According to Waters, the national study would look at climate change in relation to extreme weather events such as forest fires.
“What can we do to prevent what we can with construction? What can we do with the materials used? Some materials are more likely to ignite more quickly [than others],” said Waters. “[We want to find out] What can we do to help people fireproof their homes in ways we’ve never had to do before?”
Waters said during the interview that she was heading to Altadena — one of the towns destroyed by the fires — to attend a church service. She also said she plans to visit temporary shelters and will talk to UCLA about sending social workers to the shelters for crisis counseling.
“I think we need to look at the question: What can the government do to support people’s ability to have insurance coverage?” Waters said. “Now look at the devastation that has been caused and start looking at what is needed within the federal government to get emergency appropriations.”
Waters expressed a “duty” to help homeowners and businesses in her community. “California is prone to fires, and with all the fires we had up north, we knew we had to do something. So I think there are a number of bills being tried … and we are alert to what we can do quickly as we address these fires in California,” she said.
“Those of us in California are certainly looking at what’s going on … and can we identify those fire-prone areas? If so, that’s another way of saying this might not be an area where homes or businesses should be built. We don’t know.”
Data illustrates the high levels of exposure and risk. A Credit boom research into wildfires published Thursday sheds light on California’s exponential risk. One in five buildings in the state is exposed to the risk of wildfire, the report found.
“California’s high risk of wildfires has also led insurance companies in some parts of the state to completely withdraw from insurance policies or limit coverage for perils such as wildfires, making it even more difficult for homeowners to find affordable policies that give them the protection they need. ” Divya Sangameshwar, home insurance expert at LendingTree, said in the report.
The report also noted that one in 10 homeowners in Los Angeles County, Riverside County and Ventura County do not have insurance. “California’s home insurance market is in desperate need of reform as homeowners make this a risky choice due to a lack of affordable options,” Sangameshar added.
The state has an estimated $1.4 billion in projected annual losses from wildfires, making it No. 1 on LendingTree’s list. Florida, which claims the No. 2 spot, has $269.3 million in projected annual losses. Per Reutersestimated losses from the LA fires are currently $20 billion.
