Part 3: Have a plan · Chapter 15

After a fire

Chapter 8 has the records you'll use, and chapter 4 covers your policy.

Who to call first

For medical help, FEMA says to call 9-1-1 ⁷. Otherwise, ready.gov says phone systems are often busy after a disaster, so text or use social media to reach family and friends and make calls only in emergencies ¹. CDI says to start the claims process by contacting your insurance company or agent ². The Disaster Distress Helpline takes calls and texts at 1-800-985-5990 ³.

Going back

Don't return until authorities say so ¹³. CDC says to go back in daylight, when hazards are easier to see, especially if the power is off ³.

What's waiting

• Heat. Hot ash, charred trees, smoldering debris and live embers. The ground may hold heat pockets that can burn you or spark another fire ¹.
• Ash. CDC says to wear gloves, long sleeves, long pants, shoes, socks and goggles, and a NIOSH-approved N95 respirator. Wash ash off your skin, eyes and mouth as soon as you can ³.
• Damaged buildings. Be careful around them. Watch for broken traffic lights, missing street signs and debris on the road ³.
• Utilities and water. CDC lists electrical hazards and carbon monoxide poisoning as cleanup risks. It says private wells can be contaminated and unsafe to drink ³.
• Children. They shouldn't do any cleanup ³.

Your insurer

Photograph the damage and make an inventory, then contact your insurer ¹. Use your chapter 8 records for the inventory, photos and receipts. CDI's tips include:

• Ask for a complete copy of your policy. The law requires your insurer to provide it free within 30 days ⁴.
• Track extra living costs. After a declared catastrophe, your time to collect is no less than 24 months ⁴.
• Keep a diary of every conversation with your insurer ⁴.
• Take your time before signing with a contractor, lawyer or public adjuster, and check licenses ⁴.

Where to find assistance

• CDI: 1-800-927-4357, plus Local Assistance Centers where staff meet people in person ²⁵.
• FEMA: apply at disasterassistance.gov, or call 1-800-621-3362 ¹⁶. FEMA says to take photos, list damage and file an insurance claim before applying ⁷.
• County: LA County Recovers has help and updates for disasters in the county ⁸. 211 LA County gives preparedness information and referrals 24 hours a day ⁹.

Sources

1. Ready.gov, "Wildfires." https://www.ready.gov/wildfires (read 2026-11-09)

2. California Department of Insurance, "Wildfire Resources." https://www.insurance.ca.gov/01-consumers/140-catastrophes/WildfireResources.cfm (read 2026-11-09)

3. CDC, "Safety Guidelines: After a Wildfire." https://www.cdc.gov/wildfires/safety/how-to-safely-stay-safe-after-a-wildfire.html (read 2026-11-09)

4. California Department of Insurance, "Top Ten Tips for Wildfire Claimants." https://www.insurance.ca.gov/01-consumers/140-catastrophes/TopTenTips_WildfireClaimants.cfm (read 2026-11-09)

5. California Department of Insurance, "Local Assistance Centers." https://www.insurance.ca.gov/01-consumers/140-catastrophes/LACs.cfm (read 2026-11-09)

6. DisasterAssistance.gov. https://www.disasterassistance.gov/ (read 2026-11-09)

7. FEMA, "Individual Assistance." https://www.fema.gov/assistance/individual (read 2026-11-09)

8. County of Los Angeles, "LA County Recovers." https://lacounty.gov/recovery (read 2026-11-09)

9. County of Los Angeles Emergency Management, "Preparing for Wildfires." https://ready.lacounty.gov/fire (read 2026-11-09)