Center for American Progress

Los Angeles Wildfire Survivor Is Struggling To Get the Insurance Payouts That She Needs To Return Home
Video

Los Angeles Wildfire Survivor Is Struggling To Get the Insurance Payouts That She Needs To Return Home

The home of Rossana Valverde, a storyteller with the organization Extreme Weather Survivors, was left essentially untouched by the flames from last year’s Eaton Fire. But the fire did leave toxic, cancer-causing residue in its wake.

Part of a Series

Extreme weather disasters are becoming more common, more powerful, and more deadly. Large fires, such as the one that burned through Altadena, leave behind toxic metals and chemicals from burning cars, appliances, and other materials found in homes and businesses. Even homes not directly burned, such as the one belonging to Rossana Valverde, become contaminated with cancer-causing toxic smoke, ash, and dust. The decreased air quality and spread of harmful pollutants put communities at risk of long-term health effects. In addition, home insurers are scaling back coverage or exiting markets altogether, leaving families increasingly vulnerable. For the past year, Rossana has been struggling with her insurance company to get the full payout that she needs to free her home of the toxins from the wildfire, so she can finally return home.

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AUTHOR

Margaret Cooney

Senior Campaign Manager of Storytelling, Energy and Environment Campaigns

PRODUCERS

Hai-Lam Phan

Senior Director, Creative

Toni Pandolfo

Video Producer, Production

Team

Domestic Climate

It’s time to build a 100 percent clean future, deliver on environmental justice, and empower workers to compete in the global clean energy economy.

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