation Specialist Michael Stricklen Mike is a Wildfire Mitigation Specialist, providing prevention and mitigation services for the AIG Private Client Group in Colorado. His duties include completion of exterior inspections, recommending mitigation steps to our policyholders to increase the home’s chances that their home could fare well in a wildfire event. In addition, Mike is responsible for safe, effective emergency response in an effort to protect policyholders’ homes when threatened by wildfire. He began his insurance-based career as a Wildfire Mitigation Specialist in June 2011 working for AIG Private Client Group for their prevention and mitigation services. During his tenure, he has responded to a number of large, complex, campaign fires, protecting AIG policy holder homes in Texas, Wyoming, Nevada, Idaho and Colorado. Mike is currently in his 8th year as a Volunteer Firefighter with the Aspen Volunteer Fire Department. He holds numerous State and Federal firefighting certificates including Colorado Division of Fire Safety Firefighter I, Technical Trench Rescue, S-130, S-190, EMS First Responder, Haz- Mat awareness and Swift Water Rescue. Mike’s various roles in fire response and customer service have allowed him to develop a professional approach to risk evaluation, effective mitigation and aggressive but safe wildfire protection. Combined with his experience and positive attitude, Mike will always provide the best professional and personal services available.