What to Do After Wildfire Damage

Wildfires can be devastating, leaving behind destruction that disrupts your home and safety. When the flames are out, it’s crucial to act quickly, calmly, and systematically. This guide provides clear, practical steps to ensure your safety, protect your property, and navigate insurance claims effectively. Remember, your goal in the first 24 hours is to secure safety, evaluate damage, document everything, and begin necessary temporary repairs.

Immediate Safety Steps (First 24 Hours)

Wildfire aftermath presents multiple hazards: smoldering embers, compromised structures, hazardous debris, and potential air quality issues. Follow these steps immediately:

1. Ensure Personal and Family Safety

• Evacuate if necessary: If your home is still in danger or if authorities advise evacuation, do so immediately.
• Avoid entering smoky or burned areas: Smoke inhalation can cause serious health issues—use masks or respirators if you must be near smoke.
• Check for injuries: Provide first aid, and seek medical attention for burns, cuts, or smoke inhalation.

2. Confirm Structural Stability

• Assess from a safe distance: Look for signs of partial collapse, leaning walls, or weakened roofs.
• Do not enter unsafe structures: If there’s significant damage, avoid entering until a professional inspection confirms stability.

3. Protect Your Breathing and Eyes

• Wear N95 masks, goggles, or respirators to shield against ash, dust, and smoke particles.

4. Turn Off Utilities if You Suspect Damage

• Gas: Shut off main gas valves if you smell gas or see damaged lines—contact your utility provider before turning back on.
• Electricity: Turn off main circuit breakers if wiring appears damaged or if there are sparks or smoke.

5. Avoid Hazardous Debris and Embers

• Extinguished embers can reignite; avoid touching or disturbing debris that could reignite or cause injury.

6. Contact Emergency Services if Needed

• For life-threatening situations, fires, or injuries, call 911 immediately.

Damage Assessment and Documentation

Once safety is assured, begin a thorough assessment of your property. This step is crucial not only for your awareness but also for insurance purposes.

7. Conduct a Systematic Inspection

• Exterior: Check roof, siding, windows, decks, fencing, and landscaping.
• Interior: If safe, evaluate walls, ceilings, floors, plumbing, and electrical systems.
• Hazards: Look out for broken glass, exposed wires, weakened structures, or hot spots.

8. Document Everything

• Photographs and Videos: Capture wide shots and close-ups of all affected areas—use a smartphone or camera.
• Write detailed notes: Record date, time, and specifics of observed damage.
• Keep a damage log: Note down broken items, missing parts, or hazards found during inspection.
• Secure evidence: Store digital files securely, and keep copies in a safe location.

9. Avoid Moving or Disturbing Debris Unnecessarily

• Don’t disturb debris or structural components unless they pose immediate safety risks.
• Leave damaged items as they are for insurance assessments or professional inspections.

Temporary Repairs and Damage Mitigation

Your goal is to prevent further damage while waiting for professional repairs or insurance assessments. Take these immediate precautions:

10. Cover Broken Windows and Roofs

• Use tarps, plastic sheeting, or plywood to cover broken windows or damaged roof sections.
• Secure coverings properly to prevent weather ingress or further damage.
• Get tarps from hardware stores or contact GetFixn.com to find qualified contractors for temporary repairs.

11. Protect Valuables and Contents

• Move unaffected furniture and belongings to safe areas if possible.
• Cover or wrap valuable items to prevent ash and soot damage.

12. Prevent Water Damage

• If your roof or windows are compromised, water can enter during rain.
• Use tarps or plastic sheeting to keep rainwater out.

13. Avoid Using Damaged Utilities

• Don’t turn on electrical appliances or water if systems are damaged.
• Wait for professional inspections before restoring utilities.

When to Call a Professional

While some damage can be mitigated by homeowners, certain repairs require licensed professionals:

• Structural repairs: Foundation, framing, roofing, and load-bearing walls.
• Electrical and plumbing: Faulty wiring or plumbing leaks.
• Gas lines: Any suspected damage to gas infrastructure.
• Hazardous debris removal: Asbestos, contaminated soil, or toxic materials.

Insurance Claims: Practical Tips for Recovery

Filing an insurance claim can be complex, but proper documentation and understanding your policy can streamline the process.

14. Contact Your Insurance Company Promptly

• Notify your insurer within 24-48 hours about the damage.
• Follow their specific procedures for wildfire damage claims.

15. Document Extensively

• Provide your insurer with the photos, videos, and logs taken during damage assessment.
• Keep copies of all correspondence, receipts for temporary repairs, and estimates.

16. Understand Your Policy

• Review your homeowner’s insurance policy to understand coverage limits, exclusions, and deductible amounts.
• Confirm what is covered under wildfire damage, including rebuilding, temporary housing, and debris removal.

17. Obtain Repair Estimates

• Get multiple written estimates from licensed contractors—GetFixn.com can help connect you with vetted professionals.
• Share these estimates with your insurer to support your claim.

18. Keep Detailed Records

• Track all expenses related to damage mitigation, temporary repairs, and temporary housing.
• Save receipts, invoices, and communication logs.

19. Don’t Make Permanent Repairs Before Approval

• Avoid committing to long-term repairs until your insurance claim is processed and approved.

20. Follow Up Regularly

• Maintain communication with your insurer.
• Request updates and clarify any questions about your claim.

Long-Term Repairs and Rebuilding

After initial emergency response, focus shifts to rebuilding and restoring your home.

21. Hire Qualified Professionals

• Use trusted sources like GetFixn.com to find licensed, experienced contractors.
• Ensure contractors are insured and familiar with wildfire rebuild codes.

22. Obtain Necessary Permits

• Check local building codes and obtain permits before starting major repairs.
• Your contractor can assist with this process.

23. Prioritize Safety and Resilience

• Use fire-resistant materials where possible.
• Improve landscaping to create defensible space around your home.
• Elevate electrical wiring and install smoke detectors if not already present.

24. Plan for Future Preparedness

• Develop or update your family wildfire safety plan.
• Create a defensible landscape plan to reduce fire risk.

What NOT to Do (Common Mistakes to Avoid)

• Don’t delay safety assessments: Ignoring hazards can lead to injury or further damage.
• Don’t enter unstable structures: Risk of collapse or injury is high.
• Don’t ignore safety gear: Always wear masks, goggles, and gloves when inspecting or cleaning.
• Don’t discard damaged items prematurely: Keep evidence for insurance claims.
• Don’t start permanent repairs without approval: Doing so can complicate insurance reimbursement.
• Don’t delay contacting your insurer: Prompt notification is critical for coverage.
• Don’t forget to keep detailed records: Lack of documentation can hinder your claim.

Final Thoughts

Recovering from wildfire damage is a challenging process, but with careful, systematic steps, you can protect your safety, minimize further damage, and facilitate your insurance claim. Remember, your immediate focus should be safety and documentation, followed by temporary repairs, professional evaluation, and long-term rebuilding.

When in doubt, consult qualified professionals—trusted resources like GetFixn.com can connect you with experienced contractors who understand wildfire rebuilds and safety standards.

Stay calm, stay safe, and take deliberate action. Your recovery begins now.