California Wildfire Resources by Meryl Suissa

California Wildfire Resources by Meryl Suissa, Founder Marshall Fire Community

Started 1/8/2025 and updated multiple times daily

If you are a survivor of a California wildfire, here is some information I put together for you.

 I am Meryl Suissa, the founder of the Facebook group Marshall Fire Community, which I started December 30, 2021 after the Marshall Fire destroyed 1000 homes and seven commercial structures in Boulder, Colorado. Please note, I am not a professional disaster relief educator, everyone’s situation is different and this is my personal viewpoint after helping with disaster recovery during the Marshall Fire.

Gofundme application to receive IMMEDIATE (1-2 day) cash grants from their large gofundme campaign. I applied for my  friend from NC floods when those occurred and she was given funds!

CLICK HERE 

The first thing to do:

Join the Facebook group I have created that mirrors Marshall Fire Community FB group but for LA here. The purpose of this group is to build community, this will be a central hub, where you can come for support, donations. It is also where helpers will come and contact me to find families to help.

JOIN THIS SLACK GROUP, it will be the closest thing to the Marshall Fire Community FB Group I made, led by Natural disaster survivors themselves! It is created by the group Extreme Weather Survivors: A nationwide community based group that helps after natural disaster.

There are many support groups for me, the two groups above will be your lifeline through this. The Facebook group forms community, and the slack. Group will be full of resources.

FOR EMERGENCY UPDATES/Evacuation lift orders etc:

  1. DOWNLOAD THE APP WATCH DUTY!
  2. Office of Emergeycy Management

For Emergency medication refills-

Ahava Pharmacy 310-299-8079 ( they can override insurance for covered meds)

For up to date resources check out https://mutualaidla.org

HERE IS MY PERSONAL LIST OF RESOURCES/ADVICE:

  1. START A GOFUNDME NOW! If  you wait, support will dwindle and you may not get as much/ too many gofundme’s will exist. Even if you think you don;t need one, you likely do as there are insurance gaps, lower reimbursement than expenditures are hidden expenses. Name is something like “Help the (your name) Family Recover from the California Wildfires (talk to your tax professional as you may need to pay taxes on money donated)
  2. Secure housing. To start Dial 211. They have partnered with Airbnb and are giving a week free housing. 211 also provides amazing resources, have them help you find a temporary long term solution.
  • If you were insured, ask your insurance company about ALE( additional living expenses, it should pay for housing)
  1. Make an Amazon, Walmart and Target wishlist for items you need to replace and if friends and family ask how they can help, send them this. People want to help after a disaster and this gives them a tangible way to help you recover. Alternatively you can recreate baby and wedding registries if they are recent as it is often important in the healing process to replace exact items you had pre-fire.
  2. Seek counseling-The trauma from a natural disaster is very real.

MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES HERE-

  • FREE counseling is available through Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990. You can also look into BetterHelp Counseling.
  • FREE-A MASSIVE LIST OF FREE THERAPY IS HERE
  1. ALE ON YOUR INSURANCE POLICY- If you were insured, your temporary housing costs MAY be covered, push for 24+ months of ALE even if it wasn’t in your policy they might extend it, this happened with many families I helped, it takes time to rebuild and recover.
  2. Go on Facebook and look for the official “Buy Nothing” group  for LA Fire.
  3. Find a person in your friends or family who is organized and can follow all the offerings on FB and instagram, can make wishlists, can make your gofundme and who can keep receipts, papers, deadlines etc organized for you.  Give them a daily to do list like calling mortgage company, requesting vital records etc.
  4. Call your mortgage company ask for disaster forbearance to see if you can pause loan payments for up to 12 months! If not, pay your mortgage so you don’t default on your loan!
  5. Check out some more helpful tips here
  6. Smoke Damage info HERE

Apply for help, even if you don’t think you will need it!

  1. FEMA Individual Assistance Program: Provides grants for temporary housing, home repairs, and other disaster-related expenses.

How to Apply: Visit DisasterAssistance.gov. ; Phone: Call FEMA’s 1-800-621-3362 OR the APP!  Required Information: Social Security number, Insurance information,  Damage description,  Bank account details for direct deposit

  1. Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loans-Home Disaster Loans: Low-interest loans for homeowners to repair or replace damaged property. Contact: Visit SSBA Disaster Assistance Call SBA’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955.

