These are important steps that need to be taken as soon as possible...
  • Make sure your family knows you are safe
  • Contact your insurance agent as soon as possible
  • Take care of your health ~ read this: How to detoxify when air pollution is high 
  • Contact your pharmacy and alert them that you will need a refill immediately - they should be able to contact your doctor for you
  • Smoke inhalation problems can appear or last after the fire has been put out. Call your doctor if symptoms include a persistent cough, wheezing, vomiting, high temperature or breathing difficulties
  • Track your expenses. Save all of your receipts - even for things like a hairbrush, phone chargers, etc. All of it!
  • Get a PO Box and have all of your mail forwarded to it ~ right now all of your mail is being directed to the post office at
    554 Vallombrosa Ave
    ​Chico, CA 95926
  • Get registered online with FEMA  * 800-621-3362
    they are located locally at: 
    ​Courthouse at Meriam Park
    1775 Concord Ave
    Chico, CA 95928
    There are some insurance companies set up on site as well...

Contact Your Insurance Agent

This is one of the duties listed in the Conditions section of your policy, to give prompt notice to the company and allow the insurer and its representatives to immediately inspect all damaged property. You should also request a certified copy of your policy.

Home Inventory Checklist

Start working on the personal property /home inventory list (this is not fun at all, be prepared to cry). Write down the moment you remember – keep list on phone or pad of paper with you at all times.
​This list can be helpful in jogging your memory as well. Download it and print it out if you can.
home inventory checklist.pdf
File Size: 161 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Your next Home

If you are in need of housing, please check www.campfirehousing.org

​The next step will be to ensure you and your family have temporary housing. Even if your home is still standing, the damage & conditions may make it unavailable to you for months... You’re entitled to suitable housing to maintain your standard of living. You may be able to get an advance payment to get you started, which will be part of your Additional Living Expenses (ALE) coverage in your policy.
You will also need to take care of pressing personal needs like getting vital medicines replaced,
eyeglasses/contact lenses, as well as clothing and other personal items.

Other expenses, if more than your normal expenses, may be covered under ALE, such as:
• Fee for credit checks charged by management of a rental property
• Laundry and dry cleaning
• Restaurant meals
• Furniture
• Pet boarding
• Additional mileage expense
• Storage space
• Sewer fee (if you didn’t have one before for your previous home)
• Mailing expenses related to your claim
• Internet/utility/cable connection setup fees

** Again, please keep all receipts for every purchase. Maybe keep a notes file updated on your phone.

Find out if you have an ALE monetary cap. Ask your agent (or review your policy) to learn whether your ALE coverage is limited or capped either by time (12-24 months) or monetarily (Actual Loss Sustained).

Are you a young renter?

If you were renting a house or apartment and you are claimed as a dependent, your parents home insurance may cover your personal belongings loss

RESOURCES TO SUPPORT CAMP FIRE SURVIVORS
click above to see all of the resources available in Butte County