Contact your insurance company as soon as possible, gather all essential documents, and consider working with a third-party insurance adjuster to help advocate for you during the claims process.

The county may coordinate debris removal, but private services can offer a faster alternative. If feasible, preserving your home’s foundation can help significantly reduce rebuilding costs.

Disaster Response Centers and Local Assistance Centers are essential resources for those affected by the fires. They can assist with replacing vital documents, navigating FEMA and SBA assistance programs, and connecting you with nonprofits like the American Red Cross, which can offer critical support. These centers are designed to help you through the recovery process by providing access to the resources you need to rebuild and recover.

If you have insurance, ALE (Additional Living Expenses) coverage can help reimburse costs for hotel stays, meals, and other living expenses during the initial weeks after the fire. For long-term housing, platforms like Airbnb, VRBO, and Zillow may offer rental options and sometimes have wildfire-specific assistance programs available. If you are uninsured, local rescue shelters can provide temporary housing, food, and resources to support you as you make long-term recovery plans.

To ensure you don’t miss any important correspondence, including insurance documents, set up mail forwarding through USPS. This will help direct your mail to a safe location during the recovery process. Additionally, if necessary, remember to cancel or temporarily suspend utilities such as garbage services to avoid incurring unnecessary charges while you focus on rebuilding. Taking these steps can help simplify the logistics as you navigate through this challenging time.

It’s important to follow all county orders before attempting to access your property to ensure your safety and avoid any hazards. Be sure to wear heavy-duty boots, masks, gloves, and other protective gear to shield yourself from harmful debris and toxins. As you approach the site, exercise caution for hidden embers that could reignite and be aware of the risk of falling debris, which can pose significant dangers in areas that have been affected by the fire. Your safety is the top priority—take all necessary precautions.