  1. Homeowners Insurance: Contact your insurance provider to file a claim for property loss or damage. Steps:Document all damages with photos or videos. List all damaged or lost items.Keep receipts for any temporary repairs or accommodations.

  1. California Fire Foundation- Supplies Aid to Victims of Emergency (SAVE) Program: Provides $250 cash cards to eligible victims for immediate needs. How to Access- Distributed through local fire departments. Contact your local fire department to inquire about availability.

  1. Jewish Free Loan Association- Offers INTEREST FREE LOANS to EVERYONE, you do not have to be Jewish. Loans can cover housing, clothing, medication, purchasing a used car and other emergency needs! Visit: THE JFLA APP! OR Jewish Free Loan Website Email: info@jfla.org  Phone: 1-844-JFLA-ORG

  1. Request Vital and Property Records Free of Charge 

Call 1-800-201-8999 select option 1 followed by option 2 or email recorder@rcc.lacounty.gov

Important Considerations for all applications-

  • Application Deadlines: Be aware of and adhere to deadlines for each assistance program.
  • Documentation: Maintain thorough records of all communications, applications, and expenses related to your recovery efforts.Keep receipts of anything you spend or buy while you are not living in your home, scan these receipts.

Local Resources

  • Disaster Help Center In Person - Watch for this to pop up. California Department of Social Services: Provides various services, including assistance with replacing lost documents and connecting with local aid. Contact: Visit Disaster Help Center.

  • Baby2Baby- Provides diapers and formula to those in need Website

5830 W. Jefferson Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90016 (323) 933-2229

  • Apply to the adopt a family program here

  • Currently serving at: St Francis School: 200 Foothill Blvd., La Cañada Flintridge, 12–5 PM Mobile Station: 2234 El Sereno Ave., Altadena, 1–5 PM Jack In The Box: 2125 North Windsor Ave., Altadena, 5:30–10 PM Pasadena City College: 1570 E Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, 5–9 PM

  • Salvation Army’s Disaster Services- Purpose: Offers emergency relief and long-term assistance to those impacted by natural disasters, including wildfires. Contact- Online: Visit the Salvation Army CA website and select “Disaster Relief” for your donation. Contact: Call (562) 264-3600 for more information.

  • American Red Cross- Purpose: Provides shelter, food, and emotional support to those affected by disasters, including wildfires. Online: Visit the Red Cross website Contact: Call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) for more information. Use their Facebook Page for up to date information

  • Direct Relief-Purpose: Provides medical assistance to improve the health and lives of people affected by poverty and emergencies, including wildfire victims. Currently distributing N95 respirators.Online: Visit the Direct Relief website. Contact: Email info@directrelief.org or call (805) 964-4767 for more information.

  •  Dream Center- In person- Purpose: Provides food and clothing NEW and FREE to individuals and families in need, including those affected by disasters like wildfires. Online: Visit the Dream Center website.Contact: Email info@dreamcenter.org or call (213) 273-7000 for more information. Updates on Instagram. Pick up items at 301 Bellevue Ave. 90026
  • Friends In Deed- Purpose: Offers supportive services to meet basic human needs, including assistance during disasters.Online: Visit the Friends In Deed website. Contact: Email info@friendsindeedpas.org or call (626) 797-2402 for more information

PETS

  • Canine Rescue Club-Purpose: Provides temporary foster care for displaced dogs during emergencies like wildfires.Online: Visit the Canine Rescue Club website. Contact: Email info@caninerescueclub.org for more information.

Food allergies

IF YOU HAVE FOOD ALLERGIES AND NEED ITEMS PLEAE CLICK HERE AND REACH OUT TO HER, if you don’t have instagram email me at marshallfirecommunity@gmail.com and I will contact her on your behalf

Firefighter Specific Funding after loss/damage:

  • California Fire Foundation Disaster Relief: Offers financial assistance to communities affected by wildfires. Visit California Fire Foundation Disaster Relief. Visit: California Fire Foundation Contact: (800) 890-3213 or email info@cpf.org

  • California State Firefighters’ Association (CSFA)- Offers Grants, assistance programs, and advocacy for firefighters. Visit: CSFA Disaster Assistance. Contact: (800) 451-2732 or email info@csfa.net.

  • Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program- Funding for equipment and resources for firefighters and departments (indirect support for impacted individuals through fire departments). Visit: FEMA AFG Program Contact: 1-866-274-0960 or email firegrants@fema.dhs.gov.

  • Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)-Counseling What Confidential counseling and support services for firefighters and their families. Contact your fire department’s HR or union to inquire about EAP services. If unsure, reach out to the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF):Visit: IAFF EAP Resources Contact: (202) 737-8484.

  • CAL FIRE Benevolent Foundation- Purpose: Provides financial assistance to firefighters and their families affected by injuries or fatalities and supports burn victims. Contact: Online: CAL FIRE Benevolent Foundation Email info@calfirefoundation.org or call (916) 641-1707 for more information.

NONPROFITS

  • California Community Foundation’s Wildfire Recovery Fund- Purpose: Provides mid-term to long-term recovery support for communities affected by California wildfires, focusing on rebuilding homes, providing financial assistance, and supporting mental health services. Contact: Online: Visit the Wildfire Recovery Fund page. Contact: Email donorrelations@calfund.org or call (213) 413-4130 for more information. DOES NOT PROVIDE FUNDING TO INDIVIDUALS, THIS IS FOR NONPROFITS

Additional tips:

  • AVOID SCAMS! After a disaster, people come out of the woodwork to scam people. They are creative. They will tell you they will send you money directly to your bank account, they will tell you they will buy you a car. They will tell you. They will send a car from another state to California and even use websites that look like real dealerships. The offer and the scams are endless. If it doesn’t seem right, it isn’t right. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Use reputable organizations and double check websites as scammers can change the URL and have it look just like the real website!! Help your vulnerable friends and family avoid scams as well
  • Do not enter your home, the ash left behind can be a hazard to your health.
  • FIGHT for proper remediation on smoke damaged homes, do not let an inspector decide you need remediation professionals and may need to ADVOCATE hard to get a healthy house. Replace all fabric items if possible instead of remediating them. More info here
  • Consider hiring a private adjuster
  • All items that are remaining or found in the ash should be professionally cleaned.
  • If you had smoke damage but your property is intact, the soot and ash can be a health hazard, contact insurance and do not enter your home until the home is properly remediated.
  • Visit the United Policy Holders website at uphelp.org/2025cawildfires- Guidance on insurance claims and underinsurance remedies for wildfire victims Visit: United Policyholders ; Contact: info@uphelp.org.
  • Get everything in writing from your insurance company, detail any phone conversations in an email.
  • If people ask how they can help you, ask for gift cards and for them to purchase off your wishlists, and to start a meal train.
  • California labor code 230.8 gives parents job-protected time off when schools are closed due to natural disasters including fires
  • Wear a mask when outdoors, if you start to feel ill, check for Valley fever, it is caused when dust is stirred up!

COMPANIES OFFERING SUPPORT AND FREE ITEMS

  1. Baby/KIds Companies Sending items to those in need- click here

FAMILY MEMBERS- WHAT TO DO IF YOU WANT TO HELP BUT ARE NEAR OR FAR AWAY

  1. Take this list, and do as much of it, as you can for them, start to go find me, start the Amazon, wish lists, start one that’s for immediate needs, and one that you share later. Once there is more space to collect items.
  2. If you can, be the organizer of all the things helped them, save receipts in a folder on your computer, help keep track of resources for them.
  3. Start a meal train for them. Encourage friends and Family to send GrubHub, take out, etc.. Straight to their door. Send a weeks worth of groceries.
  4. Contact friends and family members and see who has any physical photos of them, or Photos on their iPhone, collect all of these for them in an album on your computer, make a shared Album to iPhone, collect yearbooks, and sentimental items. That friends are. Family may also have, and are willing to get away. Contact places like chat books who are offering to reprint free albums and re order. What was in your Family members passed purchases.
  5. Understand that right now their focus should only be trying to find a place to live, trying to figure out what to eat, and trying to get some sleep. As much as you can, come together as a family, and do everything else you can to help remove the mental load from your family members.

