-

Wildfires More Than a West Coast Issue: Church Mutual® Highlights Nationwide Risks

MERRILL, Wis.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--With National Wildfire Awareness Month underway, it’s crucial to recognize wildfires are not confined to the West Coast. Recent wildfires in Minnesota, Florida and North Carolina serve as a stark reminder that these destructive events can occur anywhere, impacting communities far beyond traditionally wildfire-prone areas.

According to the National Interagency Fire Center, an above-normal fire potential exists this month in areas such as western Minnesota, the Mid-Atlantic and Florida, emphasizing the widespread nature of wildfire risks. So far this year, more than 25,000 wildfires have been reported – surpassing the 10-year average of just over 18,000 wildfires.

“Wildfires can happen at any time and almost anywhere, causing catastrophic damage to property,” said Sarah Veader, Church Mutual’s assistant vice president – Risk Control. “It’s essential for all communities to be prepared.”

In the event of a wildfire threat, there are three steps you can take to mitigate risk:

  • Monitor - Monitor local news and give yourself time to prepare for potential evacuation. Wildfires can spark and spread rapidly. It’s important to establish a plan to evacuate people and valuables if your structure is threatened.
  • Prevent - Remove brush and combustible materials such as outdoor furniture and dead or dying tree limbs, clear debris from gutters and cover vents. Create a buffer zone around your building.
  • Defend - Consider installing emergency sprinklers to activate if a fire overtakes your structure. Private wildfire suppression trucks can be contracted to clear nearby debris and, if necessary, spray a fire-retardant gel on a building to protect it.

For more information to protect your buildings from wildfire, visit Church Mutual Insurance Company, S.I. (a stock insurer)’s Wildfire Resources page.

About Church Mutual

Church Mutual Insurance Company, S.I., founded in 1897, offers specialized insurance for religious organizations of all denominations, public and private K-12 schools, colleges and universities, secular and non-secular camps and conference centers, and nonprofit and human services organizations throughout the United States. To learn more, visit churchmutual.com.

1Church Mutual is a stock insurer whose policyholders are members of the parent mutual holding company formed on 1/1/20. S.I. = a stock insurer.

Contacts

Contact: Jennifer Johnson
Title: Senior Corporate Communications Specialist
Phone: (715) 539-5797
Email: jmjohnson@churchmutual.com

Industry:

Church Mutual Insurance Company, S.I.

Release Versions
English

Contacts

Contact: Jennifer Johnson
Title: Senior Corporate Communications Specialist
Phone: (715) 539-5797
Email: jmjohnson@churchmutual.com

More News From Church Mutual Insurance Company, S.I.

Americans Are Rethinking Risk in the Face of Extreme Weather and Economic Uncertainty—and so Are the Organizations That Serve Them

MERRILL, Wis.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--From unpredictable storms to economic strain, Americans face a growing list of challenges—and they’re responding by taking a closer look at how well they’re protected. This mind shift has implications far beyond individual households. In its latest national survey, Risk Radar Report—Insurance Pulse Check1, Church Mutual Insurance Company, S.I. (a stock insurer)2 finds 63% of U.S. adults have reviewed their property coverage in the past six months. This growing at...

Church Mutual® Strengthens Leadership Team With New Appointments and a Key Promotion

MERRILL, Wis.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Church Mutual Insurance Company, S.I. (a stock insurer)¹ has named four new officers and promoted one, reinforcing the company’s commitment to serving purpose-driven organizations with strong leadership and deep industry expertise. Andy Bloechl has been promoted to vice president – analytics and business transformation, a new role focused on advancing data access and literacy across the organization. He’ll also lead strategic planning and customer experience effo...

AM Best reaffirms Church Mutual’s financial strength

MERRILL, Wis.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings of “a” (Excellent) of Church Mutual Insurance Company, S.I. The outlook assigned to these Credit Ratings (ratings) is negative. These ratings apply to Church Mutual® and its wholly owned subsidiaries including CM Regent Insurance Company, CM Vantage Specialty Insurance Company and CM Indemnity Insurance Company. The ratings of the group reflect its balance...
Back to Newsroom