Top 10 “What To Do or Don’t Do Right Now” from Fire Survivor Communities
Experiencing a wildfire is devastating. In a matter of hours, homes, businesses, pets, and entire communities can be affected. The aftermath can feel overwhelming, confusing, and emotionally exhausting. Many survivors describe feeling unsure of what steps to take first, who to trust, and how to start rebuilding.
We are so sorry this happened to your home — which includes your houses, businesses, pets, etc. It is devastating and unimaginable until it is reality. We know. We’ve been there and then we’ve been to virtually everywhere a megafire has devastated since 2017. This is your recovery to lead; the rest of us need to support YOUR experience.
This guide is based on insights from wildfire survivors and responders, covering Day 1 through Day 30 of recovery. It is designed to help you navigate the chaos, connect with support networks, and prioritize what matters most while keeping you safe. Recovery isn’t linear, and it’s okay to feel uncertain. You are not alone.
Top 10 Things to Do (and Not Do)
1. Lead Your Own Recovery
Your recovery journey is personal. While others may offer guidance, the decisions about rebuilding, returning, and prioritizing needs are yours to make. Take your time, assess your situation, and lead with confidence.
2. Hold Onto the Kindness Around You
People are generally wonderful, and we see you there, stepping up and helping out your friends, neighbors and total strangers because it is the right thing to do. It is what Rebecca Solnit calls, “A Paradise Built in Hell.” Hold onto this love in the air.
Even in the darkest times, acts of kindness can give hope. Allow yourself to be supported, and also support others when you can. Connection and compassion can strengthen communities and individual resilience alike.
3. Recognize the Types of People Who Will Show Up
Three types of people will show up after disaster: those who want to sell you something, those who want to help you, those who want to defraud you. How to navigate? Make sure you don’t make any quick decisions, no matter how much you want to because this is a deeply traumatic event, and you (reasonably) want your life back.
It’s natural to want to move quickly and reclaim your life, but take your time to verify information and offers. Lean on trusted sources and survivor networks for guidance.
4. Watch for Fraud and Scammers
So sorry. They will tell you to settle, to pay off your mortgages, sell your land, to give them large checks to rebuild now, to convince you they are superheroes. They are not. DO NOT PAY OFF YOUR MORTGAGE. For financial navigation, there is a free service (for anyone) called Here 2 Help: 1.855-HERE2HELP (Thank you Fannie Mae)
Scammers often exploit vulnerability. Never rush financial decisions or sign agreements without verification. Protect yourself and your family first.
5. Lean on Wildfire Survivor Communities
Look towards wildfire survivor communities to assist you. Do not reinvent the wheel. We want you to start way ahead of us. We can help. WE ARE NOT ASKING YOU FOR MONEY NOW OR LATER.
Survivor communities have lived experience, practical advice, and emotional support to help you navigate recovery faster and more safely. Engaging with these networks can save time, stress, and mistakes.
6. Embrace “I Don’t Know”
“I don’t know” are Super Power words. Do not fear the “I don’t know.” Do be wary of those who say they know it all. Do be wary of those who do not listen to you. You know your community.
Admitting uncertainty is not a weakness. Recognizing what you don’t know allows you to gather information, make better decisions, and surround yourself with people who truly listen and understand your needs.
7. Ask for Help and Don’t Fear Mistakes
Ask for anything you need. Ask and don’t be afraid to be wrong. Do not worship perfection. You will make mistakes and that is fine. You will make the terrible better by leaning in, loving hard, and being fierce and humble. It may seem impossible, but I promise you got this….
Recovery is full of trial and error. Asking for help is a strength, and making mistakes is normal. Focus on progress, not perfection.
8. Don’t Try to Handle Everything Alone
But don’t try to “got this” alone. There is no one person, one sector, one NGO, one agency who can do all or even most alone. This moment is Survival of the Kindest – and kind people are strong people. Strong people also need mental health care, breaks, breaths.
No single person or organization can do it all. Take breaks, access mental health resources, and accept support. Collaboration and self-care are vital to sustainable recovery.
9. Go Through Recovery Together
You will get through it. How? By going through it. I hate that answer too. But you will not be alone. We have a vast and deep network of people who will support you. You will walk through this event and to the other side together.
Recovery is not a solo journey. Support and connection with others help lighten the burden, provide guidance, and offer emotional resilience.
10. Read, Reflect, and Welcome the Community
Read this list again. Breath. Cry. There was then and this is now After the Fire. Ever thus. Welcome to our terrible club full of the most wonderful people on the planet. We are all here for you. All the days and months and years ahead. There’s a lot of Hope in the Dark.
Reflection and community engagement can provide hope and perspective. Recovery takes time, but each step forward matters.