fire resources

If you have suffered a loss due to Marshall Wind Fire.  Your fastest resource for assistance may be going directly to their center.
The Boulder County Disaster Assistance Center (DAC) Located at the Boulder County Southeast County Hub at:1755 South Public Road in Lafayette
Hours of operation from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. seven days a week, and will include specialists from Boulder County, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Mental Health Partners, and many other area government and nonprofit organizations. There will also be some major insurance companies set up to assist with the claims process.
Boulder Office of Emergency Management (OEM) 303.441.3390 www.BoulderOEM.com  

Very useful information on resources can be found on the City of Louisville Marshall Fire Updates site: https://www.louisvilleco.gov/living-in-louisville/residents/marshall-fire/-utm_medium-email/-utm_source-govdelivery

Below are resources to help during fire recovery.  These have been gathered from multiple source and hopefully will be of use as we try to bounce back from a heartbreaking and devastating situation.

Food Safety After A Fire

Click here: https://www.bouldercounty.org/safety/fire/food-safety-after-a-fire/

Air Quality Updated 1/4/22

CDPHE will have a mobile air monitoring van driving through the burn areas on January 6. The van measures VOCs and other gaseous air toxins. Data should be available same day. BCPH is also hoping to station particulate monitors on January 5 and data from those monitors should be available the following day.

In the meantime, the safest course of action is to assume the air quality is poor in burn areas and areas immediately downwind. BCPH recommends the following precautions:

Limit outdoor activity.
Do not disturb ash or debris outside.
Clean visible ash indoors with a damp mop or cloth.
Do not rely on paper dust masks found at hardware stores, they are not designed to block the small particles generated by smoke. Wear an N95 mask (or better) if outdoors on windy days or when blowing ash is visible.
Keep windows and doors closed.
If you have an air conditioner, run it, but make sure that the fresh air intake vent is closed and the filter is clean. If not, turn the system off.
Change air filters frequently.
Evaporative cooling systems can also pull in air from the outside. Consider using a portable evaporative cooler within your house to avoid pulling air pollution into your house.
If these remedies are not sufficient, you may want to relocate to another location away from the smoke.

For up-to-date information, visit boco.org/marshallfire.

Article regarding Air Quality:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1uOFp6lFvbE8dEKeOU8LovOlZkJ-yHqbxcyHBecELChk/mobilebasic

Addressing Toxic Smoke Particulates in Fire Restoration

Temporary Housing Resources

BARHA is the Boulder Area Rental Housing Association, of which a number of Agents here are members.  BARHA put a call out to our members yesterday morning and we put together this webpage: https://www.barhaonline.org/available-properties-for-displaced-tenants/ that provides housing resources for Marshall Fire Victims.

The Colorado Convention and Visitors Bureau also collaborated and put out a call to the local hotels who are willing to help and those are listed on our site but also listed here: https://www.bouldercoloradousa.com/marshall-fire-discounted-hotel-rooms/

The Colorado Apartment Association (CAA) is launching a housing finder service (https://www.caahq.org/available-apartments-for-displaced-families) for residents displaced by the Marshall Fire, helping them locate vacant rental housing units available for immediate move-in.

PG Rentals has a few units currently available, with a few more coming in this week. https://www.pgrentals.com/.

Sign up to be a host on Airbnb.com to provide temporary shelter to fire victims through the Open Homes Program:

CLICK HERE

Available rooms (BC United)

Available rooms (Community organizing)

Nest is offering 12-month leases on rent-restricted rentals, regardless of income, to fire victims. Call 303-494-5462 for showings.

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PMP Realty in Longmont is offering some rentals, including assistance with first month’s rent. Email karen@pmprealty.com or gary@pmprealty.com

Lyons is offering RV spots at Laverne Johnson Park. Contact Victoria Simonsen, vsimonsen@townoflyons.com

Hotel Rooms:

Adventure Lodge (91 Four Mile Canyon Drive) is offering free rooms.

Call 303.444.0882

Discounted hotel rooms (Boulder)

Discounted hotel rooms (Denver metro)

Shelter Locations Include:

YMCA of Northern Colorado:2800 Dagny Way, Lafayette, CO 80026.
Rocky Mountain Christian Church: 9447 Niwot Rd, Niwot, CO 80503.
If you are COVID-positive, please evacuate to the COVID Recovery Center at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church, 3485 Stanford Ct, Boulder, CO 80305.
Larimer and Boulder County Fairgrounds open for large animals.

Boil Water Order

Bottled and Bulk Water Distribution
Louisville Recreation & Senior Center (900 W Via Appia)
Open 8 AM – 4 PM View Map >

Bottled Water Available
Bulk Water Available (bring your own container.

