Recover

Learn how to stay safe when returning home after a disaster and access resources to help you rebuild your life.

RETURNING HOME

 

Boots on burn ground and a mountain in the background.

 

If your home was affected by a wildfire, do not return home until authorities say it is safe. Your County Sheriff’s office will provide notification of when the evacuation orders are lifted and it is safe to return to homes. Notifications may also be sent via FlashAlert and PublicAlerts - make sure you are signed up!

USE EXTREME CAUTION

 

A flagger from the Oregon Department of Transportation holds a stop sign to direct traffic on a smoky street in a wooded area.
Credit: Oregon Department of Transportation

 

People in safety vests standing around talking and looking at a clipboard. They are FEMA workers and contractors.

 

Aerial view of Bull Run Lake.

 

 

Return During Daylight Hours

  • Use TripCheck to monitor road closures and traffic conditions. Watch for broken traffic lights and missing street signs. Watch out for debris on the road.

Before Entering Your Home

  • Look for downed power lines, damaged trees, smoldering holes, and embers that could reignite. Use extreme caution around damaged buildings. 
  • Check for the smell of gas. If you smell natural gas, leave the area and call your natural gas provider. If your gas is already off, do not turn it back on. Call your provider to check your appliances and relight your equipment safely.
  • Call your insurance company. They may ask you to take photos of the damage. Do not enter the building until you are certain it is safe to do so. 

Debris Cleanup & Disposal

  • For everyone’s safety, wait to begin cleanup. Fire debris, smoke, and ash can be extremely hazardous for you and for disposal workers. Many homes contain toxic chemicals like pesticides, cleaning products, motor oil, and paint. Older homes may have asbestos. Some homes have septic systems. There may be electrical or structural hazards. You will need to consult with your insurance company and get a professional to help you assess damage and hazards. 
  • There are very specific rules for debris disposal. Local disposal locations may not yet be ready to accept burned materials or ash. Please do not take debris anywhere before confirming that it is okay to do so. 
  • Before you do any cleanup or disposal, check Metro’s fire cleanup and Oregon DEQ websites for the most up-to-date information and safety instructions. DEQ will be able to help you figure out next steps and share a list of contractors to assess hazards. 

Is My Water Safe?

Cleaning

FINDING HELP

 

211info logo

 

FEMA logo

 

State of Oregon seal

Small Business Administration logo

 

Contact 211

211 can help you find food, shelter, utility assistance, healthcare, behavior health, childcare, or other services. 

  • Visit 211info.org 
  • Call 2-1-1 or 1-866-698-6155 (interpreters available in over 240 languages)
  • TTY dial 711 and call 1-866-698-6155
  • Text your zip code to 898211 Monday-Friday 9am-5pm (English & Spanish)
  • Email Help@211info.org (English & Spanish)

Insurance

Financial Assistance

Food and Healthcare

Essential Records

Emotional Health

After a wildfire, you may feel a mix of emotions as a reaction to the stress. Please reach out for support if you are having trouble coping.

More Info

For more resources, visit wildfire.oregon.gov. The site is updated regularly as new information is available.