The smoke is still thick and many of my friends have lost their homes. I lost my home in a Sonoma fire many years ago and would like to share what I learned from that experience. These are simple “words of wisdom” based upon the recovery process that I went through. In my situation, the fire wall was approaching my property quickly, so I gave each of my children a black plastic garbage bag, told them to quickly gather their favorite things and that we needed to leave right away. Then I loaded everything in the car, including two very anxious, large, black labrador dogs and raced down the narrow mountain road in the hills of Sonoma. The fire was upon us: the heat and sound alone were incredible.
Since that time, I have developed a three step system for fire recovery. The first step it to stabilize yourself and those around you. Do check back as I will be posting my other two steps over time. This seems to be where we are today in Sonoma and Napa County. Although it may sound simple, I hope that something here can be of help.
Step One:
STABILIZE YOURSELF
- Find a place to stay: This is obvious, but it can be a little challenging. I stayed with a friend first, then moved to a hotel, then to another friend’s house, then back to my property. Although my home burned down completely, I had another structure into which I could move.
- After you contact your insurance company, sign up with FEMA: I was at a meeting last night in Sonoma and they offered many resources to get you started with money and housing. In my case, I did not have FEMA.
- Organize what things you do have: In this time of confusion, bring as much clarity and order to the few items that you may have saved from your home.
- When you have a little money from insurance, buy something special: I bought a couple of cashmere cardigans to be soft and luxurious against my skin during this sad and trying time. They also were to keep me warm, and to remind me of beauty in the world during the coming days.
- Set up a daily routine: In the midst of chaos, it is important to have your own daily routine. Although it may sound crazy, it is possible. Mine included a simple breakfast with a pot of tea, working all day, exercise in the late afternoon, making dinner with the family, reading/journaling and sleep.
- Keep a journal: I found it helpful to download my thoughts from the day onto paper, where I see it visually and make a little more sense of my time.
- Get the kids settled: This was a big project in my case, but basically help them to connect with school or friends and build a routine for them. Lots of hugs and words or encouragement are essential. As my kids had watched their home burn from a distance, I reassured them that we would buy new things to replace what was lost and that it would be fun.
- Give everyone a basket of painting supplies: My art baskets included: wicker baskets with a handle, a high quality watercolor set, a few extra paint brushes, good paper, two glass jars for water, a good pencil and a good eraser.
- Play soothing music: I played classical music to bring calm.
- Have dinner and breakfast as a family: In my case, it was tempting to let everyone do what they wanted, as I had so much on my mind, but it was quite important to gather for breakfast and dinner to share the meal and thoughts each day.
- Book of daily thoughts: I read a quick quote each morning for inspiration. My fire situation occurred a number of years ago and at that time, I read a book called Grace Notes, by Alexandra Stoddard. Today, I might also look at Offerings, by Danielle and Olivier Föllmi.
Based on experience, these are a few of the things that I would pull together first. Please let me know if this is helpful, and check back, as I will be posting more over time.
Evening, while the fire is still blazing in the hills
First responders from San Joaquin County
A beautiful ‘dozer from Bushey’s Custom Farming in Canby, California, also a first responder
Late day meetings after 24 hours of work
Take care, and remember that I am always here as a resource for you.