Insurance tips for wildfire recovery

The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation has five tips for homeowners and renters who have evacuated or been affected by fire, smoke, and ash damage.

• Call your insurance company to check your policy. Let your company know if you have evacuated. Coverage is typically available for fire, smoke, and ash damage to your home and personal property.

• Ask about your auto coverage, too. You need comprehensive coverage on your auto policy to cover fire, smoke, and ash damage, no matter where your vehicle is located at time of the loss.

• If you had to evacuate, save your receipts and, when it is safe, let your insurance company know you evacuated. Your homeowners policy may pay for expenses such as lodging, food, and even pet boarding due to a mandatory evacuation. Be sure to check with your insurance company to confirm your specific coverage.

• If you have not evacuated and it is safe to do so, make a quick home inventory by taking photos or video of each room in your home. Pay close attention to what is on the walls and in drawers and closets. Don’t forget storage areas such as the attic and garage. Check your insurance company’s website for an app or checklist that will help. Or use the Insure U Home Inventory Checklist.

• If your personal belongings are damaged, the insurance company will request a list of items that are damaged or destroyed. Take some time to work on your home inventory list now. Look through your photos and videos to help recall personal items. Be sure to look for smaller items, such as jewelry. To the best of your ability, write down the age, original cost, and replacement cost of each item.

Following these tips will help save you money, time, and stress during a wildfire. For more information on preparing for a wildfire, visit the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation’s wildfire page.

Oregonians that have been forced to evacuate their homes because of area wildfires should contact their insurance companies as soon as possible to let them know they have evacuated and discuss next steps. If you still have questions or concerns, the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation’s Advocacy Team can help.

Need Help? Call Oregon Division of Financial Regulation at 888-877-4894 (toll-free) or visit dfr.oregon.gov.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Disaster Assistance Program

The Disaster Assistance Program (DAIP) provides disaster survivors with information, support, services and a means to access and apply for disaster assistance.

The DAIP website provides links to federal disaster relief applications and qualification information, links, forms, additional resources, and the ability to check on the status of an application.

Before beginning the process to apply for disaster relief, people should know their residence address, and have other important information ready, including: social security number, insurance information, damage information, pre-tax household income, permanent and temporary phone numbers, and (optionally) bank direct-deposit information including the bank name, account type, routing and account numbers.

For help or to apply by phone, call 1-800-621-3362; TTY 1-800-462-7585.

www.disasterassistance.gov

Property Taxes and Damaged or Destroyed Property

Property damaged or destroyed by the recent fire may be eligible for a proration of 2020-21 property taxes.

Please note that the value on the account for the tax year in which the damage or destruction occurred is not reduced. The 2020-21 tax statements will not reflect any recent change to the property. Any loss in value will be noted when the account is revalued on January 1, 2021 and reflected on the next tax statement.

However, if your property was damaged or destroyed by the recent fire and/or wind events, you may be eligible for a proration of your 2020-21 property taxes. Here’s how that works:

For damaged property, the percentage of assessed value lost is multiplied by the total tax on the account for the month the property was damaged and for each month the property remained damaged during the tax year.

For example, if:

• the property was damaged in September 2020
• not repaired by July 1, 2021
• 80% of the assessed value is lost (the damage is to the improvements only)
• the total 2020-21 tax bill is $2,400

Then: $2,400 / 12 = $200 * 10 (months) = $2,000 * 80% = $1,600.

The homeowner is required to notify the Assessor’s Office when the damage has been repaired. Any refund is calculated when the property is repaired or the fiscal year ends, whichever comes first.

For destroyed property, the percentage of value lost is multiplied by the total tax on the account for each month following the month of destruction through the end of the tax year whether or not the property is repaired.

The refund process can start as soon as the appraiser verifies the destruction and the amount of loss.

The application is available online.

Applications must be submitted to the Lane County Assessor’s Office by June 30, 2021. They can be dropped off, mailed to the address below or e-mailed to [email protected].

 

Most, if not all, properties will need to be physically inspected for damage. Once our staff is allowed to be in the affected area, our office will make it a priority to respond to these requests.

 

Additional information can be found at https://www.oregon.gov/dor/forms/FormsPubs/303-619.pdf.

Quick Links:

• Oregon Health Authority (OHA) - Vital Records: https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/BIRTHDEATHCERTIFICATES/Pages/index.aspx
• Oregon Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) - Documents: https://www.oregon.gov/odot/DMV/Pages/Wildfire_Alert.aspx

The wildfires devastating Oregon are leaving many without vital records and essential DMV documents including things like a driver license, ID card or proof of vehicle ownership. Certified copies of vital records are required to get social security benefits, a driver’s license, passport, and other legal documents.

