Below please see a guide we have prepared that should be followed by everyone impacted during these difficult times: ​

‍Immediate Actions After the Fire
‍Contact Your Insurance Company: File a claim promptly and request a copy of your policy. Consider hiring an independent adjuster on a per-diem basis to represent your interests.
Reach Out to Your Mortgage Servicer: Request a loan forbearance to pause payments temporarily.
Notify Utility Providers: Cancel services for gas, water, electricity, internet, and others, backdated to the date of the loss.
File for Property Tax Relief: Complete the California Property Tax Disaster Relief Form (ADS-820.2).
Apply for Disaster Assistance: Visit DisasterAssistance.gov to apply for individual relief programs.​

‍First Steps in Rebuilding
1. Debris Removal: The city will handle the removal of toxic debris from the site at no cost to you.
2. Foundation Assessment: If your foundation is intact, you may be able to reuse it. Have it certified by an engineer for safety compliance.
3. Expedited Permitting: To qualify for the city’s expedited permitting process, the home’s footprint can only change by less than 10%.
4. Obtain City Records: Gather records of your property’s pre-loss condition. While the footprint must remain consistent, interior walls and design can be modified as desired.
5. Permit Submission: Once your redesign and submission package are complete, expect a waiting period of a few months for permit approval. During this time, infrastructure like water, power, and electricity will be restored by the city.
6. Collect Builder Quotes: Hire a company to estimate fair market costs for rebuilding.

​Important Notes
‍Property Taxes: Your home’s property taxes will remain unchanged if you adhere to rebuilding guidelines.
Do Not Sell Your Land for Less: Developers may offer low prices for your property. Instead, if you choose not to rebuild, submit plans to the city for permit approval and sell at a premium.
Know Your Worth: Protect your investment and avoid being taken advantage of during this process.

​Call to Action
‍Stay Informed: Know your rights and options throughout the recovery and rebuilding process.
Act Quickly: Begin filing claims and applying for assistance immediately.
Plan Strategically: Rebuild thoughtfully to maintain your property value and make informed decisions about future steps.