Personal & Family Recovery
Not all fires cause catastrophic damage, but when there is a loss of life or homes, or when fires are severe, it can take time for our landscapes and communities to recover. The length of time that it takes to recover is unique for each person – it may take several years or longer, depending on the situation.
People may experience a range of emotions after a wildfire: relief, hope, appreciation, anger, helplessness, frustration, sadness, and shock. And immediately after the fire, there is a risk of natural forces (flooding, debris flows, and downed trees) and loss of infrastructure (electricity, water, phone service, and everyday amenities) that can impact your health, safety, home, and landscape.
Whether you are in the immediate aftermath of a wildfire, or planning ahead, the resources on this page are intended to assist you wherever you are in the process.
In 2023, the Washington Fire Adapted Communities Learning Network (WAFAC) developed a Resident Recovery Guide Workbook to help residents and organizations avoid post-fire hazards and begin to recover. It is intended to provide a start to the recovery process. It contains safety information, checklists, financial tips, and resources for assistance. It is intended to provide useful guidance through a difficult time, and to start you, your family, and your community on the road to recovery.
More Personal & Family Recovery Resources
Health and Safety
- Emergency Disinfection of Drinking Water | Environmental Protection Agency
- Drinking Water Alerts | Washington Department of Health
- Recommendations for Staying Safe After a Wildfire | Center for Disease Control
- Safe Cleanup of Fire Ash | New Mexico Health Department
- Floods After Fires | Washington Department of Natural Resources
- Washington State Animal Response Team
Emergency Services (Housing, Food, Healthcare)
Washington State and Local Disaster Assistance Referrals | FEMA
FEMA’s list of agencies and organizations that provide assistance during disasters and emergencies. Groups include those that provide essential needs, insurance guidance, health care services, legal assistance, and more.
How to Replace Vital Documents | USAGov
Instructions on replacing vital documents such as driver’s licenses, birth certificates, and more.
Food Access Network Map | Northwest Harvest
Interactive map of food banks and meal programs across Washington.
Salvation Army Centers | Salvation Army USA
List of local Salvation Army centers, searchable by zip code.
Find Open Shelters and Disaster Relief Services | Red Cross
Interactive map of disaster relief services locations.
Finance
Financial Recovery After a Disaster | Red Cross
Includes a downloadable guide for managing finances after a disaster.
Taxpayer Relief | Department of Revenue
Information for taxpayers impacted by natural disasters, includes recommendations for how to proceed if you cannot pay your taxes on time due to a natural disaster.
Help Your Business Recover | National Disaster Recovery
Tips for business owners after a fire.
Disaster Scams | Oregon State Division of Financial Regulation
A resource guide developed in Oregon about identifying and avoiding scams after a disaster.
Advice for Consumers and Business Owners | Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
Webpage that provides financial advice and more links to resources for recovering financially after a disaster.
Mental and Emotional Support
Recovering Emotionally After a Disaster | Red Cross
Includes resources in many different languages for navigating the emotional impacts of surviving a disaster.
Helping Children Cope with Disaster | FEMA
A booklet offering suggestions for supporting children after they experience a disaster.
Reunification Support | FEMA
Information for people seeking support reunifying with family after a disaster.
Renters
Frequently Asked Questions for Tenants | Oregon Law Center
Focused on renters in Oregon, but contains good advice for renters in general that are impacted by fire.