Home Loss File System - Digital Resource

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1	Welcome to the Home Loss File System - Digital Resource: Introduction (Last Updated - 1/16/25)
2		This tool was created by former California wildfire survivors committed to supporting you through the challenging process of disaster recovery. We hope to provide essential resources, checklists, and organizational tools to help you manage insurance claims, document losses, and track expenses efficiently. By staying organized, we hope you can regain a sense of control during this difficult time. We are truly sorry for your loss and hope this tool offers clarity, support, and empowerment as you move forward on your path to recovery.
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8	How to Use This System:
9	1. Save Your Own Copy: Click File > Make a Copy to save this document to your personal Google Drive. 2. Edit and Customize: You can edit, adapt, and expand the system to fit your unique recovery needs. 3. Explore Each Sheet/Tab: Each tab is dedicated to a key part of the recovery process, including insurance tracking, inventory management, emotional support, and more. 4. Complete Each Section: The tool includes dropdown menus, editable fields, and space for tracking claim progress. 5. Stay Organized: Keep all records updated for better insurance claim processing and easier communication with support agencies.
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11	Index of Each Sheet/Tab:
12	1. First Steps After a Wildfire	Immediate steps for safety, housing, and starting the recovery process.
13	2. Essential Resources, References, & Contacts	Key contact information for emergency services, insurance, and local aid groups.
14	3. Insurance Policy Summary	Store your insurance details, including policy numbers, coverage, and contacts.
15	4. Medical Insurance & Health Records	Track medical expenses such as replacement prescriptions, equipment, and manage medical claims.
16	5. Temporary Housing Search Details	Keep track of temporary housing options as you transition into a rental.
17	6. Temporary Housing & ALE Tracker	Organize and track expenses for temporary housing and additional living costs.
18	7. Inventory of Contents	Document lost or damaged belongings with essential claim details and values.
19	8. Inventory of Hardscape	Record damage to your home's structure.
20	9. Inventory of Landscape	Record damage to your home's landscaping.
21	10. Vehicle Replacement	Document auto insurance claims and manage vehicle replacement or repair steps.
22	11. Debris Removal Checklist	Track debris removal steps, permits, and contractor interactions for cleanup.
23	12. Claim Documentation Log	Log all communications with insurers and track claim submissions and approvals.
24	13. Insurance Claim Rules in California	Understand key regulations and guidelines for filing insurance claims effectively in California.
25	14. Rebuilding Information	Understand key information about rebuilding, engaging contractors and navigating the process.
26	15. Key Terms & Definitions	Clarify important insurance and recovery-related terminology to navigate your claims more confidently.
27	16. Donation Tracker	Track monetary gifts, gift cards, food, and services and how they are used.
28	17. Mental Health & Recovery	Access resources for emotional support, trauma recovery, and well-being tips.
29	18. To-Do List and Deadlines	Manage and prioritize recovery tasks with a clear checklist and timeline.
30	19. Additional References	Explore further resources, guides, and support materials for disaster recovery and insurance navigation.
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32	Next Steps:
33	Save a copy and start entering your information step by step. Update regularly and keep all receipts, forms, and documents in one place. Visit uphelp.org for additional guidance and tools.
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35	Request a Physical Box	If you or members of your community prefer receiving a free physical box instead of this digital resource, you are invited to fill out this form and someone will be in touch with you.
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37	Support Our GoFundMe	We are fundraising to build 1500 physical Home Loss File System boxes and to enhance and expand awareness of this Digital Resource. Please consider supporting!
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39	Our Contact Information
40	We are a group of California residents (many of whom lost our home in the 2003 Cedar Fire) who are passionate about helping families in the aftermath of a catastrophic natural disaster. This Home Loss Recovery System is a tool, modeled on one used by Scripps Ranch residents in the wake of the 2003 Cedar Fire, that helped families with rebuilding their lives in an organized and efficient manner. Our mantra is, “Getting organized helps us feel in control of our lives again.” Statistics: Nearly 3,000 Home Loss File System boxes have been distributed across numerous California wildfires in the last 20+ years.
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42	If you have any questions/comments/suggestions, please feel free to contact us at:
43	Website: homelossfilesystem.com
44	Email: homelossfilesystem@gmail.com
45	Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/OutOfTheAshesBox/
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47	We appreciate your feedback!
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49	Please note - this Home Loss Flle System is not a substitute for legal advice/opinion. Please contact a lawyer if you have any difficulties through the process.
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