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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.

Top 10 Tips for Residents Impacted by the Los Angeles Wildfires

1

Stay Safe: Your Top Priority

  • Secure shelter, meals, and essential supplies. Contact organizations like the Red Cross for assistance with food, clothing, and temporary accommodations.
  • Be cautious when visiting fire-damaged properties. Wear sturdy boots and gloves to
    protect yourself.
  • Fire-damaged areas may still pose risks like unstable structures, soot, or hazardous materials.
  • Monitor air quality in your area and avoid areas with dangerous levels. Visit AirNow.gov

2

Register with Disaster Relief Agencies

  • Sign up with shelters, the Red Cross, FEMA, and local agencies. This ensures you're on aid distribution lists and can access support quickly.
  • These registrations are critical if FEMA is activated to provide broader disaster relief.

3

Get a PO Box and Forward Your Mail

  • Secure a PO Box to centralize your mail, as your home address may no longer be accessible.
  • Use the PO Box for insurance claims, aid forms, and any correspondence during recovery.

4

Contact Your Insurance Carrier Immediately

  • Notify your insurance company to activate "Loss of Use" coverage, which can provide immediate funds for essentials like clothing, toiletries, and meals.
  • Work with your insurer to understand your policy limits for temporary housing and personal property claims.

5

Contact a Certified Restoration Provider

  • Work with your insurance provider to get referrals for licensed and certified restoration contractors.
  • Verify that the contractor is certified through the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) to ensure quality and compliance.
  • A professional restoration provider will help you navigate cleanup and repairs safely and efficiently.

6

Search for Long-Term Rentals Early

  • Begin looking for a rental property that matches your needs, as housing demand may surge after a wildfire.
  • Coordinate with your insurance carrier to ensure direct payments for temporary housing costs.

7

Start Documenting Your Losses

  • Create a detailed inventory of your belongings, organized by room. Include descriptions, brand names, and estimated replacement costs.
  • Save all receipts for purchases and keep track of additional living expenses for insurance reimbursement.

8

Notify Utilities and Cancel Services

  • Freeze or cancel services like electricity, gas, and subscriptions. Forward any relevant accounts to your PO Box to avoid missed bills or extra fees.

9

Inform Local Businesses of Your Situation

  • When purchasing essentials, let store owners know you’ve been affected by the wildfire. Many businesses may offer discounts or special assistance.

10

Lean on Your Community and Network

  • Connect with other fire victims to share resources and advice. Rebuilding is a long and challenging process, but collective support can ease the burden.

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.

Recovering from Wildfire Losses

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.

Commercial Property Contents

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.

Learn More About Wildfire Restoration for Commercial Properties

Residential Property Contents

Learn More About Wildfire Restoration for Residential Properties

Wildfire Preparedness & Recovery Resources

National and local organizations have a number of resources to help people prepare for wildfires and recover in the aftermath of a fire.

Local (Los Angeles & Southern California)

The following organizations publish regular updates on the Southern California wildfires and provide important information for residents and businesses in affected communities:

National

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:

Contractor Certifications, Licences, and Training

Check that your contractor is certified to perform restoration services before hiring them.

IICRC – Institute of Inspection Cleaning, Restoration, and Certification

CSLB – Contractors State License Board

RIA – Restoration Industry Association

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