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Join ATI Restoration for a Fire Damage & QA Webinar
Tuesday, February 4th | Designed for LA Wildfire Survivors Learn from fire damage experts about smoke cleanup, environmental hazards, restoration, and preventing secondary damage.
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The devastating wildfires in Southern California have destroyed tens of thousands of structures, displaced hundreds of thousands of people, and led to multiple fatalities. With ATI being founded in Southern California, these wildfires hit close to home. ATI is mobilizing in the area, and we have national and local response teams actively working, supporting firefighters through supply drops and providing assistance where needed.
We feel it is important to help however we can. Below, you will find a wide range of resources concerning wildfire preparedness, evacuations, and recovery. We are all in this together, and ATI is ready to provide support however and wherever possible.
Los Angeles County is dedicated to restoring our communities swiftly and safely after the recent wildfires. The debris removal process is divided into two main phases, each managed by different agencies. Residents have the option to participate in the government-run program or manage the cleanup independently by opting out.
Click here for more details on each phase and to access opt in and opt out forms.
Recovery after a wildfire takes time and patience. Focus on one step at a time, rely on trusted friends and family, and utilize all available resources to rebuild your life and home.
Safety should be your first concern when faced with a wildfire. At some point, the fires will be extinguished and people can return to their properties.
Coming back after a wildfire can be devastating. We’re already seeing reports of people who have lost entire homes and businesses, as well as all of their possessions.
Homeowners and business insurance provides coverage for both the structure and the contents inside. It is vital to have a complete list of your belongings and valuable items so your losses are covered following a wildfire or other catastrophe.
We urge every property owner to prepare a complete inventory of contents. Go room by room and write down:
It is helpful to know what contents insurance covers and the losses you may be able to claim after a wildfire. You can find common examples of contents for different types of properties below.
Small-scale cleaning may be possible for businesses (see the American Red Cross DIY guide), but smoke damage cleanup is often complex, hazardous, and time-consuming. Improper handling can worsen the damage. Consider working with professional restoration experts for safer, more effective results.
Religious institutions, schools and universities, libraries, and municipal buildings are all susceptible to damages and losses due to wildfires. A complete inventory of contents is also essential for these properties.
National and local organizations have a number of resources to help people prepare for wildfires and recover in the aftermath of a fire.
The following organizations publish regular updates on the Southern California wildfires and provide important information for residents and businesses in affected communities:
View our piece on the safety or reentering your home after the fires.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) manages disaster response at the national level. If a disaster is declared in your area, visit https://www.disasterassistance.gov to apply for assistance. FEMA also offers a Text Message Program:
Additional wildfire information and resources can be found on the following pages:
Check that your contractor is certified to perform restoration services before hiring them.
IICRC – Institute of Inspection Cleaning, Restoration, and Certification
Locate a Certified Pro: https://iicrc.org/iicrcgloballocator/
CSLB – Contractors State License Board
Verify required state licensing: https://www2.cslb.ca.gov/
RIA – Restoration Industry Association
Trade association offering advanced designations to restoration professionals
Click here for a list of resources