There is no water distribution at Library.

The entire City of Louisville is under a Boil Water Order. This remains in effect until further notice.

The City of Louisville is working 24/7 to return water to residents as quickly as possible. On Sunday morning, January 2, staff began the process of flushing the water main and all pipes within the City. There are over 120 miles of pipe and 1200 fire hydrants and the entire process will take between 6-8 days. The estimated date for the return of potable water to homes and businesses is LATE THURSDAY, JANUARY 6TH.  For more info: CLICK HERE

FREE GRAB AND GO FOOD

In efforts to assist the community, the Recreation & Senior Center is offering its lunch service to all ages and all members of the community. This free meal service is available to anyone who is in need of a nutritious, hot meal during this time.

LUNCH M-F, PICK UP 12 PM- 12:30 PM
Registration is required by 1:30 pm the business day in advance. To register for a meal call 303-335-4931 or email pmorgan@louisvilleco.gov
View Menu >

NEW FAMILY MEALS: PICK UP 12 PM-1 PM (or until supplies last)

Wednesday, Jan 5: KT BBQ: 150 hot meals, Smoked Turkey & Ham, Scalloped Potatoes, Corn & Stuffing
Thursday, Jan 6: Stoneking LTD Denver: 150 meals-to be heated; Chicken & marinara pasta, Beet Salad & Chocolate Chip Cookie
Friday, Jan 7: Jules Gourmet: 150 hot meals; menu TBD

Curbside Pickup Instructions
Meals are served M-F and distribution begins at noon. Please do not arrive before 11:45 AM
View Map >

Food Trucks

The Recreation and Senior Center (900 Via Appia Way) will be hosting food trucks that are providing complimentary food and beverages to those affected by the fires, first responders, and City staff. All food and beverage is being generously provided by the food truck owners.

Upcoming Food Truck Schedule (subject to change):

Monday, January 3: Thank you ShortD’s Coffee and Daylight Donuts of Dacono!

Wednesday, January 5: ShortD’s Coffee (10 am until items run out)

Friday, January 7: Chile Con Quesadilla (11 am until 2 pm or until items run out)

Saturday, January 8: Tommy Boy Mini Donuts (11 am until items run out)

Monday, January 10: ShortD’s Coffee with Biscuit Mikes (10 am until items run out)

Xcel Energy Heater Distribution

Xcel Energy Electric Heater Distribution Location: YWCA Boulder County’s offices at 2222 14th Street, Boulder, CO 80302 will serve as an electric heater distribution location starting around 1pm today. Residents in need of electric heaters while Xcel Energy Colorado restores natural gas to customers can come pick up an electric heater and also monitor Xcel Energy’s website, Facebook and Twitter for more information.

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Disaster Assistance Center

The City has a presence at the Disaster Assistance Center. Some transportation assistance is available for those needing it to get to the Boulder County Disaster Assistance Center. Call Via Mobility at 303-447-9636 for information.
What: Boulder County Disaster Assistance Center for people who lost homes in or were displaced by the Marshall Fire
When: 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., seven days a week
Where: Boulder County Southeast Hub, 1755 South Public Road, Lafayette, CO
Help Available: For people who lost homes in or were displaced by the Marshall Fire, the Boulder County Disaster Assistance Center will provide services including:

Consultation on property loss and filing claims for assistance

Gift cards for replacement of food and transportation costs
Information about short- and long-term housing
Help with vital records
Referrals to emergency shelter
Food assistance
Mental health services

COVID-19 tests
Transportation vouchers
Referrals for personal finance planning

Donation Resources

Many of us are donating to the Boulder-Longmont ​REALTOR​® Association Foundation and the Colorado Association of REALTORS® to​ help with housing needs for those impacted. The donations will be matched by the Elevations Foundation. The deadline to donate is January 12, 2022. CLICK HERE

Here are other ways to give​ — or receive help:

Donate to Community Foundation Boulder County: ​CLICK HERE

​​Donate to verified GoFundMe fundraisers: ​CLICK HERE

Boulder Office of Emergency Management – information about donating and volunteering: CLICK HERE

Sister Carmen is accepting donations of:
​-Food
​-Funds for hotel and Airbnb stays
​-Gift cards for food and clothing
​-Access to our Thrift Store for clothing, bedding, and other essential items free of charge
​-Other resources as needs arise ​CLICK HERE

Donate to The Salvation Army, which is providing 1,000 meals three times a day to evacuees and first responders.
CLICK HERE or text FIRERELIEF to 51555

