Being caught in a wildfire is easily one of the most intensely traumatic experiences that anyone can go through. Wildfire causes such a devastating impact on victims that its negative effects may linger on long after nature itself has recovered. Such an ordeal can shake anyone right down to the core, leaving them feeling hopeless and confused. If you are victim, this comprehensive guide here https://wagnerjones.com/the-ultimate-butte-county-camp-fire-recovery-guide/ will help set you back on the right path towards recovery.
This article looks at three of the many tips to give you a peek at what the guide has in store for you. Even if you don’t see yourself becoming a wildfire victim, it will still do you well to read on and become prepared for similar incidents.
Your Immediate Steps
The Butte County Camp Fire of 2018 was the most destructive wildfire to date, wreaking massive havoc within in a few short hours after it started. There are countless lessons that can be learned from the tragic Camp Fire incident. One of the most important of these lessons is that you and your family’s safety is an absolute priority. Study all available evacuation routes and plans in case of wildfire. The first few hours are critical and your immediate concern should be to account for every member of your family and then get out of the area as quickly as possible.
Immediately after the wildfire, you likely won’t be able to return home yet. You can while away your time during this period by helping the authorities check on the residents within the affected area. Try to reach everyone you know who might also be victims of the wildfire. If you cannot contact or locate any of your friends and neighbors, make sure to notify the authorities.
After you have done what you can to help, your next move would be to contact your insurance company and to look for legal representation. It will be a good idea to look for lawyers who are experts in wildfire litigation or at least those who have some level of experience in this narrow field of practice.
You may think that wildfire lawsuits are a waste of your time and money. However, utility companies such as the Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) are being made to answer for their role in causing wildfires. Authorities have determined that failures in the powerlines of PG&E have caused many of the wildfires that was recorded in the recent years.
If you were a victim of the Butte County Camp Fire of 2018, you likely still have a case against PG&E. This should provide you some semblance of hope, especially if you don’t have insurance.
On Your First Return Home
Once the authorities declared that is safe for you to return to your home, pick up face masks and spraying bottles prior to driving back to your property. Ash and toxic particles will likely still be floating in the air. You can use the spray bottles spray on surfaces to minimize ash and particles that you might kick up into the air.
Check for any signs of embers that are still smoldering on the exterior and interior of your home, as well as on the ground surrounding your property. Visually inspect the electrical damage to your home. Check the nearby areas for damaged poles, burnt trees, embers and debris.
Prior to returning to the area, your wildfire litigation lawyer will likely have told you not to touch anything and you should strictly follow this advice. You’ll risk losing your insurance claims if you handled anything in your property.
Report the damage that you see on your property to the authorities. Leave the area immediately as burning plastic and electronics pose a major health risk.
Your Legal Options
As mentioned earlier, resist the urge to touch or try to repair anything on your property. Contact your insurance company to know the next steps that you need to take. They will send a representative to evaluate the damage to your property.
You will receive financial help from your insurance company to help get your life back on track. As for legal representation, look for lawyers with expertise in wildfire litigation, personal injury lawyers, property damage lawyers or wrongful death attorneys.
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