As wildfires have ravaged neighborhoods across Los Angeles, Malibu, Pacific Palisades, and other Southern California communities, the destruction is both devastating and widespread. Families fled their homes with little more than essentials, uncertain if their property survived the flames. Others are grappling with the heartbreaking loss of cherished belongings, homes, and even loved ones. For homeowner associations (HOAs) and their residents, this crisis underscores the critical importance of preparation, communication, and resilience. There are key steps that individuals and communities can take to protect lives, manage risks, and prepare for recovery in the aftermath.
Health and Safety: The Top Priority
In any wildfire emergency, safeguarding lives must come before all else.
- Evacuate Early: If evacuation orders are issued – or even recommended – residents should leave immediately. Fires can spread unpredictably, often leaving little time to act. Essentials like important documents, medications, and personal items should be packed, and all family members and pets accounted for.
- Stay Informed: Staying up to date with fire progression and evacuation zones is vital. Residents should monitor updates from CAL FIRE (https://www.fire.ca.gov), local authorities, and emergency services. Apps like Ready for Wildfire (https://readyforwildfire.org) and Watch Duty (https://app.watchduty.org) provide real-time alerts and resources.
- Minimize Smoke Exposure: Wildfire smoke contains harmful particles that can cause respiratory issues. To stay safe, residents should remain indoors with windows and doors closed. Air purifiers can help reduce indoor pollution, and N95 masks are essential when stepping outside.
- Return Only When It’s Declared Safe: Re-entering evacuation zones should occur only when officials declare the area safe. Structural and land instability, toxic debris, and lingering flames can pose serious dangers.
Proactive Insurance Measures
Amid the uncertainty, being prepared for insurance claims can ease the recovery process for homeowners and HOAs alike.
- Document Belongings: Creating a list of possessions, complete with photos or videos, can significantly simplify the claims process if damage occurs.
- Understand Coverage: Reviewing insurance policies is critical. Homeowners should confirm coverage for dwelling replacement, personal property, and additional living expenses (ALE) for evacuation-related costs.
- Keep Receipts: Expenses for evacuation-related lodging, meals, and transportation should be documented, as they may be reimbursable under ALE provisions.
- Review HOA Master Policies: HOAs should ensure that their master insurance policies adequately cover shared structures, landscaping, and common areas.
Support in HOA Communities During Crisis
HOAs play a crucial role in guiding and supporting residents during emergencies like wildfires.
- Use Effective Communication: Transparent and timely updates are essential. HOAs should use emails, text alerts, and community apps to inform residents of evacuation orders, fire updates, and available resources.
- Plan for Recovery: Even while fires are ongoing, HOAs should start planning for post-fire inspections and repairs to expedite the recovery process.
- Get Legal Guidance: Before signing contracts with repair companies or negotiating insurance settlements, HOAs should consult legal counsel to ensure compliance with regulations and avoid potential liabilities.
- Coordinate Support Networks: HOAs can organize volunteer groups to assist displaced residents, connect them to resources, or even arrange temporary accommodations
Avoiding Scams During and After Disasters
Unfortunately, crises often attract scammers looking to exploit vulnerable homeowners and communities.
- Verify Contractors: Homeowners and HOAs should verify licenses and insurance with the California Contractors State License Board (https://www.cslb.ca.gov) before hiring contractors.
- Donate Wisely: Donations should be made only to verified charities. Trusted platforms like Charity Navigator (https://www.charitynavigator.org) and the Better Business Bureau (https://www.bbb.org) can help identify legitimate organizations.
- Stay Alert to Fraud: Suspicious individuals claiming to represent FEMA or insurance companies should be reported, especially if they request immediate payments or sensitive information
Fostering Community and Emotional Support
The emotional toll of wildfires can be profound, affecting the well-being of residents long after the flames subside.
- Access Mental Health Resources: Wildfires can be traumatic, and free counseling services are often available for disaster-affected families and individuals.
- Build Community Connections: HOAs can organize check-ins or resource-sharing events to foster a sense of support and solidarity among residents.
- Support Vulnerable Residents: Seniors, children, and those with disabilities may require extra assistance. Checking in on neighbors ensures that no one is left behind.
Preparing for a Resilient Future
As wildfires become an ever-present threat in California, long-term preparation is vital for homeowners and communities.
- Update Fire Safety Plans: HOAs should regularly review and enhance emergency preparedness plans, focusing on evacuation routes, communication protocols, and fire mitigation strategies.
- Invest in Fire-Resistant Measures: Fire-resistant building materials and defensible landscaping practices can reduce the risk of damage.
- Advocate for Community Preparedness: HOAs and residents can collaborate with local officials to improve fire prevention measures, such as clearing brush, creating firebreaks, and ensuring access for emergency responders.
Despite the devastation caused by the wildfires, Southern Californians have consistently demonstrated extraordinary resilience and solidarity. Families who have recently lost homes, belongings, or loved ones are grieving deeply, while others anxiously await news about their properties.
In these challenging times, the strength of communities lies in their ability to come together, support one another, and plan for the future. By taking proactive steps and fostering a spirit of cooperation, homeowners and HOAs can navigate the current crisis and emerge stronger, more united, and better prepared for whatever challenges lie ahead.
Cory Neubauer
Managing Partner
Cory Neubauer, co-founder of NEXTIER Insurance Services Inc., brings over two decades of expertise in commercial real estate and HOA insurance. As an active member of Echo, CACM, and multiple CAI chapters across California, Cory is dedicated to educating and supporting HOA property management professionals and board members in optimizing insurance coverage to protect their communities
