Today we visited the disaster relief and recovery center at the Hilton foundation. While it was helpful, it was totally overwhelming and stressful. FEMA, the fire department, public health, vital records, tax assessors, and so forth were all supposed to be there to help. I learned things I never wanted to know.
We had applied for FEMA and been rejected in less than 24 hours, so our first stop was to the FEMA desk to ask why. Basically FEMA rejected anyone with insurance, and then we can appeal if our insurance doesn’t cover enough. Wonderful, extra steps.
We also discovered that the debris removal process (AKA removing the remains of what was once our home) is complicated, time-consuming, and possibly expensive. It has many steps because the debris is toxic and can’t go to the regular landfill area. We have to apply for a permit only after public health and the FD have removed toxic materials. This can be months until it is completed.
So many stops, so many people. It is going to be a long road.
It was also so sad and startling to meet others who lost their homes. The rooms were filled with sadness, confusion, anger, laughter (I know!), and tears.
In all honesty, I’m glad I took copious notes because the entire day was a blur. A big messy blur.
From the Ashes 