BBB Urges Preparation for Future Wildfires

TYLER — In light of the fires ravaging the area, the Better Business Bureau of Central East Texas is advising residents across Texas to have a plan, prepare their homes for a possible wildfire and properly vet any charities before giving money and items to help fire victims. To help guide consumers preparing for future fires and looking to help those who have lost their homes, BBB offers the following advice:

• Have a plan. Know what you will do and where you will go should you have to evacuate. The Red Cross and Federal Emergency Management Agency offer tips and materials to help residents plan for wildfires. Central Texas residents can sign up to have emergency alerts sent to their mobile phones using this link: http://wireless.capcog.org/ENS/PhoneMap.aspx?NewUser

• Pack an emergency bag. Have a list of items you will take should you have to evacuate and have as many of them packed and ready to go as is feasible. FEMA compiled a list of important items to help people decide what they need to save in an emergency.

• Prepare your home. The Texas Forest Service recommends following the Ready, Set, Go! plan to help residents prepare their homes for wildfire.

• Protect important documents. BBB recommends consumers purchase a fire safe for important documents — such as passports, birth certificates, insurance contracts and photos — and precious items. Fire safes have ratings that indicate the level of protection they offer, and a higher rating generally means a higher price. Pick the model that is right for your needs.

• Catalogue valuables. Take pictures of your valuables and store them off-site or in a fire safe. This can help the insurance company assess the dollar amount for your losses. Even photos or video taken with a cell phone as you evacuate can be useful.

• Give wisely. Many families will not be able to recover without the assistance of others. However, when donating money or items, be sure you are working with a trustworthy organization.
– Find out where exactly your money and items will go. Does the charity add donations to a general fund or does it have a specific fund set up for fire victims?
– Make sure the charity has experience in relief efforts, especially wildfire damage. Not all disasters are the same and need to be handled differently.
– Visit http://www.irs.gov to verify that the charity exists and is registered as a 501(c)(3). Visit http://www.bbb.org to check the reliability of a company and find trustworthy businesses. To report a fraud or scam, call the BBB Hotline: (903) 581-8373.