The Thomas Fire and Creek Fire have destroyed hundreds of homes and led to the evacuation of over 110,000 people as a number of wildfires continue raging throughout Southern California.

Residents living near any of the fires are encouraged to have a “Go Bag” packed with essentials to last them at least three days, and a list of valuables in case an immediate evacuation is required.

These essentials can include the six “P’s” outlined by the Los Angeles County Fire Department:

• People and pets
• Papers, phone numbers, and important documents
• Prescriptions, vitamins, and eyeglasses
• Pictures and irreplaceable memorabilia
• Personal computers (information on hard drive and disks)
• “Plastic” (credit cards, ATM cards) and cash.

KHTS has a checklist for evacuating here.

Once evacuated, homeowners should go to the designated evacuation center outlined by public officials, while seeking more long-term housing like a hotel or Airbnb.

The room sharing site, Airbnb, is offering $0 stays for victims of natural disasters through the site’s “Open Homes” program, where residents can offer up extra space in their homes to evacuees.

To seek shelter or offer your home to victims, visit the Airbnb website.

How To Receive Financial Assistance

The Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, has allocated financial assistance for the victims of the Rye Fire, Thomas Fire, Creek Fire and Skirball Fire, according to their website.   

Visit the Disaster Assistance website to apply for assistance to individuals and families who have lost their homes as a result of these California brush fires.

FEMA has provided a digital pamphlet on the next steps for fire victims, including how to handle fire-damaged items, safety precautions when entering a damaged home and more.

If you are a renter or homeowner you may qualify for assistance.  By law, FEMA assistance cannot duplicate the assistance you receive from your insurance company, but you may receive assistance for items not covered by insurance, according to officials.

The agency advises contacting your insurance company right away.  Some companies may ask you to make a list of everything that was damaged by the fire. They will ask you to describe these items in detail and say how much you paid for them.

“Homeowner’s insurance doesn’t prevent fires, but it will make you whole in the event that you have an incident or you have a disaster,” said Jeff Girard, co-host of “Total Financial Solutions Safer Money Hour.” “But the key here is to remember that insurance policies can be complex– what you think is covered may not be covered.”

What’s included in a policy can depend on a variety of risk factors that have been carefully assessed by the insurance carrier, said Girard.

The American Red Cross recommends to prepare a list of damaged or lost items and provide receipts if possible. Consider photographing or videotaping the damage where it occurred for further documentation to support your claim.

If possible, keep damaged items or portions of those items until the claims adjuster has visited your home. Do not throw away anything you plan to claim without discussing it with your adjuster first.

The Red Cross also stresses the importance of “Recovering Emotionally” during the days and weeks after the fire.

Natural disasters are upsetting experiences for everyone involved. Children, senior citizens, people with disabilities and people for whom English is not their first language are especially at risk.

How To Survey The Damage

Once the Fire Department has deemed the structure safe to enter, residents can survey the damage caused by the disaster.  

“Do not enter a damaged home or apartment unless the fire department says it is safe. Fires can start again, even if they appear to be out,” caution Fire officials. “Watch for damage caused by the fire. Roofs and floors maybe damaged and could fall down.”

Check the outside of your home before you enter.

Look for loose power lines, broken or damaged gas lines, foundation cracks or other damage. See if porch roofs and overhangs still have all their supports.If you see damage on the outside,it could indicate that the inside of your home is seriously unsafe.

Ask a building inspector or contractor to check the structure before you enter.

If there is no significant visible outside damage, then check inside. Carefully open the door. If it is jammed, do not force it open. It may be providing support to the structure of your home. If you force open the door, it may cause parts of your home to collapse or become more damaged. Find another way to enter your home.

Once inside, see the Red Cross’ detailed guide for surveying, repairing or rebuilding your home.

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