(Salem) – Human- and lightning-caused fires sparked across Oregon ahead of National
Preparedness Month. These stern warnings make it critical for all Oregonians
to get prepared for both natural and human-caused disasters.
September is National Preparedness Month, and it is kicked-off in Oregon by Home
Inventory Week. To recognize this often overlooked part of disaster
preparation, the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation encourages all Oregonians
to do two simple tasks that will save time, money, and stress when disaster
strikes:
- Build a home inventory – Take video or photos of each
room in your home, paying close attention to walls, drawers, closets, and
storage areas. Write down the purchase date and price of high value items.
Recalling your personal property is a daunting task following a disaster.
A home inventory eases the post-disaster stress, and enables your insurance
company to move forward with processing your claim.
- Review your insurance coverage – Take time to discuss
your policies with your insurance company or agent. Make sure you have the
right coverage and know what to expect when you file a claim for disasters
such as fire, earthquake, flood, tornado, theft, and ice storms.
“Recent wildfires remind us how important it is for Oregonians to build a
home inventory and make sure they have the right insurance coverage to protect
their families,” said Insurance Commissioner and Department of Consumer and
Business Services Director Andrew Stolfi. “These projects are easy to do, and
now is the time to get these money-saving and stress-reducing tasks done.”
Oregonians are encouraged to visit dfr.oregon.gov/preparenow for
videos and resources to help complete these simple tasks. The site also provides
social media tools to help people encourage their families, friends, and neighbors
to get prepared as well.
Anyone affected by recent wildfires should contact their insurance company
as soon as possible to find out the next steps. If you still have questions
or concerns, the division’s consumer advocates are here to help.
Call 888-877-4894 (toll-free) or visit dfr.oregon.gov/help for
more information.
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About DCBS: The Department of Consumer and Business Services
is Oregon's largest business regulatory and consumer protection agency. For
more information, visit www.dcbs.oregon.gov.
About Oregon DFR: The Division of Financial Regulation is
part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest
business regulatory and consumer protection agency. Visit www.dcbs.oregon.gov and http://dfr.oregon.gov/Pages/index.aspx.