The 2018 Camp Fire shocked California residents, first responders and insurance companies alike. Fueled by hot, dry gusts of wind, the fire burned 80 acres a minute at one point.
Once the fire was out, claims were settled and the rebuilding began, Horace Mann instituted a pilot “wildfire certification program” in the heavily wooded Paradise and Chico areas. An experienced Horace Mann loss control specialist visits insured homes — at no cost to the customer — to identify easily rectified risks, such as removing flammable pine needles, vegetation and firewood from the perimeter or roof of the home, using fire-resistant building materials on the roof and exterior walls, and installing vent screens to keep flying embers from entering the house.
“We can be proud that as a company, we’re doing everything in our power to prevent a house from burning down — and give people more time to get out safely,” said Matt Rubin, Horace Mann assistant vice president.