If you’ve been evacuated, experienced property damage or are facing unexpected expenses, help may be available. Find immediate resources, protect your property and finances, learn about financial relief options, and understand your next steps.
What should I do after a wildfire/fire?
Start with immediate needs and then take these steps when it’s safe.
1. Find immediate support for shelter, food, water, and other essential needs.
2. Contact your insurance company and document any property damage.
3. Reach out to your lenders if you’re concerned about making payments.
4. Save receipts and important records related to emergency expenses and recovery.
5. Watch for scams that often target people and communities after disasters.
Are you a Numerica member affected by the wildfires?
If the wildfires affected your finances, please reach out. Our team can discuss your situation, explain any assistance options that may be available, and help you determine your next steps.
Where can I find immediate help and recovery resources?
If you’ve been displaced or experienced wildfire damage, use these resources to find current help.
Visit the Spokane County Emergency Management website or the American Red Cross for the latest information about shelter locations and recovery resources.
If federal disaster assistance becomes available, apply as soon as possible even if you have insurance. Federal assistance may help cover certain expenses that aren’t covered by your insurance policy.
What should I do if my home or property was damaged?
Wait until officials say it’s safe to return. Then, take action and keep detailed records.
1. Contact your insurance company
If you have homeowners or renters insurance, report the damage as soon as possible.
Ask your insurance provider:
- How should I document the damage?
- What can I clean up or repair?
- Should I wait before removing damaged belongings?
- Does my policy cover temporary housing, meals, or emergency repairs?
- What happens next with my claim? Follow your insurance company’s instructions before making repairs or throwing away damager items.
2. Document the damage
When it’s safe to do so, take photos and videos of the damage before making repairs or removing damaged property.
- Create a list of damaged or lost belongings and include their approximate value when possible
- Keep copies of your insurance claim, communications with your insurance company, and any documents related to your recovery.
3. Save your receipts
Keep records of expenses related to the wildfire, including:
• Emergency supplies
• Hotel and meal expenses
• Temporary housing
• Repairs and replacement items
4.Get help with insurance problems
If you have questions about your coverage or run into issues with your insurer, the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner may be able to help.
Keep a wildfire recovery folder
Keeping your important information in one place can make it easier to manage your recovery and follow up on claims.
Save copies of:
• Photos and videos of property damage
• Insurance claims and communications
• Receipts for emergency purchases and repairs
• Hotel, meal, and temporary housing expenses
• Mortgage, loan and bill-related communications
If possible, keep digital copies in a secure location so you can access them if important documents are lost or damaged.
What if I can’t make payments because of the wildfire?
If the wildfire has affected your income or created unexpected expenses, contact your lenders, credit card companies, and service providers before you miss a payment.
Explain what happened and ask what hardship options are available. Many organizations offer hardship programs following natural disasters.
Depending on your situation, options may include:
• Payment extensions – more time to make a payment
• Reduced monthly payments
• Temporary reduced or paused payments
• Waived late fees
• Flexible repayment plans
Contact your mortgage lender
If your home has been damaged or you expect difficulty making your mortgage payments, contact your lender as soon as possible.
Many lenders may offer disaster-related hardship options, which could include:
• Temporary payment pauses
• Loan forbearance
• Modified payment plans
Before agreeing to an option, ask:
• Will interest continue to build on my loan?
• When will the skipped amount be due?
• Will this affect my credit?
What if my cards, checks, or financial documents were lost?
If you’ve lost important financial documents, debit cards, or checks, contact your financial institution as soon as possible. Use your financial institutions digital to access your accounts while replacement cards or documents are being ordered.
If you are a Numerica member:
Call us at 800.433.1837 if you need help accessing your accounts or protecting your financial information.
How can I avoid wildfire recovery scams?
Disasters bring out people who want to help, and scammers looking to use confusion and urgency to take advantage.
Be cautious if someone:
- Demands payment upfront for repairs
- Pressures you to make an immediate decision
- Requests payment by gift card, cryptocurrency or wire transfer
- Claims to represent FEMA, an insurer, or a charity but can’t verify their identity
- Asks for your online banking password or one-time security code
Before hiring a contractor:
- Verify that the contractor is registered
- Get written estimates
- Read the contract before signing
- Do not pay the full amount until the work is complete
Before donating, take time to verify the organization. Be especially cautious of unexpected requests for money or personal information.
If you shared financial information or notice an unfamiliar transaction, contact your financial institution immediately.
Need help from Numerica?
Recovery takes time, and you may have questions along the way.
If you’re a Numerica member affected by wildfires, please reach out. We can help you understand available relief options, talk through your financial needs, and connect you with helpful resources as you move forward.
Updated September 2026
Written by Numerica’s Community Impact and Communications Team: Helping members across Spokane, North Idaho, Wenatchee, Moses Lake and the Tri-Cities.
