Wildfire season has had a significant impact across Washington this summer, with several communities experiencing evacuations, property damage, and poor air quality. While we hope our clients and their families remain safe, these events serve as an important reminder to prepare before disaster strikes and to know what resources are available if you are affected.
Preparing Before Disaster Strikes
Whether you’re a homeowner or business owner, taking a few preventative steps today can make recovery much easier if disaster occurs.
– Safeguard your financial records: Keep electronic copies of important documents such as tax returns, insurance policies, deeds, titles, payroll records, and financial statements. Store them in a secure cloud service or another off-site location so they remain accessible if paper records are lost.
– Document your property: Take photos or videos of your home, business, equipment, and valuable personal belongings. An up-to-date inventory can simplify insurance claims and help support casualty loss documentation if tax relief becomes available.
– Review your insurance coverage: Confirm that your homeowners, renters, business, and commercial property insurance policies provide adequate coverage. Understanding your deductibles, coverage limits, and business interruption provisions before an emergency occurs can help avoid unexpected surprises later.
– Create a business continuity plan: Business owners should identify how critical operations, payroll, customer communication, and data backups will continue if their office or workplace becomes temporarily inaccessible.
If You Have Been Affected
Your safety should always come first. Once you and your family are safe, begin documenting any losses as soon as practical.
– Contact your insurance company to begin the claims process.
– Save receipts for emergency repairs, temporary housing, replacement supplies, and other disaster-related expenses.
– Avoid discarding damaged property until your insurance company has advised that it is appropriate.
– Keep copies of all correspondence with your insurance carrier and any government agencies assisting with recovery.
If your personal or business records have been lost or destroyed, don’t panic. Many records can be reconstructed through bank statements, financial institutions, payroll providers, IRS transcripts, etc.
Tax Relief May Become Available
When major disasters occur, the IRS and Washington State may provide special tax relief, including extended filing and payment deadlines or other forms of administrative relief. These announcements are made after disaster declarations and vary depending on the affected counties.
Helping Our Washington Communities
Many families, businesses, and first responders will need support during the recovery process. If you would like to help, consider donating to established organizations that provide emergency shelter, food, financial assistance, and disaster recovery services.
Organizations that are often active during Washington wildfire response efforts include:
– The American Red Cross
– Feed Needs
– The Salvation Army
– Washington State Combined Fund Drive by Washington Secretary of State
– Local community foundations and county emergency relief funds serving affected areas
When making charitable contributions, be sure to donate through reputable organizations and keep your donation receipts for your records.