I was in my 10th year of practice when the Northridge earthquake struck Southern California in January, 1994. This came to mind as I watched with horror the sight of houses burning as a result of the Waldo Canyon fire. I also watched with great admiration the efforts of the firefighters and police personnel as they gave a semblance of order to the evacuations and fire strategy that would be implemented while thousands of people watched.

Although the fire is not yet fully contained, the impact on the residents of Colorado Springs is being felt, and the emotional aftermath is just beginning to rear its ugly head.
From many of the natural disasters that have occurred over the years, several lessons have been learned. Some of them are applicable today.

Once the emotional shock has been recognized and, to whatever degree possible, dealt with, thoughts of recovery will work their way to the surface. Each thought will give rise to questions, which will require answers in order to move forward. Many times, too many unaffected people are more than willing to provide those answers.

As pointed out repeatedly on all of the major news channels, over 300 houses were lost in the fire. Such a statement raises great interest in the minds of many people such as public adjusters, contractors, and yes, attorneys. One of the lessons learned from the Northridge earthquake is that when disaster strikes, there are always some people that see easy money in its aftermath.
In circumstances such as these, disaster victims must be vigilant from the outset. As emotions run high, so does the chance of making mistakes. Slow down and make sure that whatever you do, it is done with a clear mind and with your eyes wide open.

In reading this article, please don’t get the impression that everyone is out to make that fast buck. One only needs to look at the hundreds of people that have selflessly helped fire victims, both as professionals and volunteers, to see that such a statement is not true. However, it is also true that you need to look after yourself.

In recovering from a disaster such as this, there are a few items that should be considered. These include things such as:

1. Reviewing your homeowners’ insurance policy. If your policy is one of the papers that did not make it out of the house with your family, a copy should be available with a call to your insurance agent or insurance company. Check for the coverage you have for 1) Dwelling, 2) Dwelling Extension 3) Personal Property and 4) Loss of use, etc.

2. Keep receipts for everything. They may come in handy later.

3. If you don’t already have a list of personal property that was in your residence, begin making one now. Try to remember where each item was purchased, when it was purchased and the purchase price. Ask friends and relatives if they remember the item or have a photograph with the item in it, especially if it is a large or valuable item.

4. Don’t sign a release for anything until you are SURE that you have obtained all benefits, coverages or replacements that you are contractually and legally entitled to.

5. Don’t sign a contract or agreement without taking time to think it over. As the adage goes, if the deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

6. Investigate and compare. Ask several contractors or vendors about things important to you, such as complete construction of home, repair of property, replacement of property, etc. Always get a quote or bid in writing. Call the better business bureau and see what information they have on the contractor or vendor before you sign.

7. Make sure that a firm price is agreed to and is in the written agreement. Beware of “contingencies”, as they may be the method by which your budget is exceeded.

8. Don’t sign anything without asking questions. If you do not get the answers that you need (not the ones they want you to have) seek legal advice
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The road to recovery will be slow... Nothing can be done about that. It may also be confusing and frustrating at the same time. Colorado Springs has significant resources available to assist. Please take advantage of them.

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS

Colorado Department of Insurance-Consumer Affairs------- (800) 930-3745

Pikes Peak Regional Building Department Waldo Canyon Fire Joint Information Center: (719) 629-7322. Also see their website at http://www.pprbd.org/ for information regarding restoration of structures in Waldo Canyon fire area.

Better Business Bureau of Colorado Springs------------------ (719) 636-1155

El Paso County Bar Association Lawyer Referral------------- (719) 636-1532