What To Do After a Fire: A Survivor-Informed Guide
After the Fire USA is an initiative of Rebuild Northbay Foundation, a registered nonprofit (501c3 & 501c4). We help communities navigate megafires across the American West by collaborating with public officials, private sector partners, and nonprofit organizations while supporting community-led recovery.
We asked for tips from many wildfire disaster survivors who want you to know they are here when and if you need them. They’ve created this list for you with love.
We Need to Talk… But How?
After a wildfire, communication quickly becomes one of the biggest challenges. With traditional systems often down, survivors recommend using a mix of tools to stay connected and informed.
Two-Way Radios:
If you can access them and keep them charged, two-way radios are incredibly effective. Even months after a disaster, cell phone towers may still be down or damaged, making these a reliable option.
HAM Radios:
They may seem old school, but HAM radios are extremely useful. They allow communication locally, regionally, nationally, and even globally when other systems fail.
Social Media:
Social media platforms can be helpful during disasters, but they can also become overwhelming and filled with misinformation. Creating a closed group for your local community can help keep information more reliable and manageable.
Slack:
A free Slack license and training for those who have the bandwidth to run it – this is a short, mid and long-term solution. After megafires, people disperse wide and far. This platform allows for channels, moderations, vetting of information, and is trauma-informed as not everyone is ready for next steps at the same time. Tip: Only allow fire survivor community members (or veteran survivors, if you wish) into the Slack. Information can be relayed to elected officials, press, contractors, etc. in other ways, but using information gleaned from channels.
Managing Medications After a Fire
After a fire, it’s critical to check all medications carefully. Inspect any drugs that may have been exposed to heat, water, or loss of refrigeration. If you are unsure whether they are safe to use, the FDA provides guidance at 1-888-463-6332.
You will need a system to obtain, distribute, refrigerate, and refill medications as soon as possible. If this process is not in place quickly, contact your healthcare provider or seek help at a Disaster Assistance Center.
Do not go without your medications.
Accessing Cash Assistance
Immediate cash assistance is essential after a wildfire, especially since many livelihoods are connected to home maintenance and local work. Cash is one of the most flexible and useful forms of support during this time.
Supporting the Local Economy
As soon as you are able, support local businesses that have survived. Without community support, many may fail quickly and not return.
Local economic recovery plays a key role in rebuilding social connections and long-term stability. This is another reason why cash assistance is so important.
What Can I Buy for Survivors? What Might I Need for Myself?
Please only donate NEW items.
After a fire, both survivors and those supporting them often ask what is actually useful. Below is a practical list based on real survivor needs.
Basic Essentials
These are the most immediate and important items needed for daily survival.
- Potable water
- Backpacks
- Pens + accordion file folders for holding new paperwork (absolute must)
- Easy non-perishable foods
Tip: If there is access to cooking (gas, BBQ), consider culturally appropriate, healthy food kits in clear gallon Ziploc bags. For example, meal kits with tomatillos, onions, carrots, dried beans, rice, etc., can be prepared and distributed.
Hygiene Kits
Personal hygiene becomes essential for health, dignity, and comfort.
- Toothbrush + toothpaste
- Soap
- Shampoo + conditioner
- Feminine hygiene products
- Adult and child diapers
- Hairbrush, comb
- Face wash
- Hair clips
- Basic makeup
- Baby formula
Clothing
New clothing items are critical as many survivors lose everything.
- Underwear
- Socks
- Shoes
(All items should be NEW.)
Items for Children
Children need comfort, stability, and small sources of normalcy.
- Backpacks
- Comfort items (stuffed animals, small blankets, etc.)
- Art supplies
- Books (small, portable)
- Small toys
Items for Pets
Pets are part of the family and require proper care and consistency.
- Pet food
- Pet medications
- Leashes / collars
- Crates
If you are donating to someone, remember that animals usually cannot change their diet suddenly—always ask first.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Protection is necessary when returning to affected areas.
- Sifters
- Gloves
- N95 masks
- Goggles
- Dedicated shoes
Ash can be oily and toxic, so proper protection is important.
How to Pay? How to Donate?
When supporting fire survivors, it’s important to give in ways that are practical and immediately useful.
Preferred Donation Methods:
- Gift credit cards or store cards (when they are known to be usable)
- Local organizations working directly with affected communities
Important Tip:
Always ensure gift cards are valid and usable. Avoid sending cards that may not work or are restricted.
Recommended Options:
- Walmart and Target gift cards are highly effective since they allow survivors to purchase a wide range of essentials in one place
- Amazon wish lists or registries can be used once delivery services are restored
Where Can I Live?
Housing after a wildfire can be one of the biggest challenges. While government support exists, it may take time.
FEMA Housing Support:
- A “Housing Mission” is typically requested through your county
- However, this process can be slow and may not meet immediate needs
Community-Led Solutions:
- Create or join local support groups (for example, Facebook pages)
- Connect those with available shelter to those in need
- Contact vacation rental companies for temporary housing
- Use a small, trusted team to coordinate outreach
Navigating Insurance, Agencies, and Processes
After a wildfire, survivors often face complex systems involving insurance, FEMA, and financial institutions. Support and persistence are key.
