About a year after the fire I asked other 2003 survivors if they had any tips to give. Rick and Sharon Cords lost their house to the Old Fire in San Bernardino. Here’s what they had to say:

“We would like to bring to the attention of those who are in the process of rebuilding to ask their contractors about the security of the build site and the security of the house.  Last Saturday night or early Sunday morning, our home was broken into and several thousands of dollars worth of tools and boxed fixtures that were placed into the garage to be installed this week were taken.  Our tile man is from San Diego, so he was leaving his tools on the job site, in a back room not seen from the street, as he worked while staying in a motel in town.  The "bad guys" took most of his tools, grinders, table tile saw, flood lights, and more. He figures about $6000 to $7000 worth.  Most of the fixtures taken were faucets, sinks, shower fixtures, toilets, etc. etc., but costs are in the thousands as well.  Guess these things are easily sold, according to the San Bernardino City Police, at swap meets, yard sales, etc.

“Please tell folks to make sure their contractor(s) is insured.  Have them ask their contractor what they are doing, or are going to do, for security on the job site?  We just didn't think about this ... the doors and windows were all locked, or so we thought.  At least we were not vandalized, as some other builds have been, or so we were told. 

“It is important that any items removed from property be reported to the police!  Even if it is just a few used bricks ... maybe those were needed in the rebuild!  Any vandalism should be reported as well.  We have asked that the police patrol the rebuild areas on a regular basis more often.  They made no promises, but if everyone that has a rebuild going on would request the same, then maybe it could be implemented for all of us.”