NEW YORK (CNN/Money) -
All evacuation orders have been lifted but firefighters are still battling a series of wildfires in California. Two out of three blazes burning north of Los Angeles are fully surrounded, and a 42-hundred acre fire in Yosemite National Park is mostly contained.
But, in Alaska, it's one of the worst fire seasons in years. Wildfires have burned 3.6 million acres in that state so far. Even if you don't live in an area prone to wildfire, the situation should serve as a warning signal to all homeowners. Every 82 seconds a house burns in the United States.
Here are 5 tips to help you safeguard your home and possessions.
1. Take stock
Make sure your valuables are insured. To get a complete list of what you own, conduct a room-by-room inventory of precious items. If you've saved receipts from big-ticket purchases, get them together. Taking room-by-room photographs can help you tally up the value of your possessions. Videotaping is also helpful.
Store lists, photographs, tapes, and records in a safe place and if possible, keep copies at another secure location like a relative's home. For a downloadable pamphlet on documenting your possessions, go to the Insurance Information Network of California's Web site at www.iinc.org.
2. Create a barrier
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 CNNfn's Gerri Willis shares five tips on safeguarding your home from disasters.
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Clear away anything that might help fire find its way to your house, such as tree branches hanging over your roof. Remove brush and tall shrubs from around your home. Replacing them with low-growing succulents and other fire-resistant plants in the areas closest to your home.
If your home is located on a slope, you may need to expand the fire-defense area around your home. The Insurance Information Network of California's Web site also has information on protecting your home.
3. Do an insurance check
Is your insurance policy up do date? Are you underinsured?
Michael Barral, ClaimQuest.net founder, says if your home's value has risen since you signed on for your insurance, you may need to adjust your policy. Call your insurance company or an independent insurance adjustor to help you determine your home's value.
This is also the time to make sure you have important phone numbers on hand, including family members and your insurance agent. Barral also advises storing your master policy in a secure place and keeping copies of your documents at a relative's house so you'll have easy access to them if disaster strikes.
4. Document damages
If disaster strikes, as soon as you can safely enter the area, start documenting. Don't throw anything away or make repairs until you speak with your agent or an insurance representative who can help you with your claim. Get your disaster team on site as soon as you can.
5. Second opinions
If your home is destroyed, consider hiring an independent adjustor to help you with your claim. You may have to pay money upfront to have them draw up an independent estimate of your losses. It could pay off later if you're not satisfied with your insurance company's estimate.
Gerri Willis is a personal finance editor for CNN Business News. Willis also is co-host of CNNfn's Open House, weekdays from 12 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. (ET). E-mail comments to 5tips@cnnfn.com.
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