The Oregon Health Authority, in response to the Governor’s Executive Order 20-35, is waiving certain fees for vital records for those affected by wildfire. Many Oregon families may have lost all vital documents due to the wildfires. This temporary rule provides up to three certified copies of Oregon vital records free of charge if requested in connection with Executive Order 20-35. This new rule will remain in effect until March 1, 2021.


OHA Vital Records: The OHA’s Vital Records office provides certified copies of birth certificates, death certificates, and other vital records in Oregon.

To order OHA vital records:

• Call OHA Vital Records office at 888-896-4988
• Order online: www.vitalchek.com

DMV documents: Most damaged DMV documents can be replaced through an online request at DMV2U. Prior to ordering, have available your driver license or ID card number, plus other information known only to you.

• If you do not know your card number, call DMV Customer Assistance at 503-945-5000.
• Additional information/guidance from DMV is available here: https://www.oregon.gov/odot/DMV/Pages/Wildfire_Alert.aspx

Need Help? Call:

• OHA for General Vital Records Information at 971-673-1190


• DMV Customer Assistance at 503-945-5000

   

 

State and federal agencies are assisting county and local emergency management agencies with assessing hazards and removing ash, debris and hazardous substances from wildfire impacted areas.

It is recommended that you do not disturb ash or debris on your property until after it has been assessed by hazardous materials response professionals. There may be hazards such as asbestos fibers, toxic chemicals, and electrical or structural hazards on your property.

State and federal assistance on assessment of hazards and removal will begin as soon as fire conditions allow.

Ash and debris from burned houses, sheds and other structures can be hazardous, particularly when particles are inhaled. This ash and partially burned debris may contain asbestos, mercury, lead, cadmium, chromium and a variety of other dangerous chemicals.

Before you return to your property

After contacting your insurance company, property owners should develop a plan before returning to the area that was burned. Check tips from the CDC on how to stay safe after a wildfire.

Use caution around debris

• Be aware of all electrical hazards – including those from downed power lines, unstable walking surfaces and sharp objects buried in the ash. Use extreme caution at all times when near the debris.


• Wear sturdy footwear, eye goggles and heavy duty work gloves. If possible, wear disposable coveralls and dispose of them after use. If you do not wear disposable coveralls, make sure to have a clean set of clothes to change into after working or rummaging in debris and ashes.


• Cloth face coverings, paper masks or bandanas are not very effective at filtering out fine airborne ash, dust or asbestos fibers. N95 and KN95 respirators, if properly fit tested and worn, can offer some protection from airborne particles. See more about masks in next section.


• Before cleaning up ash and other debris, get the material tested to determine if it contains asbestos. Many homes and buildings have materials with asbestos. Asbestos use has decreased significantly over the years, but asbestos still exists in some building materials produced today. If it contains asbestos, hire a licensed asbestos abatement contractor. Ash must be adequately wetted to control dust that can become airborne. Water may not always be available, but it is one of the most important means to control ash and asbestos. Don’t use a leaf blower to clean up ash, it will create more airborne particles.


• Clean recyclable materials such as metals and concrete with water prior to transport, if possible. This is to reduce the spread of asbestos or other contaminants in the ash.


• Wash any recovered personal items with water or wipe with a damp cloth to remove potentially toxic dust.


• Children should not be involved in clean-up activities. Do not let children near the debris or in an area where they might breathe airborne particles left from the fire. It’s also important to avoid spreading ash and debris around your property.


• Household chemicals may be dangerous to handle, so take care before handling paints, bleaches, oils or other household hazardous wastes that may be partially burned.


• Call your local garbage hauler or transfer station with questions about waste disposal.

Masks and respirators

Cloth face coverings, paper masks or bandanas are not very effective at filtering out fine airborne ash, dust or asbestos fibers. This is because they typically do not have a tight fit around the face. However, they are good for minimizing the release of droplets that help spread COVID-19. N95 respirators, if properly fit tested and worn, can offer some protection from airborne particles. KN95s are similar to N95s. Some are NIOSH approved, but do not meet health care standards. KN95s need to fit well enough to form a seal and be properly worn. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Respirator Fact Sheet


Before you rebuild or begin demolition

State rules govern various aspects of managing and removing asbestos, and these rules are in place to protect public health. Refer to DEQ's guidance on asbestos or contact DEQ prior to starting any demolition activities.


