SEEK HELP QUICKLY, BE WARY
Fires are still raging in Wine County and beyond, but eventually the flames will be extinguished and the smoke will clear. Getting help from a mess of bureaucracies, insurance companies and nonprofits can be difficult. Here are some of the best tips from Chronicle writers:
FEMA
On Saturday, the Federal Emergency Management Association expanded the number of counties eligible for individual assistance, which allows residents and business owners to apply for grants or lowinterest loans to cover various firerelated expenses. Eligible counties include Butte, Lake, Mendocino, Napa, Sonoma and Yuba.
More areas could become eligible as the fires spread and damage becomes apparent.
Check back on eligibility changes at https://www.fema.gov/disaster/ 4344.
Apply at DisasterAssistance.gov or call (800) 621-3362.
HOW TO ENTER A HOME AFTER A FIRE
Wear a mask. Make sure it is one that filters ash. Fire can release many dangerous pollutants into the air.
Wear gloves, long sleeves, pants and boots. Soil, dust and scorched metal can harbor pathogens like tetanus that can enter the body even though minor cuts.
Be careful of where you walk. There can still be hot spots burning under debris.
Throw away all food. Even canned goods can be ruined by intense fire.
Keep kids, elderly and pregnant women away. People with a history of heart or lung disease should not be in a fire zone due to lingering pollutants. Even healthy people should watch for symptoms such as coughing, nausea, fatigue and dizziness.