Wildfire Safety Series, Part 4: The Admin

Photo Unsplash / Adam Wilson

In Part 4 of our Summer Wildfire Safety Series we focus on recovery, which means up-to-date insurance and a clear record of your property to make the rebuild that less stressful. Summer might be over, but all five parts of this series will serve as your go-to resource for the future! :)

1. Check Your Insurance Cover

A quick policy review each year, before the fire season, can save you enormous heartache later.- Confirm that wildfire damage is covered. Check both your homeowners (structure) and contents (belongings) policies.- Update your insured value. Building and repair costs have risen sharply in recent years — make sure your policy reflects the true rebuild value.- Ask about temporary accommodation. Some insurers include coverage for alternative housing if your home becomes uninhabitable.- Know your deductible and claims process. Keep your insurer’s contact details handy in your go-bag or phone.> 💡 Tip: If you’ve made renovations, installed solar panels, or upgraded security features, notify your insurer — it can affect your coverage and value.

2. Document Your Property

If you ever need to file a claim, having a visual record speeds things up and helps prove ownership.- Take photos or a video walk-through of every room, including garages, sheds, and outdoor structures.- Focus on furniture, appliances, and valuables. Capture close-ups of serial numbers where possible.- Save the files in cloud storage (Google Drive, iCloud, Dropbox) or on an external drive kept offsite.- Update the record once a year, or whenever you make significant changes.> 📸 Pro tip: A slow video pan through each room, narrated with brief descriptions (“Samsung TV, purchased 2022”), is often enough — no fancy equipment needed.

3. Organise Your Important Documents

Keep digital copies (and printed if possible) of:- ID books or passports- Insurance policies and contact details- Property title deeds or lease agreements- Medical aid and prescription information- Vehicle registration and financial recordsStore them in a fireproof folder, or in your go-bag so they’re ready to grab if you need to evacuate.

4. Review and Refresh Annually

At the start of every summer, add “insurance and home documentation” to your preparedness checklist. It only takes an hour or two, but it can save weeks of frustration if a fire affects your home.> 🔄 Tip: Make it a habit — review your coverage each spring when you clean your gutters or test your water pump.

5. A Foundation for Resilience

Protecting your home financially is part of building a resilient community. The combination of good physical preparation and solid documentation gives you the confidence to face wildfire season calmly and responsibly.

FOR EMERGENCIES CALL 021 480 7700 FROM ANY PHONE OR 107 FROM A LANDLINE> 🧯 Next in the Series: Part 5 – Firewise Landscaping in the Western Cape

🗣 Get Involved:To share concerns about community wildfire risks, or to learn more about the KRRA’s local disaster risk management initiatives, contact info@kommetjie.org or Emily on 063 304 9068.