Friends and Family, keep this image in mind, recovery is not always linear…

Source: SAMSA

**Disclaimer:

This document is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information provided, no guarantees are made regarding its completeness, timeliness, or suitability for any particular purpose. The author disclaims all liability for any decisions made or actions taken based on the information herein. Users are advised to consult with relevant professionals or agencies for specific advice or assistance.**

All rights reserved. © Meryl Suissa 2025

The Marshall and California Fires Connection

The Marshall and California Fires Connection and Community Info by

Meryl Suissa, Founder of Marshall Fire Community

People always ask me what made me help in the Marshall Fire—

I am a Colorado native, and CU Boulder Alumni.  From a young age, I have been wired to help others in any capacity I can and I am a Physician Assistant, so medically I help others everyday and my desire to help others does not stop at medicine. It has become apparent to me that the one thing that makes us all the most human is our ability to feel the pain of others and to HELP.

 

What we did and how for those trying to do something similar for California:

1.    We started by taking list of immediate need items over the phone, posting the needs in the group then recruiting donors to gather/donate and drive it to survivors front doors, many lost vehicles so we brought what they needed to them. Then as people got temporary but more permanent that a few nights housing we creating the giving email movement to take families wishlists and get them exact items they lost or needed. From there we started reaching out to companies to replace big ticket items and to get mass donations of items, donated experiences like the boulder tea house and the polar express train etc. We collected money via our own gofundme and would poll the group on how they wanted to spend it then have a distribution event of the items wanted and needed. I also created a daily post of resources, community members and fire survivors also posted resources. One of the biggest things we did is a builder had me find a family for him to donate a home for free for a year and on give away day there was not a dry eye in the house. Along the way, people have donated their own items, their sentimental items, year books, ornaments form the 1980’s etc and it is now going on 3 years that donations have been active. I have not tracked it, but I do not know of another natural disaster that has had this trajectory!

 

 

I think the main thing we have all learned over the past three years and what I am hoping to impart on to those affected by the California fires is that the majority of recovery comes from the people, the community. It’s the community that steps up and gives individual physical donations and monetary donations, it is the small businesses that show up in a big way!  Organizations like the Red cross and FEMA serve their purpose in that they provide immediate help like- evacuation, sites, shelters, food, and water . However, many people think, just as I did before I was ever involved in the Marshall Fire recovery that people will be fine. I hear this sentence quoted constantly “people will be fine because they have the Red cross and FEMA”, and they don’t understand that they are not part of long-term recovery there are there for immediate disaster, relief, and then they are gone and at not fault of their own, their budgets and mission do not align with long-term recovery.

 

So it’s the people. The people like me, like you, the people who are empaths, who feel the pain of others deeply that  decide that something has to be done. They are the ones that are usually the busiest--of the people that helped me after the Marshall Fire recovery. Most of them had infants full-time jobs and often cared for their elderly parents. They were busy, but they were not too busy to help others. I’ve always been told to “look for the helpers” and that’s what I did.

 

So what we need in the wake of the California fires is COMMUNITY.

One marshall fire survivor is part of extreme weather survivors, they are a community made group to educate and provide resources and support to Other survivors, and unfortunately, while I would like to see disaster recovery at the government and national level, it is the grassroots organizations that are going to do the hard work, and are going to succeed. People that have lived through these tragedies are the best resource to help other people.

SO, Extreme Weather Survivors is a nonprofit organization building a nationwide network of people harmed by extreme weather. A strong online community can serve as a primary lifeline for critical information sharing, social support, and recovery resources following a disaster.  Extreme Weather Survivors is launching an online Slack community for LA Wildfire survivors, which will become a central hub of focused resources, expertise, and ongoing support amidst the chaos and aftermath of this devastating fire.

 

What I’m being asked for:

Mostly in this disaster I am taking on an advisory role/resource compilation role and playing a little bit of the connector role but not quite as in depth.

I have people calling me left and right asking if I can tell them how I did what I did with the marshall fire group. So much of it I have to say was so organic and just meant to be, it was a compilation fo the right people in the right group who worked tirelessly and put their own lives on hold to help others. We have also seen a lot of groups pop up already -one in particular is From the Mountains to the Beach which is attempting to connect marshall fire survivors and California survivors to provide information sharing and support. There is no one who can tell you they get it like someone who went through your same situation.

