
1. How to Guide
1.1. Who We are:
1.2. Purpose of This Guide
1.3. How to Get in Touch
1.4. Other Resources
1.4.1. Classes
1.4.1.1. Landscaping for Wildlife Resilience: 02-13-25
1.4.2. Initiatives
1.4.2.1. Hire A Displaced Gardener
1.4.2.2. Altadena Seed Library
2. Immediate Tasks
2.1. Ensure safety
2.1.1. Physical Safety
2.1.1.1. Perscriptions
2.1.1.2. Clothing
2.1.1.3. Housing
2.1.1.4. Food
2.1.2. Mental Safety
2.1.2.1. Therapy
2.1.2.1.1. Pro Bono Therapy
2.1.2.1.2. Grief Resources
2.1.2.2. Meditation
2.1.2.2.1. Virtual Meditation
2.1.2.2.2. In Person Meditation
2.2. Tasks to Complete
2.2.1. To Do List
2.2.2. Practical Advice for Victims
3. Assess Your Options
3.1. Insurance
3.1.1. Rebuild
3.1.1.1. "Reconstruction"
3.1.1.1.1. Pros
3.1.1.1.2. Cons
3.1.1.2. New Construction
3.1.1.2.1. Pros
3.1.1.2.2. Cons
3.1.2. Remediate
3.1.2.1. Pros
3.1.2.1.1. Permit will still be expedited
3.1.2.1.2. ADUs May Be Allowed Additionally
3.1.2.1.3. Can decrease the time it takes to move back in
3.1.2.2. Cons
3.1.2.2.1. May need to clean and remove some systems of your existing home
3.1.3. Buy A New Home
3.1.3.1. Some policies allow you to take the payout to purchase an existing home elsewhere. Confirm this option with your insurer.
3.1.4. Cash Settlement
3.1.4.1. Accept a cash settlement, though this may be less than the replacement cost. Check with you insurer.
3.2. No Insurance
3.2.1. Disaster Assistance
3.2.2. SBA Low Interest Disaster Loan
4. Prepare for Rebuild
4.1. Clearing Debris
4.1.1. Government Sponsored Debris Removal Program
4.1.2. Individual Debris Removal
4.1.2.1. Must get County approval prior ro removal
4.1.3. Debris Removal Flyers
4.1.3.1. Palisades Fire Flyer
4.1.3.2. Eaton Fire Flyer
4.2. Timeline Expectations
4.2.1. Estimated Timeline
4.2.1.1. Debris Clearing: 6–12 months
4.2.1.2. Permitting and Design: 4–12 months, depending on the extent of streamlining.
4.2.1.3. Construction: 1–3 years, depending on resources, labor availability, and homeowner preferences.
4.2.2. Timelines From Previous Fires
4.2.2.1. 2018 Camp Fire (Paradise, CA)
4.2.2.1.1. Expedited permitting and waived some fees for fire victims.
4.2.2.1.2. Debris removal took about a year, followed by permitting and phased reconstruction efforts over the next 2–4 years
4.2.2.2. 2018 Woolsley Fire (Ventura County, CA)
4.2.2.2.1. Expedited permitting and waived some fees for fire victims.
4.2.2.2.2. Debris removal took about a year, followed by permitting and phased reconstruction efforts over the next 18–24 month
4.3. Hiring Design Professionals
4.3.1. Architects
4.3.1.1. Verify Their License
4.3.1.2. What is an Architect?
4.3.2. Engineers
4.3.2.1. Verify Their License
4.3.2.2. What is an Engineer?
4.3.3. Land Surveyors
4.3.3.1. Verify Their License
4.3.3.2. What is a Land Surveyor?
4.3.4. Contractors
4.3.4.1. Verify Their License
4.3.4.2. What is a Contractor?
4.3.5. Interior Designers
4.3.5.1. They do not need a licnese
4.3.5.2. What is an interior designer?
4.3.6. Landscape Architects
4.3.6.1. Verify Their License
4.3.6.2. What is an Landscape Architect?
4.4. Connect with Discounted Design Services
4.4.1. The Expert
4.4.2. DesignLA MasterList
4.4.3. Design Hutch Interior Design
5. Planning Your Resilient Home
5.1. Consider Fire Resilient Strategies
5.1.1. Defensible Space
5.1.1.1. Create setbacks between the structure and combustible vegetation or neighboring structures. Maintain a minimum of 100 feet of defensible space around homes
5.1.1.2. Incorporate fire-resistant native plants and landscape hardscaping
5.1.2. Site Orientation
5.1.2.1. Position the home with the wind direction in mind to minimize exposure to embers carried by wind.
5.1.2.2. Avoid building on steep slopes, as fire travels faster uphill. If building on a slope, include firebreaks (e.g., retaining walls or terraces)