More Information:

• Asbestos: http://ordeq.org/asbestos
• Household hazardous waste: http://ordeq.org/hhw
• Septic systems: http://ordeq.org/septic
• CDC tips on how to stay safe after a wildfire
• Fact sheet on Safely Managing Ash and Debris

Asbestos and Solid Waste Contacts serving Lane County:

• Asbestos (Lane Regional Air Protection Agency): 541-736-1056
• Solid Waste: 541-686-7868

 

Quick Links:
Lane County Public Health: www.lanecounty.org/publichealth
Lane Regional Air Protection Agency (LRAPA): www.lrapa.org
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality – Air Quality Monitoring Data: http://oregon.envi-das.com/home/map


Wildfire smoke is full of tiny particles that can be especially unsafe for sensitive groups that include pregnant women, very young children, older adults, and people who have heart or lung issues (such as asthma and COPD) or who have had a stroke.

Lane County Public Health provides helpful tips on limiting your smoke exposure:

• Limit exposure by staying indoors and limiting outdoor activities
• Find a “cleaner air” place
• Supporting cleaner air at home

What’s your air quality? Find out now: http://oregon.envi-das.com/home/map


Need more information?

Oregon Health Authority provides several resources and guidance documents for healthcare providers, employers and others:

• https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/Preparedness/Prepare/Pages/PrepareForWildfire.aspx#resources
• https://sharedsystems.dhsoha.state.or.us/DHSForms/Served/le8815h.pdf

 

Quick Links:

• US Environmental Protection Agency: https://www.airnow.gov/sites/default/files/2019-03/protect-your-pets-from-wildfire-smoke.pdf
• Lane County Animal Services (LCAS): https://www.lanecounty.org/cms/one.aspx?pageId=17035134.

Important Information:

Your pets can be affected by wildfire smoke. Animals with heart or lung disease and older pets are especially at risk from smoke and should be closely watched during all periods of poor air quality.

Tips to reduce your pets' exposure to wildfire smoke:

• https://www.airnow.gov/sites/default/files/2019-03/protect-your-pets-from-wildfire-smoke.pdf
• For indoor areas, if possible use high efficiency filters or portable air cleaners.
• Keep pets indoors as much as you can. Smoke is especially tough on your pet birds. A utility room, garage, or bathroom may be a good option for outdoor pets. Move potentially dangerous products, such as pesticides to a safe location.
• Keep indoor air clean
• Spend less time outdoors and limit physical activities when it is smoky
• Include your pets in your evacuation planning. If you must leave your pets behind, never tie them up.

What’s your air quality? Find out here: http://oregon.envi-das.com/home/map

Additional Resources:

• American Veterinary Medical Association. Get more tips and information on caring for pets and livestock during a wildfire: https://www.avma.org/public/EmergencyCare/Pages/Wildfire-Smoke-and-Animals.aspx

Need more information? Call Lane County Animal Services at 541-682-3645.

Voting for Oregonians Displaced by Wildfires

Lane County Elections has information for voters who have been displaced by wildfires.

How can I receive my ballot if I have been displaced by wildfires?

1. Lane County will mail local ballots on October 15. If you know an address where you will be able to receive mail then, you can add a temporary mailing address at oregonvotes.gov/myvote.

2. A paper form to provide Lane County Elections with a temporary address is also available.

3. You can pick up all mail (including ballots once they are mailed) at the post office that serves your permanent residence address.

If I submit a change of address through USPS will my ballot be forwarded to the new address?

NO. Ballots are not forwardable. It is one of the security features of our system. You must inform election officials of your temporary address using one of the methods above in order to have your ballot sent there.

Do I need to register to vote from my temporary address?

NO. You do not need to re-register to vote if you are living somewhere temporarily because you have been displaced by wildfires. You just need to let election officials know where to mail your ballot by one of the methods above.

Will I be able to vote on the local measures where my permanent address is located even if I am temporarily living outside that area?

YES. The ballot you receive will contain the contests for your residential address, not your temporary mailing address.

What if my mailbox was destroyed?

If mail cannot be delivered to your home or mailbox, it will be held at your local post office and you can pick it up there.

What if I have other elections questions?

Contact Lane County Elections at 541-682-4234. The elections office is closed to all walk-in customers and is providing all services by phone, mail, electronically, or by appointment.

Lane County Elections, 275 W. 10^th Ave., Eugene, OR 97401-3008

Quick Link:

Check for daily Residential service disruptions updates: https://about.usps.com/newsroom/service-alerts/residential/welcome.htm


Retail operations have been relocated due to wildfires until further notice.

