“Start Before the Smoke Clears”: Shoughi Darakhshan Urges Communities to Act Faster in Fire Recovery

911 BoardUp Founder Raises Awareness Around Immediate Post-Disaster Support and Personal Preparedness

Virginia, US, 19th May 2025, ZEX PR WIRE, Shoughi Darakhshan, founder and CEO of 911 BoardUp, is calling for greater awareness and community involvement in the critical first 72 hours following a residential fire. Drawing from over a decade of experience helping families recover from disasters, Darakhshan is encouraging local leaders, individuals, and homeowners to act early—before waiting for insurance, inspections, or outside help.

“Too often, we arrive to a scene and the family is standing in the street, unsure what comes next,” said Darakhshan. “That’s where the real damage begins—not the fire, but the delay. The emotional and financial impact multiplies if people don’t get help right away.”

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), a home fire is reported every 88 seconds in the United States. In 2023 alone, fires caused over $15 billion in property damage and displaced thousands of families. But the hours immediately after a fire often lack structured response beyond emergency services.

911 BoardUp was created to fill that void—boarding up homes, preventing further damage, and offering guidance on what to do next. But Darakhshan believes everyday people have a role to play too.

“You don’t need to be a firefighter to support someone who just lost their home,” he said. “Bring a blanket, a phone charger, or just stay with them while they make calls. That support matters more than people realise.”

Darakhshan, who came to the U.S. as a refugee from Iran at age three, says his experience shaped his views on responsibility and resilience. By age 20, he was already working in restoration. Today, he leads a company known for its rapid disaster response across Virginia, Washington D.C., and Maryland.

But his message isn’t about business. It’s about being ready—physically, mentally, and practically.

“Success isn’t about money. It’s about helping as many people as you can without losing yourself or your family,” said Darakhshan. “It starts with small habits—keeping a go-bag, reviewing your home insurance, knowing who to call. These things don’t take long but make all the difference.”

He also calls on local governments and neighbourhood associations to create more immediate support networks for disaster victims. “We have emergency response down to a science. What we need is emotional and logistical support in those next few hours and days.”

When asked what drives him, Darakhshan is clear:

“Every mistake is a learning moment. Every time someone said I couldn’t do it, it pushed me harder. But at the end of the day, it’s about showing up when others can’t.”

What You Can Do

Darakhshan urges individuals and families to take three small but powerful steps:

1. Create a simple disaster plan – Write down who to call, where to go, and what to grab.

2. Get involved locally – Volunteer or join a neighbourhood support group focused on crisis response.

3. Be present when disaster strikes – If someone on your street experiences a fire or flood, check in. Your presence alone can make a difference.

“You don’t need to be perfect,” says Darakhshan. “You just need to be there.”