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Colorado Insurance Blog

Fire-wise landscaping tips

Making a Case for a Fire-Wise Landscape


You’ve heard all about the record dry weather across the country, and you’ve probably heard about the increased threat of wildfires, too. But, have you considered the fire risk of your own landscaping?

While there’s no such thing as a “fire-proof” plant, you can make your property safer while still maintaining its appeal. Here’s how:

  • Within 30 feet of your home, less is more.
    In the event of a fire, firefighters need room to work, so space plants widely, and choose low-growing ones. Keep your grass mowed low, and don’t use mulches that burn easily, such as pine bark.

  • Be choosey about your plants.
    According to the California Department of Fire and Forestry Protection, plants that contain a lot of moisture and aren’t resinous are good choices for a fire-wise landscape. As a bonus, many of these will also be drought-resistant. Although the options in your area may vary, here are some general recommendations:
    • Plants: Rockrose, aloe and iceplant
    • Shrubs: Sumac, cotoneaster, currant, hedging roses and bush honeysuckles
    • Trees: Hardwoods, such as maple, poplar and cherry

  • Not everything has to be natural.
    Gravel and rock features, such as stone pathways, can help slow fires. And, colorful garden art and containers can help you add visual appeal.

  • Plant at the right time.
    This varies depending on your region, but typically you want to avoid extreme temperatures on either end of the thermometer. Your local county extension service or nursery can help with options that work well in your area.

Remember, how and where you plant is more important than what you plant. So, try to imagine a fire on your property (we know it’s a rather unpleasant thought). Is there natural fuel that would make it worse? Could it easily spread from the ground to your trees to your roof?

If you’re unsure or if the answers indicate your property has a high fire risk, consider making some changes. Of course, we’re here to keep your homeowners insurance up to date in case anything were to happen. Please call us any time to check on your coverage. We’re here for you.

What does renters insurance cover?

Renters insurance from Integrity First Insurance is coverage designed to protect renters from potential financial losses and liabilities that may be incurred during the rental process. This type of insurance policy can cover a variety of events in Colorado, including damage caused by natural disasters, theft, vandalism, and more. 

What does renters insurance cover?

Renters insurance typically covers the cost of replacing personal belongings in the event of theft or damage from an insured peril. This includes items such as clothing, furniture, electronics, and other valuables in your home. Depending on the policy limits, it may also cover additional living expenses if your rental unit is uninhabitable due to a covered event. 

Other types of coverage offered through renters insurance include liability protection, medical payments to others, guest medical protection, and additional living expenses.

Liability protection can help pay for legal defense costs if you are sued due to an accident on your property or a lawsuit alleging property damage or bodily injury caused by you or someone in your family.

Medical payments to others can cover medical treatment that you or a member of your family causes another person while guest medical protection will cover medical payments for visitors injured in your rental property.

Additional living expenses can help pay for lodging and food if you are displaced due to a covered event. 

Reach Out To Us

Renters insurance offers peace of mind knowing that you are financially protected in the case of unexpected events occurring at your rental property. Be sure to speak with an insurance agent from Integrity First Insurance about what type of coverage best suits your needs so you have complete coverage against potential losses. We are proud to serve Colorado residents and would be glad to help you find a policy that suits your needs and budget.

Taking a spring break? Keep your home safe while you’re away

For many, the winter months are a welcome time to escape the short days and chilly temperatures by heading on a vacation. And is there a better way to celebrate the end of winter than to take a spring break?

Whether you’re going to bask on a sunny, white-sand beach in the Caribbean or hit the slopes for some skiing or snowboarding, you have to take precautions to ensure your home stays safe while you’re away. After all, what could be worse than returning from a relaxing break or an active adventure to find a disaster has occurred, such as a break-in, or water or fire damage?

To ensure your vacation doesn’t end in tragedy, follow these tips before you go.

  • Check for any leaks and fix them. For example, ensure your refrigerator ice maker is not leaking!
  • Set your heater at approximately 50 degrees to ensure pipes and appliances don’t freeze. But if you have pets and they are going to be in the house, set it closer to 72 degrees.
  • If you have pets, make arrangements for their comfort and safety: either board them or have a friend come over daily to care for them.
  • Turn furnace and hot water heaters down.
  • Unplug all appliances, such as coffee makers, toasters and exercise equipment.
  • Leave a light or two on so the house doesn’t appear deserted at night.
  • Lower blinds and close curtains so that passers-by can’t view your valuables.
  • Leave a key with a trusted friend or neighbor so they can enter the home in case of emergency.
  • Have a friend or neighbor bring in newspapers and mail or cancel delivery for both during  the time when you’ll be away.

If you have the opportunity to get away for spring break, we wish you happy trails, and hope you come home to a safe and welcoming home!

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