SPOKANE, WASH. — Fire victims gathered at Shadle Park High School this afternoon for a resource forum designed to answer critical questions about mortgages, predatory contractor offers, and the emotional toll of rebuilding after a devastating loss.
The panel brought together insurance experts, demolition specialists, and mental health practitioners to guide residents through the recovery process step by step. Many attendees focused their questions on the cleanup process and where to begin their rebuilding efforts.
Panel leader John Brooks outlined a clear sequence for residents to follow. The first two steps are to contact your insurance company and then your mortgage lender. After that, he recommended getting an asbestos inspection, removing debris, and then contacting a builder or restoration company.
When one resident asked about asbestos removal, restoration experts advised getting multiple quotes from licensed inspectors and selecting the option that fits your budget. They also stressed an important caution: do not sign a contract on your first meeting with a contractor.
“Just because the person is the first one to come…I’ve been hearing that they’re wanting people to sign a contract right away before they even come on sight. Do not do that,” said Sandra Teal, a restoration expert with Service Master Restore.
Beyond the logistics of rebuilding, mental health practitioners addressed the psychological impact of losing a home to fire. Anxiety, trouble sleeping, and feelings of numbness are normal responses during this time, they explained. However, certain symptoms warrant professional intervention.
“What I’m looking for from a clinical perspective of when to see someone for help is when you are stuck in parallelization where that next step of like, okay, what do I do? How do I approach this? You’re stuck,” said Christian Meyer, a mental health practitioner.
While many attendees left with answers to their questions, some felt the forum fell short of addressing their specific needs. One resident expressed frustration about not receiving clear guidance on who to contact about clearing debris from her property, and she left with three others before the forum concluded.
The forum represents one of several community efforts to support residents as they navigate the complex process of recovery and rebuilding.
Here is a website to find out more about resources in Spokane following the fires.
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