Read below for post-fire mitigation activities, useful resources and and claims contact information.
After the Wildfire
- Keeping you and your family safe
Be aware of new safety issues. Avoid hot ash, smoldering debris and live embers. The ground may contain heat pockets that can burn you or even spark another fire
- Listen to authorities to find out when it is safe to return and whether water is safe to drink.
- If you and your family are safe, consider text messages or social media to reach out to family, friends and employees.
Phone systems are often busy during and after an emergency. Consider those in extreme danger.
- Never assume fire-damaged structures are stable; they may have structural damage.
- Personal health and hygiene protection
- Wear a NIOSH-certified respirator.
- Wet debris to minimize breathing in harmful dust particles.
- Keeping hands clean during an emergency helps prevent the spread of germs. If your tap water is not safe to use, wash your hands with soap and water that has been boiled or disinfected.
- If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol. Hand sanitizers are not effective when hands are visibly dirty.
Cleaning Tips
- Products containing tri-sodium phosphate (TSP) can reduce odors in fabrics. Test garments before using any treatment and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Use a mixture of 1 cup of household cleaner or chlorine bleach to every gallon of warm water to remove soot and smoke from walls, furniture and floors. Surfaces should then be rinsed with clean, warm water.
- Wear rubber gloves and consider protective eyewear and a respirator.
Resources
- Department of Homeland Security
- National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration
- National Fire Protection Association
- U.S. Wildfire Activity Map
- Disaster Shelters | Find Shelters | American Red Cross
Insurance Recovery
- Documentation is key.
- Photograph as much as possible.
- Keep an inventory of everything that is lost and/or discarded due to health reasons.
- Have your homeowners and other insurance policy numbers related to your property readily available.
- Notify your carrier as soon as possible and contact Oswald.
Claims Contact Information
Experiencing a loss can be stressful and confusing. Reporting a claim should not be. If you have a claim to report, ALWAYS contact your carrier immediately, it’s the fastest way to get claims processed. Insurance carrier claims teams are available 24/7.
If you cannot access your carrier, contact Oswald Companies at 855-467-9253 (844-4OSWALD) as soon as possible.
Note: This communication is for informational purposes only. Although every reasonable effort is made to present current and accurate information, Oswald makes no guarantees of any kind and cannot be held liable for any outdated or incorrect information. View our communications notice.
