First Steps After a Wildfire

• Take care of your family’s immediate needs first.
• Finding temporary housing is a priority. Your insurance company should help you find a place of similar size.
• Start a recovery diary.  Any notebook will do. Take notes on who you talked to, the number you called, date and time, what was said.  Keep your paperwork organized.
• Ask your insurance company for cash advances for:
  • Living expenses (click for additional info)
  • Replacing personal property
• Keep all receipts while you are displaced. Hotel bills, clothes, and pet boarding may be reimbursed but require receipts.
• Take photos of your property before any cleanup or debris removal happens.
• Do not rush into signing contracts. Get copies of ALL paperwork you do sign.
• An insurance adjuster will eventually come and inspect your home.  If they make you a settlement offer on the spot, get a 2nd opinion on what you’re entitled to.
• Inventorying your damaged and destroyed property is time-consuming and unpleasant.  
• Give your insurer a chance to do the right thing, but be prepared to stand up for your rights and get help if you’re not being treated fairly.
• Register with a “Case Manager” – they can help make referrals to resources.
• Register with FEMA (federally declared disaster) and the SBA (state disaster declarations needed)
• For more specifics and guidance on the insurance claim process, visit the Claim Guidance Library.(click for additional info)

Appended from United Policy Holders: First Steps After a Wildfire - United Policyholders (uphelp.org)