We have all been hearing about the fires throughout Southern California the past few days.  Yesterday things got a little to close for comfort when I came home to find my street entirely blocked off by police cars.  There were fire trucks in front of my neighbors smoking house, it was a scary site!  It seems my neighbor had a gas leak in his kitchen.  Fortunately he was able to get out of the house safely and thanks to the quick response from Glendale's finest,  the fire was put out immediately. 

This morning I was listening to California's insurance commissioner Steve Poizner making his statement on the local news in which we was telling all of us to be sure to have our insurance policies up to date.  If you have made any additions or improvements to your home that your insurance company does not know about then you need to update your policy if you plan to be covered in the event of a fire.  Also take an inventory of your valuables with a digital camera and keep it in a safe place along with any receipts.  Last but not least contact your insurance company immediately after a fire because shelter and board are a part of your coverage.  Taking these actions will help to expedite your claim and avoid any discrepancies regarding your coverage.  BE PREPARED!