Rebuilding After Tragedy: Supporting Los Angeles Fire Survivors

In the wake of the devastating fires in Los Angeles, my heart goes out to all those affected. When I founded Creates Cool years ago, our first offering was free schematic and conceptual design services for survivors of the Santa Rosa fires in the Bay Area. I firmly believed then, as I do now, that architecture can be a tool for healing, rebuilding, and moving forward. Since those early days, we have expanded our efforts to help across the entire state and even in other parts of the country.

Thanks to our previous experience and deep knowledge of building codes and laws at both the state and local levels, we understand how design and permitting can become significant pain points during the rebuilding process. To address this, we are actively working with state and local jurisdictions to lighten and streamline permit requirements and timelines. By advocating for expedited reviews and simplified permitting processes, we aim to help communities rebuild faster and more efficiently. These efforts are critical to reducing delays and allowing families to begin their recovery as soon as possible.

We also continue to provide free initial design services to those impacted by natural disasters. Offering these services reflects our belief that no one should have to navigate the complexities of rebuilding alone. Our team creates schematic and conceptual designs tailored to your specific site and needs, incorporating fire-resilient strategies to ensure safer homes for the future. This approach allows survivors to envision their next steps with clarity and confidence, at no cost to them.

While this is a difficult period, there are critical steps that need to be taken quickly. Here’s what to focus on in the first 30 days:

In the First 30 Days: What to Do

1. Secure Temporary Housing:

• If you have insurance, check if your policy includes ALE (Additional Living Expenses) coverage to cover hotel stays and basic living costs. Platforms like Airbnb and VRBO often offer programs for wildfire evacuees.
• For uninsured individuals, local rescue shelters provide food, temporary housing, and long-term assistance plans.

2. Return to Your Property Safely:

• Follow county orders before accessing your property.
• Use heavy-duty boots, masks, and other protective gear. Hidden embers or falling debris can be dangerous.

3. Visit Disaster Response Centers:

• These centers help with vital document replacement, FEMA and SBA assistance, and connecting with nonprofits like the Red Cross.

4. Forward Your Mail and Cancel Utilities:

• Set up mail forwarding through USPS to ensure you receive important correspondence, including insurance-related documents.
• Cancel utilities like garbage services if necessary.

5. Focus on Mental Health:

• Traumatic events like losing a home can have lasting emotional impacts. Agencies like NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) and the Disaster Distress Helpline (1–800–985–5990) offer counseling and resources to support recovery.

6. Organize Insurance Claims:

• Notify your insurance provider promptly, document losses, and consider consulting a third-party adjuster to advocate for you.

7. Plan for Debris Removal:

• Counties often organize debris removal, but private services can expedite the process. Preserving your foundation, if possible, can save significant rebuilding costs.

Key Resources for Los Angeles Fire Survivors

• Los Angeles County Emergency Services
  Access updates on evacuation zones, safety alerts, and recovery resources on their official website.
• City of Los Angeles Emergency Management Department
  Provides guidance and resources for wildfire recovery, including disaster response centers. Visit their website.
• FEMA Assistance
  Learn about applying for disaster assistance through FEMA here.
• California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES)
  Offers statewide wildfire recovery resources, including disaster assistance programs and recovery updates. Check their website.
• Insurance Advocacy
  Organizations like United Policyholders offer guidance on navigating insurance claims.
• Mental Health Support
  Access free counseling and support through the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1–800–985–5990. Local resources and support groups are also available through NAMI.
• 211 LA County
  A comprehensive source for information and referrals for health and human services in LA County, including disaster-related assistance. Visit 211 LA.
• Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles — Disaster Recovery Resource List
  Offers resources and assistance for individuals affected by disasters, including wildfires. Visit their website.
• United Way of Greater Los Angeles — Wildfire Response Resources
  Focuses on longer-term recovery efforts to support community members affected by wildfires. Visit United Way LA.
• Outsmart Disaster
  Provides information on programs for long-term recovery and support for affected communities. Visit Outsmart Disaster.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and for sharing it with anyone who may need support during this challenging time. Although this is a difficult period, taking these steps can help set a solid foundation for recovery. As always, we’re here to help. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out here.