A Message to Los Angeles: Jonathan’s 5 Tips to Rebuilding After Tragedy

The tragedy of the Palisades and Eaton fires have affected so many families and communities, including Jonathan’s. But because of the efforts of community organization, disaster relief services, and the help of hundreds of volunteers, the rebuilding plans are thankfully far ahead of schedule. This has cast a light of hope in a dark time for so many. However, there is still plenty of work to be done in order to bring families back to their neighborhoods. And with so much disinformation going around, Jonathan wanted to share verified, accurate guidance that will help you talk with your builder and architect, as well as important steps to rebuilding your home after fire devastation hits.

Even though current-day building codes will be more helpful at protecting your home against disaster, there are steps and designs in place that will help close any gaps that these standard regulations might leave open. “Did you know that if you build back under today’s code, you don’t resolve the three main ways a house catches fire?” says Jonathan. That’s an alarming fact—but it’s one that you don’t need to worry about if you follow some simple steps to better prepare your home in its new build. “No matter what, these communities will be safer and more resilient under modern building codes, but there are a few things that you can do just to further protect yourself in the future,” he says.

Step 1: Register at the Disaster Recovery Center

“Visit the disaster recovery center and get organized,” says Jonathan. Nearly every agency is represented there. You can get a new property title, social security cards and birth certificates, cancel your utilities, and more. This step is so important, because it also protects you from fraudulent attempts against your name or property. The Disaster Recovery Center will likely be open until April 18, so be sure to register before then.

Step 2: Sign Up for US Army Corps of Engineers Debris Removal

At no cost to you, the US Army Corps of Engineers will remove debris and anything you need from your property. Note: You do need to register and fill out some paperwork for approval before they can get to work. The final day to submit a Right of Entry or Opt-Out form is March 31.

In terms of scale and cost, this is the largest wildfire debris removal that the Corps has ever taken on. However, this has also been the fastest disaster recovery in American history. It’s a true testament to the importance of organizations like the US Army Corps of Engineers, in combination with the intense outpour of help from the communities all over the United States.

Step 3: Rework Building Plans Before Resubmitting

As debris is being cleared, this is a good time to get your rebuilding plans figured out to be resubmitted for permits. “I encourage you to try and rebuild with the original architectural diversity that made these areas beautiful,” says Jonathan. What’s most important here is that your architect and builder have resiliency in mind—to fire, of course, but also to flood and earthquake. Here are some of Jonathan’s quick tips to rebuilding for a more fire-safe home:

• Avoid exposed eaves: Where the roof overlaps the exterior wall, be sure no wood is showing. This forms a hot spot, and when the flames hit that, the structure of the home is compromised. Instead, reduce the overhang as much as possible and fireproof the underside.
• Protect your vents: Because vents can act like a syphon, drawing fire embers into the home, it’s important to protect each one with a wildfire ember mesh to stop them from being pulled into your home.
• Resilient landscape design: Use Class A non-combustible materials on the exterior (this is particularly important for your roofing material, but it’s a good idea for trim, exterior wall surfaces, fencing, and more.) Consider consulting with a landscape architect so your bushes, trees, and shrubs aren’t directly up against your exterior walls, and consult with your builder on other fire-resilient materials for added protection.

“A resilient home doesn’t have to look like a modern box,” says Jonathan, “All of these elements can be added to a classic Spanish-style home; Craftsman-style; any other style, so even if you increase your square footage, you can keep that architectural diversity. And many architects are offering plans that are already done to help further expedite your rebuild.”

Step 4: Submit Your Plans

“Luckily, the city has created an unprecedented, expedited permitting process, so you can get almost instant approval if your home was built in more recent years,” says Jonathan, “This is a huge deal. They’ve also created a one-stop shop with every department represented to further support and avoid any late-fee delays.” To find everything you need to submit your new plans, you can visit the One-Stop Rebuilding Center in West Los Angeles. There are also rebuilding centers in Altadena and Malibu. If you have any questions, call the Department of Building Safety Hotline for Rebuilding at (213) 577-8441.

Step 5: Understand Your Insurance Rights

There are so many hopeful stories of insurance companies being understanding, proactive, and helpful in getting you into your new home safely and without hassle. But unfortunately, there are also many discouraging stories where insurance companies have ignored and delayed progress in rebuilding. “If you feel this is happening to you, then you might want to have an independent adjuster or insurance lawyer to help you,” says Jonathan. Insurance lawyers can be expensive, since they’ll often charge a percentage of whatever money you receive, so make sure to have these conversations with your family before deciding if that’s the right thing to do for your circumstances. Either way, Jonathan says, “You have the right to take your money, and either go buy another house, or use it to rebuild a house. I strongly recommend rebuilding, as these areas will absolutely be safer and more valuable when rebuilt.”

“You’re in charge of what happens to your property, so hopefully this will help you manage those next steps,” says Jonathan. “Know that the city and state have thousands of people working on everything—from cleanup to housing to even mitigating the labor and material shortages that are inevitable—to try and get you home.” It will take all of our community efforts coming together in order to rebuild, but with so much progress being made already, remember that you’re not alone, and that you will be home soon. “You have every right to be frustrated and upset, but I want you to also feel hope,” says Jonathan.