World

3 Smart Strategies to Protect Your Home From Wildfires

Published

3 years ago

March 29, 2021

For many, wildfires are synonymous with destruction. They can create unmeasurable havoc and cost the lives of both humans and wildlife. On the other hand, controlled forest fires present several benefits to the environment, such as clearing grasses and bushes to prevent future fires, removing forest debris, eliminating unwanted insects and diseases, and accessibility to more nutrients due to the exposed sunlight.

In the United States, from 2011 until 2020, more than 60,000 wildfires were recorded annually, and an average of 7.5 million acres was destroyed yearly. As a homeowner, wildfires can only mean unnecessary stress and financial damages. Here are some necessary measures that you can take to protect your home from this undesirable catastrophe.

Invest in high-quality non-flammable housing materials

It might be easier to fire-proof your house if you are in the construction stage, since you can build it entirely with fire-resistant materials. For existing homeowners, an alternative would be to install materials that could prevent your house from burning. Consider replacing your roof with non-combustible material such as tile, slate, concrete, copper, metal, and clay. Reroofing could be expensive, but a quality roof will prove to be a worthy investment over time. Embers from a nearby wildfire can creep inside your house through your roof, walls, or windows, so ensure that all exterior openings are adequately covered.

Replace your windows with fire-resistant glass such as tempered or double-plane, as they can effectively withstand high-temperatures. You can also install smoke alarms and high-performance exterior sprinklers. If possible, cover your outside walls with durable materials such as bricks, gypsums, and concretes.

Keep your house clean at all costs

A clean house has a higher chance of reducing the damage caused by wildfires or even regular house fires. Make sure to regularly clean your gutters to avoid the build-up of dried leaves and if you have a wood deck, remove dried plants or vegetation. Secure the surroundings of your house and keep fire-hazards such as firewood piles, grills, propane tanks, and even organic fertilizers at least 30 feet away from your home. Remove low-hanging tree branches, and try not to overcrowd your plants when gardening.

Collaborate with your neighbors and consider alternatives

If you live in a heavily-populated community, there is a higher chance that wildfires will spread faster, so everyone in your neighborhood must be on the same page when it comes to fire prevention. Your community will be safer if everyone is properly educated, and keep in mind that fire safety is a collective effort. Discuss with your neighbors about possible programs that your community can participate in or precautions that you can take within your area. Remember that in any scenario, having a proactive approach is almost always better than a reactive one.

It is also vital that your house is insured. Ensure that your fire insurance covers wildfires, and do not hesitate to get assistance from a public adjuster such as TSO Adjustment Service to help you with your claim.

It is vital for homeowners, especially those living in fire-hazard zones, to safeguard their homes from wildfires. By doing so, you are giving your loved ones a higher fighting chance of surviving this unfortunate event.

World

A Step-by-Step Guide to Hiring the Right Personal Injury Lawyer

Published

3 days ago

April 19, 2024

Michelle Langton

Are you dealing with injuries, loss of income, and hefty medical bills because of an accident that was not your fault? If yes, you need the services of an excellent personal injury lawyer. But how do you determine if a lawyer is a perfect match for your personal injury case when you have so many options? This step-by-step guide aims to teach you the critical steps to hiring the best personal injury lawyer in your state.

1. Know Why You Need a Personal Injury Attorney

Typically, you must hire the right personal injury lawyer if you are pursuing a lawsuit for personal injury. As defined on Forbes, a personal injury lawsuit is a civil action that an injured person takes against a person or company responsible for an accident that resulted in injuries.

For instance, you get into a car crash or slip and fall incident in the workplace because of someone else’s fault. You can sue the party responsible for injuries, lost wages, medical bills, and mental anguish.

But there are instances you may not need a personal injury attorney despite being in an accident. For example, a minor fender bender where no one sustained injuries or had their property damaged is easy to resolve without involving lawyers. So, after an accident, evaluate the damages incurred. If they are severe, search for a personal injury attorney.

2. Do Extensive Research

Where do I begin my search? Referrals are valuable because you can ask specific questions regarding the lawyer’s communication style, availability, litigation experience, and fee structure. So, ask family and friends to recommend someone they have worked with. Search for attorneys in your area online if you need referrals. You can type a simple search query like ‘personal injury attorney near me’ on Google. Alternatively, look for a lawyer through online directories.

3. Schedule Free Consultations

You want to know what a personal injury lawyer will do for you. Therefore, schedule a free consultation meeting and ask questions like:

What will you prioritize in my case?

The right attorney will focus on getting justice and fair compensation to ensure your stress-free recovery. Communication should also be a top priority. The lawyer should communicate with you using simple terms to help you understand your legal rights. More importantly, they should update you about the case progress on time.

Do you have experience handling cases like mine?

As lawyers at Cohen, Feeley, Altemose & Rambo law firm mention, experienced personal injury attorneys will guide you through the legal process. Even more interesting, they will handle negotiations on your behalf to safeguard your rights. So, make sure your lawyer has experience in personal injury law.

It would be better if they had specialized experience handling cases like yours. For example, if you are pursuing a truck accident lawsuit, you will want a personal injury lawyer with expertise in dealing with trucking accident claims.

What is the value of my personal injury claim?

After evaluating your case, a skilled attorney should tell you the worth of your personal injury claim. What you should be cautious of are unrealistic estimates and guarantees. There are no assurances in personal injury claims. If a lawyer promises a higher settlement that sounds too good to be true, do not fall for it because they are lying.

How much are your legal fees?

Personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee arrangement. Based on Cornell Law School, a contingent fee structure allows lawyers to receive a certain percentage of the total settlement value a client wins. As a result, you do not pay your legal representative any upfront fee.

4. Check Testimonials

Aside from experience, work with a trustworthy and reputable attorney. You can quickly determine a lawyer has an outstanding reputation by reading testimonials from past clients.

Find out if the clients feel happy about the outcomes of their case. How about the style of communication? Does the lawyer explain legal terms in simple language?

A reputable lawyer will receive positive feedback from clients and respect from peers. Also, check with your local bar association to ensure your preferred lawyer doesn’t have disciplinary actions against them.

5. Select Your Lawyer

At this point, comfort matters a lot. Do not choose a lawyer you feel uncomfortable discussing your legal issues with. Also, ensure they have the experience and resources to win your personal injury claim. Equally important, they should have an excellent reputation.

Conclusion

When you are a victim of an accident that someone else caused out of negligence, you need to seek justice and compensation for your injuries. There is only one way to achieve these goals. You must work with the best lawyer to pursue a personal injury claim. True, choosing the right one can be challenging. But you can make an informed decision if you follow this step-by-step guide to hiring the right personal injury lawyer.