After A Fire

Coping

Be extra patient. Don’t expect things to instantly return to normal.

Emotions may changes quickly and unexpectedly. Accept that physical and emotional restoration takes time.

Consider the feelings of children. They may require extra attention. Make sure they do not feel responsible for the problems you are experiencing.

Try to keep your family’s diet as nourishing as possible.

Don’t turn to alcohol or drugs for help coping.

Don’t hesitate to ask for counseling.

Relief & Wellness Resources

Photo Courtesy of Fire Safe Council of San Diego County

*InfoLine/211 of San Diego County:
Dial 2-1-1 or (858) 300-1211, 2-1-1 is the national dialing code for free, 24-hour, community health and disaster information and recovery resources.

San Diego County Fire Recovery Hotline (858) 495-5494

San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency
Mental Health Services Access and Crisis Line: 800-479-3339

San Diego County Department of Environmental Health

San Diego/Imperial Counties American Red Cross:
(858) 309-1200 - 3950 Calle Fortuna, San Diego, CA 92123

Financial Assistance Resources

Photo Courtesy of Kenneth M. Greene,
Greene-Taffy Productions

Federal Emergency Management Agency – Apply for Assistance:
(800) 621-FEMA (3362) - Provides disaster grants and loans to individuals, businesses, communities, and states.

California Governor’s Administration – Disaster Assistance:
(916) 845-8510 - Coordinates state response to major disasters by integrating federal resources into state and local recovery operations.

U.S. Small Business Administration – Disaster Assistance:
(800) 659-2955 - Provides various types of disaster loans for businesses of all sizes, homeowners, and renters including: physical disaster loans, economic injury loans, military reservists’ loans, and home and personal property loans.

California Employment Development Department – Emergency & Disaster Assistance: (800) 300-5616

Provides unemployment assistance and unemployment insurance benefits to eligible individuals who are unemployed g would be beneficial, contact the National Foundation for Credit Counseling: (800) 388-2227.

Insurance

Continually maintain contact with your insurance company. Document all conversations and keep all correspondence.

Keep careful track of all expenses and damages. Evidence may include before and after photos, video, receipts, and repair estimates.

Renter’s insurance will usually cover loss of personal property. Check also to see if you are listed on your landlord’s policy.

Insurance companies are required to provide a copy of your policy if your copy has been lost or damaged,

Insurance companies are required to acknowledge receipt of claims (usually within 15 days), inform you of their decisions (usually within 40 days), and pay settlements within a reasonable timeframe (usually 30 days).

California Department of Insurance:

(800) 927-HELP Provides a listing of emergency insurance hotlines and provides assistance when experiencing difficulty in dealing with insurance companies.

Rebuilding

Photo Courtesy of Kenneth M. Greene,
Greene-Taffy Productions

Unless you are very experienced in construction, it is best to hire a contractor.

Contact the Building Industry Association at (858) 450-1221 for businesses (contractors, haulers, architects) offering discounted services for fire victims.

Select a licensed and qualified contractor. To verify, contact the Contractors State License Board at (800) 321-2752. Check the contractor’s references and contact the San Diego Better Business Bureau at (858) 496-2131

Get at least three competitive bids. Before work begins, negotiate a clear contract. Visit the Contractors State Licensing Board – What You Should Know Before Hiring a Contractor website for more information.

Homeowners planning to rebuild must obtain a building permit and rebuilt homes must be built in compliance with current building codes. For fire victims in unincorporated areas, the county may help provide expedited services and waived fees for building permits.

San Diego County Department of Planning and Land Use:
(858) 336-7553

Rental Damage

Notify you landlord of needed repairs after wildfire damage and agree to a reasonable timeframe to complete them. The landlord is responsible for all expenses. If your landlord fails to make needed repairs within an agreed timeframe, you may wish to check with a professional about terminating your lease.

Under California law, a rental lease can be terminated both by a landlord or renter when a rental unit is destroyed, unless the lease states otherwise.

If you choose to terminate a lease with your landlord:

Check your lease for special agreements regarding damage
Make a list of damages to the unit
Photograph a videotape the unit
Have reliable witnesses view the damage
Obtain any FEMA inspection reports
Request a building inspection report by your local municipality
Provide written notice to your landlord along with copies of all damage documentation and request your deposit.

Personal Documents

Driver’s license or identification card

Department of Motor Vehicles: (800) 777-0133

Birth, marriage, or death certificates

County of San Diego Recorder/Clerk’s Office:
(619) 237-0502

California Department of Public Health, Office of Vital Statistics: (916) 445-2684

National Center for health Statistics – Where to Write for Vital Records

Social Security Cards

U.S. Social Security Administration: (800) 772-1213

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(866) 272-6272

Federal Income Tax Return

U.S. Internal Revenue Service: (800) 829-3676

California State Income Tax Return

Franchise Tax Board: (800) 852-5711

IMPORTANT (please read)

Important - Please Read

Safety is your first priority when returning home after a wildfire. Many hazards exist in burned neighborhoods and homes. If in doubt, stop and double-check. Leave immediately if in doubt.

Maintain contact with your insurance company and keep careful track of all expenses and damages to take full advantage of your benefits.