5.1.3. Design Features
5.1.3.1. Firewalls: Use masonry or reinforced concrete firewalls to compartmentalize and slow the spread of fire.
5.1.3.2. Eaves and Soffits: Enclose eaves and soffits with non-combustible materials to block embers.
5.1.3.3. Overhangs and Projections: Minimize large overhangs that can trap heat and embers.
5.1.3.4. Gutters: Install metal gutters and use gutter guards to keep debris out, reducing fire risk.
5.1.3.5. Green Roofs (Fire Adapted)- Improves insulation, reduces heat island effects, and absorbs rainwater.
5.1.3.6. Exterior Fire Sprinklers
5.1.4. Specifications & Materials
5.1.4.1. Roofing
5.1.4.1.1. Non-combustible roofing such as metal, clay, concrete, Class A asphalt shingles or fiber cement
5.1.4.2. Siding
5.1.4.2.1. Non-combustible siding such as metal, clay, concrete, or fiber cement
5.1.4.2.2. Apply fire-retardant paints or sprays to wood and other combustible surfaces.
5.1.4.3. Windows
5.1.4.3.1. Install non-combustible window frames (e.g., aluminum or fiberglass)
5.1.4.3.2. Install tempered, double-paned glass windows and fire-resistant doors.
5.1.4.3.3. Add external metal shutters for additional protection, integrated a remote controlled system
5.1.4.4. Doors
5.1.4.4.1. Use solid, fire-rated doors made of metal, steel, or solid-core wood
5.1.4.4.2. Ensure tight-fitting seals to prevent ember intrusion
5.1.4.5. Decking & Porches
5.1.4.5.1. Use concrete, stone, or composite rated for fire resistance
5.1.4.5.2. Enclose the underside of decks with non-combustible materials to prevent embers from gathering underneath
5.1.4.6. Vents
5.1.4.6.1. Install ember-resistant vents with metal mesh screens (openings no larger than 1/8 inch) to prevent ember entry into attics or crawl space
5.1.4.7. Utilities
5.1.4.7.1. Install fire suppression systems like an automatic sprinkler system for interior fire suppression.
5.1.4.7.2. Use interconnected smoke detectors that alert the entire house when one is triggered.
5.1.4.7.3. Use solar panels with battery storage to ensure power during outages and emergencies
5.1.4.7.4. Equip the home with an exterior sprinkler system
5.1.4.7.5. Install a cistern or water tank for firefighting purposes
5.1.4.7.6. Install backup generators to keep essential systems running
5.1.4.7.7. Use flexible, underground piping for gas lines to reduce rupture risks during fires
5.1.4.7.8. Use interconnected smoke detectors that alert the entire house when one is triggered
5.1.4.7.9. Use sensors to monitor for fire and ember activity
5.1.4.8. Insulation
5.1.4.8.1. Mineral Wool
5.1.4.8.2. Cellulose Insulation (Fire-Treated)
5.1.4.8.3. Hempcrete
5.1.4.8.4. Cork
5.1.4.8.5. Aerogel
5.1.4.8.6. Perlite
5.1.4.8.7. Rammed Earth
5.2. Consider Sustainable Strategies
5.2.1. Passive House Strategies
5.2.1.1. Airtight construction reduces oxygen flow, slowing fire spread
5.2.1.2. Insulation materials like mineral wool add fire resistance.
5.2.2. Modular & Prefabricated
5.2.2.1. Pros
5.2.2.1.1. Decreases Onsite Labor/ Timelines
5.2.2.1.2. Reduced construction waste
5.2.2.1.3. Improved material efficiency
5.2.2.2. Cons
5.2.2.2.1. Possible Increase in Cost
5.2.3. Sustainable Building Systems
5.2.3.1. Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT)
5.2.3.1.1. Thick CLT panels char on the surface, creating an insulating layer that slows the spread of fire while maintaining structural integrity
5.2.3.2. Fiber Cement
5.2.3.2.1. Non-combustible, Class A fire rating
5.2.3.3. Rammed Earth
5.2.3.3.1. Non-combustible and resistant to high temperatures
5.2.3.4. Recycled Steel
5.2.3.4.1. Non-combustible and maintains structural stability in high heat
5.2.3.5. Concrete
5.2.3.5.1. Non-combustible and has excellent thermal resistance
5.2.3.5.2. Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC)
5.2.3.6. Stone & Brick
5.2.3.6.1. Non-combustible materials with high heat tolerance
5.2.3.7. Compressed Earth Blocks
5.2.3.7.1. Fireproof, with excellent thermal properties
5.2.3.8. High Performance Glass
5.2.3.8.1. Tempered, double- or triple-paned glass resists heat and prevents shattering under fire conditions
5.3. Consider Neighborhood Context
5.3.1. Rebuild Architectural Diversity
5.3.1.1. Los Angeles Building Typologies
5.3.1.2. Importance of Significant Architectural Presevation
5.3.1.2.1. Saving Los Angeles History
5.3.1.3. Most Common Los Angeles Homes
5.3.2. Create a Resilient & Sensitive Modern Architecture
5.3.2.1. Resilience: Design for Adaptability and safety
5.3.2.2. Sustainability: A Net-Positive Approach
5.3.2.3. Contextual Integration: Reflecting the Spirit of Your Neighborhood
5.3.2.4. Accessibility and Equity: Architecture for Everyone
5.3.3. The History of the Pacific Palisades
5.3.3.1. Notable Homes in the Pacific Palisades
5.3.3.1.1. Eames House
5.3.3.1.2. The Getty Villa
5.3.3.1.3. Villa Aurora
5.3.3.1.4. St. Matthew's Episcopal Church
5.3.3.1.5. Case Study House #18 (West House)
5.3.3.1.6. Robert Bridges House
5.3.3.1.7. The Benedict & Nancy Freedman House by Richard Neutra
5.3.3.1.8. Keeler House by Ray Kappe
5.3.4. The History of Altadena
5.3.4.1. Notable Homes in Altadena
5.3.4.1.1. Andrew McNally House by Frederick L Roehrig
5.3.4.1.2. Scripps Hall by CW Buchanan
5.3.4.2. Recreate Altadena's History
6. Permit, Construct, & Complete
6.1. Permitting
6.1.1. Rebuild
6.1.1.1. "Reconstruction"
6.1.1.1.1. Pros
6.1.1.1.2. Cons
6.1.1.2. New Construction
6.1.1.2.1. Pros
6.1.1.2.2. Cons
6.2. Construction
6.2.1. Protect Against Price Gouging