Action Plan for Fire Victims: Immediate Steps to Rebuild & Recover ❤️

Navigating life during and after a devastating loss caused by fires is overwhelming, and it can feel impossible to know where to start. I want to share this list of immediate actionables to provide some guidance and help you regain control during this difficult time. It’s a mix of practical tips and emotional support!

---

Start with the Small List: Immediate Steps to Take

1. Get a PO Box 📬
   Secure a PO Box to manage your mail. Forward everything there—it’s a small step that helps you stay organized. PO Boxes may become a commodity during this time, so it’s advisable to obtain one sooner rather than later.
2. Find a Long-Term Rental 🏡
   Work with your insurance company to include rental payments under “Loss of Use.” Find a home that feels comfortable; don’t settle. You might be living there for a while—possibly up to two years—so make sure it’s a place you like.I can obviously be a huge help here—finding a rental or furnished lease is right in my wheelhouse as a real estate professional. During this conversation, we can also discuss timelines, next steps, and both long- and short-term goals as they relate to housing, insurance, schools for kids, mortgages, and more. I am here to ensure you have a clear, actionable list to bring clarity and focus during this chaotic time.
3. Stock Up on Supplies 🛠️
   Invest in sturdy boots, gloves, and shovels. These will be essential tools as you begin cleanup and recovery.
4. Start Your Personal Property List 📝
   Begin documenting everything you’ve lost. This process is challenging, and it’s okay to feel emotional (you’re not alone). To make it easier, carry a notebook or use your phone to jot down memories as they come to you. Here’s how to approach this critical task:
   • Replacement Cost: Record the cost to replace each item at full price—not discounted or on sale. For example, use the price a retailer like Pottery Barn lists for a comparable item today, not the price you paid with a 50% off coupon.
   • List Everything: Even if your total losses exceed your policy limit, include every item. This is crucial because any amount above your policy limit is considered a loss and can be claimed on your taxes (see #6 in the Big List for more details).
5. Save Every Receipt 🧾
   Your insurance often covers incidentals—think hairbrushes, phone chargers, or even a new outfit. Keep all receipts to submit for reimbursement.
6. Ask for Discounts 🤝
   When shopping for essentials, share your situation with store owners. Many businesses will offer discounts to help fire victims—it’s a small act of kindness that makes a big difference.
7. Accept Help 💕
   Let friends and family run errands or shop for you. It’s okay to lean on your community—they want to help, and you deserve the support. Shopping for essentials isn’t fun anymore; it’s a painful reminder of what’s been lost. Let others take some of that burden.
8. Seek Emotional Support 🧠
   Local mental health services are offering free emotional support. Organizations like NAMI Westside Los Angeles provide peer and family support groups. Additionally, the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health offers a 24/7 Help Line at (800) 854-7771 for immediate assistance. Many mental health professionals are offering pro bono services during this time; please reach out if you need support.

---

The Big List: Essential Long-Term Actions

1. Register Everywhere 📋
   Sign up with local shelters, the Red Cross, FEMA and any available disaster relief organizations. These registrations ensure you receive assistance, updates, and resources.
2. Contact Homeowner or Rental Insurance 📞
   Trigger your “Loss of Use” coverage to fund temporary housing. This should also provide immediate funds for essentials like clothes, food, and toiletries.
3. Start a Personal Property Inventory 🛋️
   As detailed in step 4 above, organize by room and list every item you lost with its replacement cost. This documentation is essential for your claim and tax filings.
4. Manage Utilities ⚡
   Cancel or freeze your services (electricity, gas, cable, phone, etc.). Redirect your bills to your new PO Box.
5. Secure Permits 🏗️
   Work with your insurance to cover permits for debris removal, erosion control, or setting up a temporary power pole or trailer on your property.
   • Erosion Control 🌧️: If you are on any kind of hill or have sloped property, you will need to implement erosion control measures. This typically requires a permit.
   • Temporary Power Pole/Trailer on Site Permit ⚡: Obtaining a permit for a temporary power pole or on-site trailer early in the rebuilding process can be beneficial.
6. Prepare for Taxes 💵
   You can claim losses on your taxes beyond what your insurance covers. While laws vary, this could result in significant refunds for taxes you’ve paid over several years. Consult a tax professional for guidance.
7. Continue to Pay Your Mortgage Payment (PITI) 💰
   Even during this challenging time, it’s crucial to continue paying your mortgage (Principal, Interest, Taxes, and Insurance). While relief programs may be available in the future, those details will need to be worked out with your specific lending institution—or the institution that now owns your loan. If you have any questions, please reach out to me. I’ve partnered with several amazing lenders who are ready to help, even if they didn’t originate your loan.
8. Network with Others 🤝
   Start by looking on Facebook (ie – Los Angeles Fire Victims Support Group) and other online platforms for groups and resources specifically for fire victims. Your real estate professionals (myself included) will also start fostering these connections to help you feel supported and informed. You are going through trauma—being part of a group or community will make this horrific experience just a little more manageable. Sharing your journey with others can help turn the impossible into something you can navigate, one step at a time.
   • I will be hosting a GRIEF Happy Hour on January 20, 2024 from 5 PM to 7 PM. The location is still TBD. The initial idea was to create a space for friends, family, and community members processing post-election grief to come together and find support with like-minded individuals. Given the challenges we now face, I’m extending this invitation to anyone dealing with grief—whether related to the fires, the election, or other personal traumas.
   • The evening will include community support and guidance from a trauma-specialized therapist, who will share tools to help navigate the months and years ahead. Reach out to me directly if you would like more information.

---

These steps are daunting, and I want you to know that you’re not alone. Let others help you. Take it one small task at a time. You are resilient, and while this journey is hard, YOU GOT THIS!

Do not hesitate to reach out at (917) 601-0038 or jed@realestate-jedi.com — I AM HERE TO HELP!

Together, we’ll navigate this process. 💕💪🏼