 

What I have to tell California survivors so far is the following:

1.    Make a GOFUNDME even if you think your insurance covers what you need it likely doesn’t; insurance sometimes gives you pennies on the dollar for the items you have; there can be an insurance gap or the cost of rebuilding is significantly higher than your insurance coverage allows. There will also be man lost eages not just in businesses destroyed but the local economy will be hit hard because there is no one around to go to the restaurants still standing, entire communities will be empty for at least a year.

2.    Make, Amazon, Target and Walmart wish list and send them to your friends of family people want to help, but they want to help intangible ways. Some people find it weird to give Money or they don’t know how much money to give. They want to help you replace items that you lost. That’s something we learned for the Marshall Fire. It was incredibly important to make people feel like they were Home again. Even in their temporary rentals was to have items they had before the fires. I can tell you that smoke damage. It’s just as awful as losing a Home , so I will tell people that if you have smoke damage, put any items that is made of fabric on your wish list. If you lost a home, look back at your Baby registry your wedding, registries, Your Christmas presents. You just bought for your kids. Just that little feeling of having the same thing. makes such a difference. Now for now on your wish list you will want to fill them with items that are immediate need because a lot of people will be space restricted, and even more people will move multiple times. Many Marshall Fire families have moved up to 30 times over the past three years.

3.    Another piece of advice is a fight for 24=months of ALE. Call your insurance company and see how much you can get. It will take time to rebuild --three years later this December 30, 2024. Only 60% of Marshall Fire survivors were in rebuilt homes, it is not a quick fix in this Cassie in California. Just like in Marshall Fire . We’re having to rebuild communities, massive communities, including infra structure of shopping centers and restaurants. So it will take time.

4.    Save receipts- take pictures of and document every penny you spend even if only evacuated and sent it to insurance.

5.    Watch out for scams Unfortunately people will be calling people emailing people sending Facebook messages saying that they want to Help. They will have pictures on their profile of Moms with kids. They will look like legend make human beings, but it’s catfish in the picture is not the person they are people in other countries who are trying to make money off of this tragedy. If it seems too good to be true, it is if it doesn’t seem right, it isn’t right . One thing that have enough of the North Carolina floods was someone went to a website that was an actual car dealership here in Denver. Except they didn’t notice that there was something added on the end. It was a complete carbon copy of that website. They spent $40,000 purchasing a new pick up truck and it was never delivered when they called the Car dealership in Denver they were told this wasn’t their website. Only buy locally find a car locally that you can go see in person .

6.    The last thing is mental health in my resource document that I created. There’s something called Disaster Distress hotline I have the number in my resource document- the trauma is real and lasts many many years if not lifelong. There will be triggers like high wind days, going back to the parts of town etc.

 

TO THOSE THAT DID NOT LOSE- SOME MISNOMERS-

1.     OVERWHELM- The main thing was being the organizer and connector. It is overwhelming- at first, everyone wants to help and there is too much- resources, offerings, physical donations and there is a very real sense of not wanting to miss anything because you just lost everything. Those affected by disaster don’t have the time to follow every post from every company on their individual Instagram or Facebook page to see what they’re offering because they’re just trying to survive, find a place to live, figure out how to get clothing and where to eat and buy food while simultaneously trying to process the grief of just having lost everything and trying to carry on with a sense of normalcy for themselves and kids. Just trying to figure out all of the resources that were available to Marshall Fire affected families and compile them into one list plus connecting donors to those in need and securing donations took me 20 hours a day. I slept four hours a night for the first three months to be able to help navigate how to proceed after disaster. You never learn or need otto know about disaster recovery steps until you need them which makes the whole experience daunting.

 

2.    The thing to remember, is that people see a lot of outpouring of support, and they think “oh everyone’s going to be fine, but the thing they don’t realize is during disaster recovery there isn’t enough funding for everyone to recoup.

3.    Another misnomer- its was a wealthy neighborhood. They will be fine.

a.    What people don’t understand is peoples homes are often their biggest assets. Some people are House. poor. All of their money is in their homes, especially in places like Boulder, Colorado and Los Angeles, California where homes are incredibly expensive.

