Mercury Insurance Urges Homeowners to Create -- And Practice -- a Fire Evacuation Plan

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Mercury Insurance (NYSE:MCY) urged homeowners on October 10, 2025 to create and regularly practice a fire evacuation plan ahead of wildfire season. The company highlighted that only 1 in 3 U.S. households have rehearsed a home fire escape plan and issued a practical checklist: draw a home map with two escape routes per room, choose an outdoor meeting place, rehearse drills and smoke alarms, prepare a go bag with essentials, keep your car ready for quick departure, and learn local evacuation zones.

The release emphasizes practicing drills at regular intervals and links to a brief instructional video for families.

Mercury Kicks Off Fire Prevention Month with Practical Advice for Homeowners

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Wildfire season is here and Mercury Insurance is emphasizing the critical importance of having a fire evacuation plan for your household, because it can make a huge difference when disaster strikes.

Fires can engulf an entire home within minutes, so an evacuation plan must be set, practiced and understood by all household members prior to a catastrophic event in order to minimize chaos and panic. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), only 1 in 3 American households have developed and practiced a home fire escape plan.

"Many families take the crucial step of setting up a fire evacuation plan, but some don't take the time to rehearse it," said Kelly Butler, VP, Chief UW Officer for Mercury Insurance. "Once your plan is completed, it is important to practice at regular intervals to ensure everyone understands what to do and where to go."

Fire Prevention Month is the perfect time to put a plan in place and practice it. And to get things started, Mercury has created a checklist of things to consider:

• Create a Home Fire Escape Plan. When creating a plan, draw a map of your home, including all doors and windows. Also, make sure to identify at least two escape routes for each room and ensure that all exits are clear of obstructions.
  
  
• Choose a Meeting Place. Select a safe location outside, away from your home, where all family members can gather. Make sure you rehearse the plan every few months, so everyone is certain where the official meeting place is located.
  
  
• Practice Your Drill. Your family should conduct regular practice fire drills, including sounding the smoke alarm, to familiarize everyone with the escape plan and make it as realistic as possible.
  
  
• Prepare a Go Bag. Make sure to pack essential items such as medications, important documents, water, snacks, clothing and personal hygiene items. You won't have time to gather them during an emergency so make sure they are readily available.
  
  
• Ensure Your Car's Readiness. Park your car facing the direction of your planned escape route, with keys easily accessible. This will help avoid panic and confusion.
  
  
• Know Evacuation Zones. Familiarize yourself with your community's evacuation maps and designated evacuation zones so everyone knows where to meet up with your friends and family.

"The effectiveness of an evacuation plan comes down to how well a family prepares for it," added Butler. 

To watch a quick video about preparing a fire evacuation plan, visit https://www.youtube.com/shorts/OcdNYLke5dQ.

About Mercury Insurance

Mercury Insurance (NYSE: MCY) is a multiple-line insurance carrier predominantly offering personal auto, homeowners, renters and commercial insurance through a network of independent agents in Arizona, California, Georgia, Illinois, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Texas and Virginia, as well as auto insurance in Florida. Mercury writes other lines of insurance in various states, including commercial, business owners and business auto, landlord, home-sharing, ride-hailing and mechanical protection insurance

Since 1962, Mercury has provided customers with tremendous value for their insurance dollar by pairing ultra-competitive rates with excellent customer service, through more than 4,200 employees and a network of more than 6,340 independent agents in 11 states. Mercury has earned an "A" rating from A.M. Best, as well as "Best Auto Insurance Company" designations from Forbes and Insure.com. For the latest news, please visit the new Mercury Insurance Newsroom at https://newsroom.mercuryinsurance.com/. For further assistance, contact us at newsroom@mercuryinsurance.com. For more information visit www.MercuryInsurance.com or follow the company on X, Instagram or Facebook.

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SOURCE Mercury Insurance

FAQ

What did Mercury Insurance (MCY) recommend on October 10, 2025 for wildfire season?

Mercury urged homeowners to create and regularly practice a fire evacuation plan with mapped exits, a meeting place, drills, a go bag, car readiness, and knowledge of evacuation zones.

How often should families practice a home fire evacuation plan according to Mercury Insurance?

Mercury recommends rehearsing the plan and sounding smoke alarms at regular intervals, such as every few months.

What items does Mercury Insurance suggest including in a fire "go bag"?

Pack essentials like medications, important documents, water, snacks, clothing, and personal hygiene items for quick evacuation.

How many escape routes per room does Mercury Insurance advise for a home fire escape plan?

Mercury advises identifying at least two escape routes for each room and keeping exits clear of obstructions.

Where can I watch Mercury Insurance’s short video on preparing a fire evacuation plan?

The company linked a brief instructional video at https://www.youtube.com/shorts/OcdNYLke5dQ as part of its Fire Prevention Month guidance.

What practical car-prep tip did Mercury Insurance give for efficient evacuation?

Park your car facing your planned escape route with keys accessible to reduce delay and confusion during an evacuation.