Donate to the American Red Cross:  CLICK HERE​ or text ​“REDCROSS” to 90999

​​Donations of food and clothing available for fire victims ​at Active Kids Louisville (not accepting further donations): ​303-665-9669

​Help with pets at Boulder Valley Humane Society: ​​CLICK HERE​ 

Insurance Claims

How to deal with insurance if you lost housing. BRL

Those without insurance or who are underinsurance  are eligible to apply for assistance from FEMA. Learn more: https://doi.colorado.gov/news-releases-consumer-advisories/consumer-advisory-insurance-information-for-marshall-and-middle

To help people with insurance claims, a recovery center has opened up in Lafayette. The Unified Assistance Center will be open every from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 1755 S. Public Road. It will also provide financial and food assistance, mental health support, and transportation. FEMA has staffed the Center with 100+ workers to assist.

Additionally, Colorado has Crisis Center to help in disasters and other situations. https://coloradocrisisservices.org/

Dan Jewell, Vice President
Adjusters International-MBC, LLC
12245 Pecos St, Suite 500, Westminster, Colorado 80234
P: 888.321.5200 | M: 303.298.9248
dan@ai-mbc.com

Attorney Natascha O’Flaherty with McDonough Law has helped a number of clients navigating the insurance process following the destruction of their homes in the East Troublesome Fire. Below is her advice for initial steps for those who lost a home in the Boulder County fires:

1. Contact your insurance carrier to let them know about your loss and begin the claim process;
2. Get a claim number and the contact information for the adjuster on your claim;
3. Request a copy of your insurance policy — by statute it must be provided within 72 hours;
4. Request in writing a certified copy of your policy — by statute it must be provided within 30 days;
5. Save all your receipts since evacuation: hotel, restaurants, food, clothing, pet supplies and necessities;
6.If it is a primary residence, per statute the carrier must offer to pay 30% of the contents without an inventory. (Additional amounts can then be claimed by submitting a written inventory of items lost.). This money can help families fund the costs of replacing items immediately needed;
7. Save receipts of all items purchased. Scan receipts into a computer file or keep a box with the actual receipts;
8. Find and secure housing. It may be 12-18 months or more until your home can be rebuilt. Check with your adjuster on ALE (additional living expense) coverage. Things to ask your adjuster:
a. What amount of coverage do you have and for how long do you have coverage — typically coverages are 12-24 months.
b. Will the insurance company pay for your rental home? Or will your insurance company pay you the monthly fair market value of the home you lost so you can buy an interim home or condo while you rebuild your home? Or will the insurance company pay the full ALE coverage out at this time for you to use at your discretion?

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*To have a successful ALE claim, pull comparisons on rental prices for a home similar the home you lost to the fire. Be aware that rental prices may surge due to demand after a fire.

It is prudent to open a separate bank account for all insurance proceeds. It is also helpful to have a credit card that is only used for fire claim related purchases and expenditures to assist with tracking covered and reimbursable expenses.

Bottom line — know your rights and know what your policy covers.

Here is a list of insurance carriers and their claim phone numbers to file an immediate claim:

Safeco            800.332.3226

Travelers        800.842.5075

Progressive    800.274.4499

Auto Owners 888.252.4626

Chubb            800.252.4670

Nationwide    877.669.6877

ASI                  866.274.5677

Cincinnati      877.242.2544

Encompass   800.588.7400

Secura           866.356.7870

The Hartford 800.243.5860

Metlife           800.854.6011

Local Resource Pages:

Northwest Chamber Alliance fire resource page: WildFire Resources – Northwest Chamber Alliance

Questions / nonemergency issues 

Boulder County Call Center: 303-413-7730

Victim Advocate Line: 303-441-3856

Disability and Disaster Hotline: 800-626-4959 (call or text)

Mental Health Resources
From the American Counseling Association

– Allow yourself to feel
– Practice self-care
– Eat well, exercise, maintain normal sleep routine
– Recognize that you (and others) need extra support
– Lower expectation of what you “should” be doing
– Talk about it: With friends, family, your therapist
– Lean into community support
– Don’t isolate
– Focus on what you are grateful for despite the loss

More tips, including explaining fires to children: boco.org/WildfireMentalHealth

Jewish Family Services Boulder County Crisis Counseling
(funding for 5 individual or family sessions)
Colorado Crises Services: 1-844-492-8255 or test TALK to 38255

Mental Health Partners
Call 303.443.8500  to schedule and appointment of visit the Walk-In clinic: 3180 Airport Road. (Closed Mondays) Community Health Workers are available for virtual services on Facebook or via mhpcolorado.org

For mental health resources: