3. Take the time to carefully consider your decisions—don’t rush into anything. Recovery takes years, so be patient with the process. It can be helpful to find someone you trust who isn’t personally affected by the situation to assist you in making important decisions. It’s also invaluable to enlist a friend with good organizational skills to help you sort through everything. 4. Local Assistance Center/ Disaster Recovery Centers. These centers are open in affected neighborhoods and bring together resources to assist you in replacing critical documents, filing claims, applying for assistance, and finding other local resources. 5. Attend public meetings. Public meetings are essential for learning about the programs and services available in your community post-wildfire. 6. Start a GOFUNDME NOW. Or let friends start a GoFundMe if they offer. • People want to support, and in the end, this will actually help quite a bit. • GoFundMe monies may be considered by FEMA as aid already given, so consult someone you trust about whether this is a viable option for you. 7. Set up a PO Box for all mail. 8. Consider setting up a separate checking account for disaster-related transactions. This makes it easier to track disaster funds and insurance payouts. 9. Do not rush into signing contracts. Get copies of ALL paperwork that you sign. 10. Get a certified copy of your insurance policy (not just the declarations page) and report your claim immediately. The California Department of Insurance also has resources. • Get everything in writing with your agent and insurance company. Follow up on any oral conversation with an email stating what was discussed. • Go to Zillow or Redfin NOW and screenshot the value of your house. • Agree on finding housing quickly and contact the insurance company to request assistance with rental payments. 11. Set up a new and separate email account. This helps you keep track of all insurance and recovery-related correspondence. Send everything to it.
Venbrook Insurance Services | CA License 0D80832
Next Steps: Where to Start After a Fire
Powered by FlippingBook