Wildfires
What You Need to Know
Every wildfire carries a unique signature or an assemblage of characteristic particles (similar to DNA) that will clearly confirm impact from that particular fire
If the correct assemblage of particles is not present, there is no impact from the wildfire
Most black particles in structures are NOT related to wildfire but are from sources such as tire wear and are not related to combustion
If a lab is doing a char, soot, or ash analysis they are not doing a WILDFIRE smoke analysis and will not assist you in segregating what is wildfire impact as opposed to other sources of combustion
What You Need to Do
Perform surface tape sampling of horizontal hard surfaces
Do not take air samples or sample materials that have historical significance only
Utilize a lab that understands the requirements for verifying wildfire impact
Wildfire impact is generally not hazardous and can be cleaned without added precautions in most situations
Myths and Misconceptions
Wildfire impact can be evaluated utilizing a standard based on a certain percentage of char, soot, or ash present-FALSE
Fire seasons are getting longer and more severe and in fact, acreage burned since 1960 has doubled-TRUE
Sampling near to the time of the fire occurrence will generate a more accurate evaluation of any impact-TRUE
Every structure is impacted by combustion sources (char, soot, and ash) most of which are NOT related to wildfire impact-TRUE
Expert Services:
Insurance
Claims: Prevention and Response
- Site Investigations/Inspections
- Loss Mitigation Protocol Development
- Creative Scope of Work Development
- Project Oversight
- Environmental Sampling
- Cause and Origin Investigation
- Emergency Response
- Client Interface
- Communication/Alert Development
- Liability Exposure Minimization
- Expert Consultation
Underwriting: New Product Development and Risk Assessment
- New and Emerging Risk Education-Focus on New Areas of Coverage Opportunity
- New and Emerging Product/Technology Applicability to Underwriting Coverage
- Recommendations for Coverage Expansion Based on Risk Minimization Strategies
- Policy Language Review/Development Based on Industry Specific Issues
Due Diligence: Investigation, Auditing, Verification and Risk Assessment
- Project Oversight Ensuring Compliance with Policy Coverage
- Immediate Communication re Project Issues Impacting Policies
- Detailed Reports of Project Findings/Oversight with Recommendations
- Cost Estimate Development Based on Construction/Remediation Options
- Phone Surveys/Desktop Reviews Focusing on Issues of Potential Concern
Remediation Cost Auditing and Risk Quantification
- Review/Audit of Contractor Invoices
- Scope of Work Performed Analysis (Best Practices, Regulatory Compliance)
Expert Testimony
- Environmental Risk
- Healthcare Risk
Education and Training: Claims and Underwriting
- Seminars/Webinars on Environmental/Healthcare Issues Focusing on Claims/Underwriting Risk
- Seminars/Webinars on Emerging Issues and Policy Impact as well as Coverage Expansion Opportunities
- White Paper Development
Insurance Toolkits: Claims and Underwriting
- Development of Underwriting Applications for Healthcare/Environmental Risk
- Development of Value Added Risk Management Checklists/Protocols for Insureds
- Operations and Maintenance Programs for Water Intrusion Risk Management, Asbestos, Lead Based Paint
- Hazard Assessment Critical Control Point Programs (HACCP)
Insurance Risk Alert Service
- Development of Insured Alert Communications re Emergency Healthcare/Environmental Risk
- Development of Employee Alert Communications re Emergency Healthcare/Environmental Risk