Supporting Spokane Communities Impacted by Wildfires

Key Takeaways

• Document damage and contact your insurance company as soon as possible.
• Insurance claims workshops and prescription protections may be available for wildfire survivors.
• Verify charities, contractors and disaster-assistance offers before sharing money or personal information.

Our hearts are with everyone affected by the recent wildfires. While the fires may be under control, many residents are still facing damage, displacement, insurance questions and the long road to recovery.

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AARP Washington is sharing the resources below to help members, families, caregivers, volunteers and neighbors find support, give safely and protect themselves from fraud.

Start With Recovery Basics

If your home, vehicle or property was damaged, contact your insurance company as soon as possible. If it is safe, take photos or videos before cleanup, save receipts for fire-related expenses and ask your insurer about coverage for additional living expenses, smoke damage, vehicle damage and debris removal.

Make a list of essentials that need to be replaced, including medications, medical equipment, identification, insurance documents and other important records. Check in with older family members, neighbors and caregivers who may need extra help finding or using recovery resources.

Help With Insurance Claims and Prescription Access

The Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner is offering monthly in-person claims workshops in Spokane for people navigating wildfire recovery. Insurance experts will explain the claims process, share practical tips and answer questions.

Beginning in September, workshops are scheduled for the second Monday of each month from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Spokane Falls Community College, Building 24, Auditorium Room 110, 3410 W. Whistalks Way, Spokane.

Insurance Commissioner Patty Kuderer has issued emergency orders to help people affected by Washington wildfires. One provides property and auto insurance payment protections through Sept. 30. Another allows eligible enrollees in affected areas to obtain a one-time refill of covered prescription medications before the usual waiting period and provides premium-payment protections for certain health plans.

Give Safely and Watch for Recovery Scams

Many residents will need support in the weeks and months ahead. If you would like to help, consider donating to established relief efforts, including the City of Spokane’s H.O.M.E. Starts Here Fund, the American Red Cross, the Colville Wildfire Relief & Recovery Fund, Yakama Nation Signal Peak and Ransier Fire Relief, and the North Central Washington Fire Relief Fund.

Before donating goods, check with relief agencies to confirm what they need and can accept. Before giving money, take a moment to verify the charity. Scammers often use disasters to promote look-alike websites, urgent texts or emails, fake crowdfunding appeals and high-pressure requests.