4.    Another misnomer is that people with insurance will be fine. Almost 2/3 of people that lost their homes during the Marshall Fire were underinsured. The amount they were under insured ranged from $99-$240,000. That means they don’t have that money to rebuild and building costs go up here after year, making them even higher than when you built and insured your home.

a.    For California in particular, many people do not have insurance due to their policies being canceled just 2 months ago due to living in a high fire danger area. Up to 50% of renters in the Marshall fire did not have insurance and lost everything. Starting from the clothes on your back is as difficult as it can get.

5.    Another misnomer is that people shouldn’t need to replace their exact items and should take any donation. Something we discovered in my work with those from the Marshall Fire is the amount of comfort people have in THEIR things. Having the things that belong to us before the fire means something because life is forever changed into “before the fire” and “after the fire”

6.    something that you’ll see come up a lot during the recovery phase of the California fires and what we sat in the Marshall fires is people saying, “I don’t get it. Why are people so attached to their stuff. It’s just stuff.”-

a.    It’s not about the stuff. It’s about the memories that you made in your home with that stuff. It’s about the house you brought your Baby home too. It’s about year after a year, taking a picture in the same spot, putting your Christmas tree in the same spot. It’s about stability. It’s about a sense of belonging, and it’s about a sense of community.

SO- in the aftermath of the fires that’s why community is so important. Many neighbors go from seeing each other every weekend to having not being able to see each other because they’re renting in different parts of the state or worse, they’ve had to move away completely due to the financial Strain from the aftermath of disaster.

 

 

The biggest take aways for those affected is

1.    fight hard for what’s yours against your insurance company

2.    apply to everything you can find of course first checking that you’re eligible so you don’t waste your time for example homeowners that are insured will not get much help from FEMA but renters without insurance will in most cases get help from FEMA

3.    Third, build community wherever you can- the new neighborhood you move into, online, support groups, and keep your personal neighborhood communities intact by making time to get together.

 

 

 

Finally, I want everyone to know that over time and when the coverage of this fire will dwindle over the weeks and months and especially years, families who just went through this tragedy will not be back in their homes for anywhere from 2 to 5+ years, and some will never return . Many were uninsured due to dropped coverage because they lived in a high risk fire area, and many of them will never be able to return Home.

Finally, if you live in California, be kind. In the aftermath of such massive and tragic loss, little things can cause big emotions. Recovery is not linear, there is a rollercoaster of emotions. Keep checking in on your friends, don’t forget they will be dealing with this for years to come, and the biggest thing we learned from the Marshall Fire group is that community helps all involved- the prior survivors and the supporters, the current community helping others makes everyone navigate the journey of recovery just a little bit smoother.

SMOKE DAMAGE

SMOKE DAMAGE

Dealing with smoke damage after a fire can be overwhelming, especially if your home is the only one standing in a devastated neighborhood. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate this situation, from assessing damage to remediation, and working with your insurance to maximize your claim.

1. SAFETY FIRST: Entering the Home

  • Wait for Clearance: Ensure local authorities confirm it’s safe to return to your property. There may still be structural issues or lingering toxins.
  • Protect Yourself:

Wear an N95 mask or respirator to avoid inhaling soot particles.

Use gloves, long sleeves, and pants to avoid skin contact with soot andash.

  • Ventilate the home by opening windows and doors to reduce lingering smoke odor and particles.
  • Assess Immediate Hazards:

Check for electrical issues, gas leaks, or weakened structures.

Do not turn on appliances until inspected.

2. DOCUMENTATION: Insurance Claim Preparation

  • Document Everything:

Take photos and videos of every room, focusing on visible smoke damage, soot, ash, and any fire-related damage.

Include details of damaged clothing, furniture, walls, flooring, and electronics.

  • Create an Inventory:

List all damaged items, including baby blankets, clothing, appliances, etc., with descriptions, approximate values, and receipts if possible.

  • Save Samples:

If certain items like baby blankets or upholstered furniture are heavily affected, save small samples to show your adjuster the level of smoke damage.

3. INSURANCE CLAIMS: Maximize Your Coverage

  • Understand Your Policy:

Review your homeowner’s policy for coverage of fire and smoke damage, temporary housing, and personal property.