Blue River Post Office, 91160 McCauley St., 97413 — This office is temporarily closed. Retail services have been redirected to Walterville Post Office, 39333 McKenzie Hwy, 97489. Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Closed Saturday.

Vida Post Office, 45598 McKenzie Hwy, 97488 — This office is temporarily closed. Retail services have been redirected to Walterville Post Office, 39333 McKenzie Hwy, 97489. Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Closed Saturday.


The offices below have resumed normal operations.

Walterville Post Office, 39333 McKenzie Hwy, 97489. Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Closed Saturday.

Marcola Post Office, 92162 Marcola Rd., 97454-9789. Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Saturday.

For facility accessibility check: https://about.usps.com/newsroom/service-alerts/residential/welcome.htm, or call:
Marcola Post Office: Phone 541-933-2821; TTY 877-889-2457
Walterville Post Office: Phone 541-746-5184; TTY 877-889-2457

Quick Links:

• US-SBDC: https://www.sba.gov/
• Lane-SBDC: https://lanesbdc.com/ and https://bizcenter.org/centers/lane-sbdc/

Flyers:

• USSBDC flyers (16664-01 OR VRCs & 16664-01 OR VRCs (Spanish).pdf)
• LSBDC flyer (DisasterRecovery_Brochure_Lane_PRINT_WildfireBack (1).pdf)

Wildfires, snow, wind, floods and earthquakes can wreak havoc on your business.

US Small Business Administration (USSBA) Stands Ready to Assist Oregon Businesses and Residents Affected by Wildfires and Straight-line Winds.

Virtual Business Recovery Center and Virtual Disaster Loan Outreach Center: Customer Service Representatives will be available to business owners and individuals to answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process and help each person complete their electronic loan application.

• Monday – Sunday (7 days/week) 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. EDT
• (800) 659-2955; [email protected]

The Lane Small Business Development Center (LSBDC), serves as a resource partner to USSBA, provides information on different types of available government and insurance assistance, how to connect with these resources, which are the best fit for your business short- and long-term needs and helps navigate the USSBA application process. 541-463-6200; https://lanesbdc.com/ and https://bizcenter.org/centers/lane-sbdc/.

Post-Wildfire Considerations:

• Establish an Emergency Operating Budget.
• Ensure YTD Financials are up to date and accurate.
• Gather Key Information - assets lists, tax returns, insurance policies.
• Create/Update your Personal Financial Statement.
• Be able to demonstrate Wildfire Impact separate from COVID impact.

Take note of the following considerations:

• EIDL loan applications for wildfire will be significantly more involved and detailed than for COVID. Be prepared.
• SBA Disaster Assistance Loans are not a "first source" of recovery capital, requiring proof that credit is not available elsewhere.
• SBA will not decline a loan for lack of collateral, but they will assign what collateral is available.

Need Assistance? Call:

• US SBDC at (800) 659-2955
• Lane SBDC at 541-463-6200

Learn More:

• US SBDC: https://www.sba.gov/
• Lane SBDC: https://lanesbdc.com/ and https://bizcenter.org/centers/lane-sbdc/

Quick Links:

• Lane County Veterans Services: www.lanecounty.org/veterans
• US Department of Veterans Affairs: www.va.gov
• Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs: www.oregon.gov/ODVA/
• Eugene Vet Center: www.va.gov/directory/guide/facility.asp?ID=597
• Help.org Substance Abuse Resources for Veterans: www.help.org/substance-abuse-rehab-for-veterans/

Lane County Veterans Services provides veterans, dependents and survivors assistance or answers questions about Veteran Benefits:

• Filing for disability claims (both service-connected and non service-connected)
• Obtaining military records
• Applying for VA Health Care
• Applying for VA Education Benefits
• Applying for Surviving Spouse Benefits

Forms: Veterans’ Services will provide the forms that are required for your situation.

NEED HELP?

Call Lane County Veterans Services at 541-682-4191 from 8:00 a.m to Noon and 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Quick Link: Lane County Waste Management: www.lanecounty.org/waste.


Due to fire and air quality hazards throughout Lane County, transfer site schedules are being evaluated daily.

Check for daily updates: www.lanecounty.org/waste.

Schedules are subject to change as conditions warrant.

For the week Sept. 15 - Sept. 19, all sites are currently expected to open on regular schedules EXCEPT:

• Marcola: Expected to open Friday and Saturday 8am-6pm, barring a change in fire activity.
• McKenzie Bridge: Expected to open Saturday 10am - 2pm
• Vida: Remains closed until further notice due to closure of Hwy 126.

For the most current information check www.lanecounty.org/waste, or call 541-682-4120.