How Southern Oregonians can navigate wildfire risks and insurance changes
By Carrie Dahle
It’s time again to chat about what’s new and noteworthy around our neck of the woods — especially how our changing climate reshapes our thinking about home insurance. With wildfires becoming more frequent, understanding how to protect our homes and manage rising insurance costs is essential.
According to the latest data from the Southern Oregon MLS, the number of homes on the market in Ashland has dipped by 8.2% from last year to 89 active listings.
This tightening market and rising insurance costs are significantly affecting those considering a move to Ashland. Both elements are essential for newcomers to understand as they explore housing options and evaluate the financial implications of insuring their new homes in our region.
Safeguarding homes is crucial
For those of us nestled in our scenic, tree-lined properties (just about everywhere in Ashland), taking proactive steps to safeguard our homes is becoming increasingly necessary.
Here are some practical measures you can take to prepare your home for wildfire season:
- Create defensible space: Clear away dead or dry vegetation around your home. Maintain a buffer zone of at least 30 feet where you’ve reduced flammable materials, which can help slow or stop the spread of fire toward your home.
- Choose fire-resistant plants and materials: When landscaping, opt for fire-resistant plants that are less likely to ignite and are native to our area. Consider adding Oregon grape, yarrow, and sedum to your garden. These plants are not only beautiful but are also known for their fire resistance. Complement these with hardscaping elements like rocks, gravel and pavers to create breaks that can help prevent fire from spreading.
- Regular maintenance: Keep your gutters, roofs and eaves clear of debris. This prevents decay and reduces the chances of embers igniting your home.
- Install fire-resistant barriers: Consider upgrading to fire-resistant roofing and siding materials. Products like treated wood, slate or metal roofing can provide better protection against fire.
- Prepare emergency kits and plans: Prepare an emergency kit and ensure all family members know the evacuation plan. Your kit should include water, food, medications and essential documents.
Changes in insurance happening across the West Coast
As we consider these necessary precautions, it’s important to remember that our efforts align closely with the challenges posed by our insurance requirements. Homeowners in fire-prone areas, like many of us here, face not only the physical threat of wildfires but also the financial implications through steeper insurance premiums and stricter policy requirements. This trend extends beyond our local community and affects many high-risk areas across the West Coast. Understanding these changes is crucial for anyone looking to protect their home and manage their insurance effectively.
To put these insights into a…
Read More: Real Estate Corner: Staying safe and insured – Ashland News
