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How to spot, stop, and report post-disaster scams
Here are ways to help you avoid common post-disaster scams.
- Be skeptical of anyone promising immediate clean-up and debris removal. Some may quote outrageous prices, demand payment up-front, or lack the skills needed.
- Check them out. Before you pay, ask for IDs, licenses, and proof of insurance. Don’t believe any promises that aren’t in writing
- Never pay by wire transfer, gift card, cryptocurrency, or in cash. And never make the final payment until the work is done and you’re satisfied
- Guard your personal information. Only scammers will say they’re a government official and then demand money or your credit card, bank account, or Social Security number
- Know that FEMA doesn’t charge application fees. If someone wants money to help you qualify for FEMA funds, that’s probably a scam
- Be wise to rental listing scams. Steer clear of people who tell you to wire money or ask for security deposits or rent before you’ve met or signed a lease
- Spot disaster-related charity scams. Scammers will often try to make a quick profit from the misfortune of others. Check out the FTC’s advice on donating wisely and avoiding charity scams
Recovery and Coping
In the middle of a crisis, it can become difficult to take care of yourself with so many other worries preoccupying your mind. However, this is a good time to think about your personal resiliency, healing and a sense of normality. Some self-care strategies you may want to consider are:
Practicing proven stress-reduction techniques, such as:
- Regular exercises, meditation, and deep breathing.
- Allowing yourself to feel bad, cry, and release negative emotions in a healthy manner.
- Giving yourself permission to feel good. You can have periods of joy even when coping with loss.
- Making small decisions daily in order to feel in control of your life once more.
- Putting off major life decisions, such as switching jobs, if possible.
- Lowering your expectations of what you “should be doing.”
- Not isolating yourself too much.
- Spending time with people is healthy in recovery.
- Talking with friends and family.
- Taking advantage of community support.
- Focusing on what you are thankful for in spite of your loss.
- Staying away from mood-altering substances, such as alcohol and other drugs.
- Getting plenty of rest when possible and maintain a normal sleep/wake cycle.
- Eating well-balanced meals.
It is common for people to experience several stages of adjustment including shock, anger, depression, and hopelessness. Ultimately, however, people can reach a stage of acceptance and become able to move beyond disbelief, bitterness, and sadness. Positive feelings can begin to re-emerge as the focus shifts towards the future. Safety, security, and comfort are regained, and life moves forward once again.
For Children
Children, and adolescents can react in a variety of ways when dealing with a fire including experiencing anxiety, nightmares and sleep disorders. A child's ability to cope is highly influenced by how their parents and caregivers deal with crisis. Because children often look to adults for guidance, support, and information, it is important to work to toward coping successfully so that you may serve as a positive role model for your children.
Returning Home After the Fire
- Checking Your Home's Structural Elements
- Checking Your Home's Utility Services
- Cleanup of Fire Ash and Debris
- Disposal and Clean Up Notice from Douglas Disposal
- Douglas County Social Services
- Food Safety After a Fire
- Reducing Exposure to Ash
- Returning Home After a Fire Evacuations
- Safety Precautions for Re-Entry and Clean-Up After a Fire
- Vital Records Replacement
- What To Do Before Returning Home After a Wildfire
- Wildfire Fire Chemical Clean-Up