HOUSE FIRE VICTIM ASSISTANCE In Washington: RECOVERY GUIDE

Published on October 7th, 2023

After experiencing a house fire, there are several organizations you can approach for aid.

You can get support from the federal government, local and state agencies, and emergency assistance organizations like the Salvation Army for fire disaster recovery.

This brief guide will discuss the different sources of aid available to you and your family after your home burns down.

In disaster relief, non-profit or government-funded organizations act as crucial lifelines for disaster-affected individuals — be it flood, fire, or other weather-related calamities.

They promptly step in as first responders to provide essentials like food, water, shelter or temporary housing, and medical care.

Helping disaster victims is the common goal of these organizations.

FEMA's Role in Providing House Fire Victim Assistance

The Federal Emergency Management Agency is a well-known disaster relief organization in the U.S.

This federal agency leads national efforts to prepare for, respond to, and recover from natural disasters and emergencies.

Some forms of FEMA's federal assistance are free, while others may come as loans.

For example, FEMA's Individuals and Households Program (IHP) offers financial aid to help with temporary housing, essential home repairs, or other disaster-related expenses.

Here are the types of help FEMA can provide:

• Housing Support: Money for rental assistance or temporary shelter.
• Repair: Funds for homeowners to fix damages not covered by their home insurance provider.
• Replacement: In rare cases, limited funds are needed to replace a destroyed family shelter.
• Hazard Mitigation: Funds to help eligible homeowners repair or rebuild their homes.
• Other Needs: Money for important needs like medical, funeral, transportation, and other underinsured required costs. You might need to apply for a loan before getting certain help.

NOTE: Residents with unmet needs can call FEMA after contacting their insurance agent. You can file and review your claim online at fema.gov.

The Salvation Army's Assistance Services for Fire Victims

The Salvation Army is also quick to respond during a fire emergency situation.

The Disaster Relief Services of the Salvation Army center around 7 core services, which may be adapted to meet the significant needs of a family or someone whose house burned down.

1. Training for effective emergency response.
2. Mobile feeding units for meals during emergencies.
3. Emotional and spiritual support for struggling family members.
4. Emergency communications through SATERN.
5. Disaster social support.
6. Responsible donations management from friends who want to help.
7. Adaptable recovery programming for long-term support.

For direct assistance, use the interactive map on the Salvation Army website or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY. Enter your ZIP code to find nearby locations and help.

Additional Assistance Organizations



From hot meals and snacks for rescue teams to meeting your most serious needs — food, clothing, shelter, and medical care — these organizations can help.

1. American Red Cross

The renowned non-profit Red Cross delivers natural disaster relief globally and in the United States.

They provide vital aid—food, water, shelter, emotional support, financial, and direct assistance—to house fire victims.

2. United Way

Driven by its vision, United Way aims to equip communities to prepare, withstand, and recover when a disaster hits.

They connect people to vital resources like a primary residence, emergency food, medical aid, soot clean-up, and access to government programs.

3. Fire District Programs

Local fire departments do more than fight fires — they help after, too.

They also offer programs that provide extra resources, safety tips, insurance guidance, local connections, and community events.

Contact your local fire district office or visit their website to access these services.

After a disaster strikes, knowing how to access aid is vital.

Here is information about registering and applying for help, what to do if aid is denied, and how to get local support following house fires or other disasters.



Registration and Application Process for Disaster Relief

Begin by reaching out to the appropriate agencies in your region.

This might involve government agencies like FEMA, local emergency offices, and non-profit organizations like the Red Cross or Salvation Army.

To find help for your immediate needs, visit disasterassistance.gov to get a list of the closest FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs).

If no resource is close to you, contact your state’s emergency management agency to ask about other resources or to get your district’s contacts.

Registering and applying for relief involves sharing information, documents, and details about damages.

What to Do if You're Denied Assistance

You have to appeal the denial. This might mean sending a letter to your insurance company or to FEMA, where you explain why you think they should approve your claim.

You can also talk to your local Red Cross or other groups that help after a disaster strikes. They may be able to help you if FEMA can't.

Your state or local government may also have programs that provide help.

If you also think your home's fire damage should be covered by insurance but it's denied, an insurance dispute attorney can help you confirm and guide your next steps to get the coverage you deserve.

Local Methods for Accessing Assistance

When a disaster like a fire strikes, local sources of help become crucial.

This can include local government offices, community centers, and places of worship that provide immediate aid to house fire victims.

They can offer information about the available help and guide victims.

In short, local methods for accessing relief can be accessed through community groups and the local government.

Read this section for further details about relief aid for house fire victims.

What Kind of Help Can I Receive After a House Fire?

In the first few hours after a tragedy, some appropriate actions post-fire incident include leaving the area and getting help from friends with extinguishing the flames.

Once everyone is safely accounted for, look for essential services like information, food, safety, medical support, and safe shelter — away from the smoke.

After a fire, organizations can focus on giving you practical things and ensuring you have enough support in this difficult time.

How Do I Apply for Assistance Through FEMA?

Here's how to do it in five simple steps:

1. Start by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or visiting the FEMA website to apply.
2. Provide information about your income, insurance, and the extent of the damage. Get an application number for reference.
3. An inspector will assist the family that has had their house burned down and check if they qualify for FEMA’s households program or another specific service.
4. Confirm eligibility.
5. If you meet the requirements, FEMA offers financial support via check or direct deposit, with further instructions in a separate letter.

How Long Does It Take To Receive Assistance?

Immediate emergency assistance, such as food, shelter or temporary housing, and clothing, is provided just a few hours after the disaster strikes.

However, more comprehensive aid, such as financial assistance, housing support, and rebuilding efforts, might take longer to process and distribute.

The time frame varies based on the organization and the extent of the disaster, but efforts are made to provide timely relief.

What Should I Do if My Disaster Assistance Application Is Denied?

In case your application is denied, you can appeal the decision. This applies not just to any FEMA decision but also to other organizations.

Here's how to address a denied application:

1. Review the denial letter and follow appeal instructions.
2. Contact the agency to express disagreement.
3. Resubmit the required documents.
4. Consider professional help for more complex appeals.
5. Explore alternative options if needed.

Are There Local Organizations That Can Provide Assistance After a House Fire?

Yes. Besides the American Red Cross, United Way, and Fire District Aid, numerous local organizations can assist with a house fire.

This involves community centers, non-profits, and religious groups (like the Salvation Army) often working together to aid house fire victims.

However, your local community services or government agencies lead in contacting fire victims and providing immediate assistance.

The path to recovery and renewal after a house fire can seem formidable, as the emotional toll of house fires often outweighs material loss.

But no one's alone on this journey. Many organizations like the American Red Cross, FEMA, and Salvation Army are there to help.

As an individual, you can donate money, make care packages, or offer additional resources to support your loved ones, friends, and families.