  • Request a Professional Adjuster:

Insist on a detailed inspection from your insurance company. If possible, hire a public adjuster to advocate for you and ensure you get the most money.

  • Demand Remediation Coverage:

Most policies cover professional smoke remediation. Highlight health risks (especially with children) and structural concerns.

  • Negotiate Additional Coverage:

Ask for funds for temporary housing, food, and clothing if your home is unlivable.

  • Keep Records:

Save all receipts for remediation costs, cleaning supplies, professional services, and temporary living expenses.

4. SMOKE REMEDIATION PROCESS

DON'T DIY

  • Professional Services: It’s highly recommended to hire a smoke remediation company for extensive damage. They use industrial equipment like air scrubbers, ozone machines, and thermal foggers to eliminate odors and toxins.
  • Clothing, Baby Blankets, and Linens SHOULD BE PROFESSIONALLY REMEDIATED OR THROWN OUT. I would personally replace any items that have any fabric, it is NOT worth the health risk. If you don’t do that THEN at your own risk and AT LEAST
  • Sort Items: Separate items heavily affected by soot and smoke.
  • Pre-Treatment: Shake off soot outdoors. Vacuum items with a HEPA vacuum if needed.
  • Washing:

Wash with detergent and a cup of white vinegar on the hottest setting safe for the fabric. Repeat if odors persist.

  • Dry Cleaning:

For delicate or valuable items (like baby blankets), opt for professional dry cleaning. Inform the cleaner of smoke damage.

  • Discard Severely Damaged Items:

Items saturated with soot or irreparably damaged by smoke need to be discarded due to health risks.

  • Furniture and Carpets
  • PROFESSIONAL REMEDIATION SHOULD REMOVE ALL CARPETS AND MAKE INSURANCE REPLACE THEM.
  • Furniture should ideally be REPLACED if it is fabric
  • Jewelry

Get all jewelry professionally cleaned and restored

5. ODOR REMOVAL

  • Air Purifiers: Invest in HEPA air purifiers to filter smoke particles.
  • Ozone Treatment: Professional ozone treatments can neutralize odors but must be done by experts (vacate the home during treatment).
  • Activated Charcoal: Place bowls of activated charcoal around the home to absorb lingering odors.

6. LONG-TERM STEPS

  • Health Considerations:

Ensure the HVAC system is professionally cleaned and filters replaced to prevent recirculating smoke particles.

Regularly test for air quality and toxins, especially if you have children or respiratory concerns.

  • Structural Repairs:

Discuss repairs for any smoke-stained walls, insulation, or structural damage with your adjuster, ADVOCATE FOR DRYWALL TO BE REPLACED

7. MAXIMIZING YOUR INSURANCE PAYOUT

  • Get Multiple Estimates:

Obtain quotes from several remediation companies and contractors. Submit these to your insurer to justify higher payouts.

  • Negotiate Personal Property Replacement:

Claim for the full replacement value of damaged items (if your policy allows).

  • Temporary Living Expenses:

Request coverage for hotel stays, meals, and other costs incurred while your home is being cleaned and repaired.

  • Hire a Public Adjuster:

DO THIS RIGHT AWAY and do this especially if your insurer offers a lower payout than expected, a public adjuster can negotiate on your behalf.

8. EMOTIONAL SUPPORT

Recovering from a fire is emotionally taxing. Take time for yourself and your family, and consider reaching out to local support groups or counseling services to process the experience. Many fire victims find community in shared experiences, especially in situations like yours where neighbors are also affected.

Legal Disclaimer

The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal, financial, medical, or professional advice. While I strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the information, I make no guarantees regarding its completeness, applicability, or suitability for your specific circumstances.

I am not a licensed remediation expert, insurance adjuster, or legal professional. Before taking any action, you should consult with qualified professionals, such as licensed contractors, insurance specialists, or legal advisors, to assess your unique situation and obtain professional guidance.

By using or acting upon the information provided, you agree that I shall not be held liable for any direct, indirect, or consequential damages resulting from the use of, or reliance on, this information. The advice provided does not create any legal or contractual relationship and is used at your own risk.

For specific remediation needs or claims-related issues, please contact certified smoke damage remediation companies, your insurance provider, or legal counsel.