Eaton Fire Recovery Resources

Get Organized Already has been helping our neighbors in Altadena since 2010 and we will continue that work. This post will pass on some ideas and resources for those with lost or damaged property from the Eaton fire. 

Here’s a small list to get you started from a family who has been through this: 

1. Get a PO Box
2. Longer term rental search – include insurance on it so they pay directly for rental. Find a nice place that you like, don’t settle. You should be able to get a “Like Property” so insurance should cover a nice place for you to live while you work through all this. You might be living here for 2 years, so choose wisely.
3. Procure some sturdy boots and gloves and shovels. Masks for the dust and smoke. 
4. Start working on your personal property list (this is emotional, be prepared to cry). Write down the moment you remember an item – keep list on phone or pad of paper with you at all times. When compiling a list of what you’ve lost, go room by room to help you compile a more complete list. 
5. Save receipts for additional living expenses (ALE) and try to use one designated card or at least one account for all ALE. Loss of use insurance will cover incidentals too – hairbrush, phone chargers, etc. 
6. As you buy things, tell the store owner your situation. Most stores will give you some level of discount as their way of helping you. 
7. Let people do things for you. Do you have a friend that you can send to the store to buy you some basic clothes or comfort foods? Let them do it – they want to help and you don’t need to spend time doing these errands. (The ‘fun’ of shopping is gone…it quickly becomes a chore because you don’t want a new shirt, you want the one that you always liked to wear but now it’s gone and you are sad/mad.)

Get matched with someone to receive clothing for you or your family member through this program. 

From the CA Dept of Insurance website

1. Take note of your Additional Living Expense (ALE) limits and manage your ALE expenses in recognition of a long rebuilding process. Your time to collect ALE after a declared catastrophe is no less than 24 months even if your policy says otherwise; however your amount of coverage is not increased. An extension of up to 12 additional months, for a total of 36 months, should be granted if you encounter delays beyond your reasonable control.
2. Track all of your additional expenses that arise from having to live in another location away from your home. Note: your ALE reimbursement may be offset by your normal cost of living before the fire (i.e., ALE does not pay for your mortgage or expenses you would normally incur) but you are entitled to the same standard of living you had before the fire. ALE will pay for temporary rent, additional mileage, etc.

Obtain a complete copy of your residential homeowner’s insurance policy, including your declarations page. The law requires your insurance company to provide this to you free of charge within 30 days of your request. Ask your agent or insurer representative to explain how much coverage you have (1) to rebuild or repair your home, (2) for your personal belongings, and (3) for living expenses. This should include an explanation of Extended Replacement Cost and Building Code Upgrade coverages if applicable. Ask how to most effectively claim your coverage benefits.

You can request vital and property records free of charge from the LA County recorder

Call 800-201-8999 and select Option 1, followed by Option 2, or email recorder@rrcc.lacounty.gov for assistance. 

Navigating Insurance Claims: United Policy Holders

United Policyholders (UP) is a trusted non-profit providing resources for insurance claims and recovery assistance. Visit their designated page for these fires: 

https://uphelp.org/disaster-recovery-help/2025cawildfires/

Teladoc Health

Teladoc Health offers free, easy-to-access telehealth visits to those affected by natural disasters through phone, video, or app. Call for care: 855-225-5032

https://www.teladochealth.com/info/disaster-hotline

Complementary Contacts & Supplies

San Marino Optometry is offering complimentary contact lenses, contact lens solutions, cases & lubricating eye drops (626) 415-3600.

https://sanmarinooptometry.setmore.com/#address

Further resource list https://agingsgv.org/disaster-relief-recovery/

Unsafe Water

Do not use tap water in evacuated areas for drinking or cooking until further notice. Link to map: 

https://pwp.cityofpasadena.net/pasadena-drinking-water-system-impacted-by-eaton-fire/

1. Using a public adjuster will likely bring a larger settlement than using your insurer’s adjuster because the insurer may give you lower estimates. 
2. Tell your insurer you intend to rebuild (even if you ultimately decide not to.) This may cause your insurer to take your claim more seriously. There may also be additional coverage for rebuilding. 
3. FEMA will offer to clear the debris. Accept this offer unless you have something particular (septic system or other concern.) Otherwise you’ll have to try and recoup the cost of debris removal later which will be more work for you. 

FEMA

The Federal Emergency Management is a federal agency that helps the United States prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters. Mobile App: Search “FEMA” in your app store.

https://www.disasterassistance.gov/

Good Luck to you all. We are here, already helping with the overwhelm if and when you’re ready for hands-on organizing assistance with paperwork or anything else we can do. 

Sincere love and admiration for this community, 

Nonnahs and the Get Organized Already team 

323.230.0297