Returning Home After a Wildfire

Before inspecting your home, turn off power and check for the smell of gas. Inspect your home with a battery-powered flashlight. 

Check grounds for hot spots, smoldering stumps or vegetation. 

Check your roof, attic, and exterior for hidden embers. 

Discard of any food that has been exposed to heat, smoke, or soot. Do not drink water from the faucet until officials say it is okay. 

 Available Help After A Wildfire 

FEMA

FEMA assistance is not available until after an officially declared disaster. After a disaster, individuals may apply for assistance from FEMA's Individuals and Households Program. These programs aid individuals by offering financial assistance and other services that cannot be met through insurance. FEMA's assistance programs include housing, crisis counseling, and legal services, among others. To apply for assistance, please go to www.DisasterAssistance.gov or call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-3362. Disaster survivors who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability and use a Text Telephone (TTY) may call 800-462-7585. Disaster survivors who use 711 or VRS (Video Relay Service) may call 800-621- 3362. Depending on the incident, a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) may be set up locally to apply for these services and check application statuses.

Non-Profits

Immediately after a disaster, established non-profits come together locally and federally to support disaster relief efforts.

• American Red Cross is commonly known for working with local partners to provide meals and snacks to those impacted by disasters. They also support various sheltering operations, provide comfort kits and other relief items, and offer financial aid to qualifying households. You can contact them at 303-722-7474 or visit www.redcross.org.
• The Salvation Army is known for deploying "Canteens" or mobile feeding units. They also provide disaster survivors and workers emotional/ spiritual care and other emergency services. You can contact them at 239- 278-1551 or visit www.salvationarmyleecounty.org.
• Team Rubicon is a volunteer organization that directly supports communities impacted by disaster by offering free debris clearance, expedient home repair services, and more.

Hiring Contractors

• Ask to see a state-issued license to verify: contractor's name, license number, address and specialty.
• If a contractor has multiple employees, ask for their general liability and worker's compensation insurance policies.
• Get written estimates from several licensed contractors and ask for references.
• Avoid paying cash and don't use contractors who want to be paid in full before work begins.
• Check with the City's building department to ensure your permits have been issued.