LA Fires : Picking Up the Pieces and How to Rebuild Your Life

Tragedy often strikes when you least expect it. Many of my clients, as well as myself, have faced the devastating loss of all our possessions in the LA fires. Homes, cars, everything we owned—gone in an instant. However, we are grateful to be safe, surrounded by family, friends, and the support of our community as we work to pick up the pieces and move forward.

I’d like to share some of my personal experiences and tips with you, in the hope that they might assist other Angelenos in navigating this challenging time.

Document Tasks in Excel Regarding your Claims

Locate Relevant Documents: Ensure all important documents are stored on the cloud. (Many have adopted this habit during the COVID-19 pandemic.)

File Initial Claim: Begin the process with your insurance company.

Discuss with Your Insurance Agent: If your agent is unhelpful, consult an expert to explain your insurance declaration page. Understand potential exclusions and the maximum amount you can collect.

File Actual Claims: Submit your claims to the insurance carrier.

Track Conversations: Document claim numbers, insurance contacts, and conversations, including dates and times. Request a timeframe for claims processing.

Prioritize Tasks and Seek Support

With numerous tasks ahead, it’s crucial to create a prioritization list and maintain the order of priority—no multitasking! Recognize that you and your family cannot handle everything alone. List friends and acquaintances who have offered help, matching tasks to their strengths.

Match your task list to your community helper

For example, a friend who excels at organizing can assist you in creating the task list. Your accountant might help with the loan application. A lawyer can address any insurance issues that arise. Your out-of-town sister-in-law could create a photo album. If you have children, get them back into their daily routine; friends who are not affected can help by taking them to sports events, playgrounds, and other activities.

Gather and Organize Helpful Links

Categorize all helpful links by topic, such as loans, in separate folders. Have a friend review these links with you while working on tasks to ensure thoroughness and accuracy. Please watch this Palisades Disaster Relief Workshop that I recently attended, it is very informative and you may check on link with the helpful resources they shared.

Work provides relief and a sense of control.

Work is something you know and love to do. Don’t overschedule and rethink if you need to find additional help – as you are involved in so many other task rely on your team . But go to work as it is something you can control and love.

Time-off Schedules

Include “time-off” in your daily schedule—go to the gym, speak to a mental health specialist, rabbi, or priest, get a massage, and do something nice for yourself every day.

Spend quality time with friends

Play cards and board games, and turn off the TV. Enjoy a fun book, allow yourself to cry, and get excited about your action plan. Remember, you are blessed to be alive and have a support system. Together, we are strong.

We at Solid Health Insurance Services are deeply saddened by the devastating impact of the LA fires. Our hearts go out to all those who have lost their homes, belongings, and cherished memories. During this challenging time, we stand in solidarity with the victims. Together, we will rise from this tragedy and find strength in our shared resilience.