Basic Needs Support:
- Backpacks
- Pens
- Accordion file folders
(These help organize important documents and paperwork.)
Insurance Assistance:
Organizations like United Policyholders help with claims and insurance guidance. If you are wondering what to do after a fire with no insurance, or looking for organizations that help after a fire with no insurance, they can guide you toward resources, disaster assistance programs, and recovery support options.
FEMA Assistance:
- Apply for Federal Emergency Management Agency Individual Assistance (IA)
- Appeal if denied and continue appealing if needed
- Visit Local Assistance Centers for help
Financial Navigation & Support:
- Fannie Mae offers free long-term recovery support
- Covers FEMA, SBA, HUD, insurance, mortgages, and credit concerns
Helpline:
📞 1-855-437-3243 (1-855-HERE2HELP)
I Feel Overwhelmed and Sad. What Now?
This is normal and it feels terrible and surreal. It’s wonderful you have survived, but the grief of knowing others did not, the pain of seeing your home place blackened and charred is overwhelming.
Most people are wonderful and love is in the air, but this does not make everything okay. We get it. This disaster is personal to you and your community, though also surreal because everyone is watching and the national + international news teams are on your streets. Soon, they will be gone and that will feel strange as well.
In the middle of all this, it’s important to remember that you are not expected to “feel okay” right now. Recovery is not just about rebuilding homes — it is also about healing emotionally, and that takes time. Support systems, including disaster medical assistance, are available to help you cope and begin the healing process.
What You Are Feeling Is Normal
Look for the helpers who will stay with you for much longer than the cameras. You can do this. You really can. And we will be here with a vast network of survivors, navigators, policymakers, and more to walk alongside of you. Support such as fire victim assistance is available to help guide you through this recovery process.
Anxiety, irritability, fear, sadness, and bad dreams are all normal responses to significant trauma. You may feel exhausted, unable to focus, or emotionally numb at times — all of this is part of how the mind tries to process what has happened.
Be gentle with yourself. Take things one moment at a time. Even small actions like drinking water, eating regularly, or talking to someone you trust can make a difference.
There is help, and you do not have to go through this alone.
Mental Health Support and Resources
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provides immediate post-disaster emotional support:
📞 1-800-985-5990 (Press 2 for Spanish)
If you are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or unable to cope, reaching out is a strong and important step — not a weakness.
SAMHSA also offers a non-competitive block grant program in partnership with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which helps fund post-disaster mental health services.
- These services are designed and implemented locally
- Your state can request this assistance
- Many communities build counseling programs, support groups, and trauma recovery services through this funding
More details:
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
👉 https://www.samhsa.gov/dtac
Local Mental Health Support Example
In Sonoma County, Dr. Adrienne Heinz worked with the Northern Sonoma County Healthcare Foundation to create a comprehensive Mental Health Care Collaborative. This kind of coordinated approach brings together therapists, counsellors, and community leaders to support survivors over the long term.
This is an example of how communities can come together to create healing spaces — and how recovery includes both physical rebuilding and emotional care.
Here is the entire program with templates, evaluations, forms, instructions: https://med.stanford.edu/fastlab/sonoma.html
If you have any questions, please contact us at [email protected] or visit our website at http://www.afterthefireusa.org.
You can also listen to our podcast, called “How to Disaster” on any podcast platform or watch it on YouTube.
There are over 70 episodes and many on wildfire.
How to Disaster | Podcast on Spotify
19 20 1 SONOMA HWY # 224 SONOMA, CA 9 54 76 | ww w . aft er th efi re us a.or g
After the Fire USA is an initiative of Rebuild Northbay Foundation, a registered nonprofit (501c3 & 501c4). We help communities navigate wildfires across the American West. We collaborate with public officials (regional, state and federal), private sector, nonprofit community, and support community led and designed recovery.
EIN/TAX ID: 82-3266893
FAQs
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What should I do first after a wildfire?
Start by focusing on immediate safety, finding shelter, and accessing basic needs like food, water, and essential documents. Connect with local assistance centers and trusted organizations for guidance on next steps.
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How can I get financial help after a wildfire?
You can apply for assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), seek help from insurance providers, and contact financial support programs like those offered by Fannie Mae for recovery guidance.
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What if my FEMA application is denied?
If your application is denied, you should file an appeal as soon as possible. Continue appealing if needed and visit local assistance centers for additional support and documentation help.
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What is the best way to help wildfire survivors?
The most effective way to help is by donating usable gift cards (like Walmart or Target), supporting local organizations, or contributing to verified community recovery efforts. Always ensure donations are practical and usable.
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How can I get emotional support after a wildfire?
Feelings of sadness, anxiety, and stress are completely normal after a disaster. You can contact SAMHSA for free support at 📞 1-800-985-5990 (press 2 for Spanish) or seek local mental health services funded through FEMA partnerships with Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.