Jonathan Scott Shares Commitment to Helping Rebuild L.A. After Fires (Exclusive)

Jonathan Scott is hoping to help Los Angeles build back better after January’s devastating fires.

More than two months after the first fire broke out in Pacific Palisades, the Property Brothers star is offering information and advice to those whose homes were affected. In a new video debuting exclusively with PEOPLE and drewandjonathan.com, the TV contractor outlines five steps to rebuilding to demystify the process for impacted homeowners.

“The Palisades and Eaton fires have affected so many families, including mine,” he says in the video. While Jonathan’s own home as well of those of his twin brother and co-star Drew Scott and their parents were spared by the blazes, his fiancee Zooey Deschanel shared that her and sister Emily Deschanel’s childhood home, where their parents still lived, was destroyed.

“It was not a mansion but it was cozy and lovely and unique and perfect to me,” Zooey wrote of the loss in January. “The reminders of generations past: All have vanished into thin air.”

Jonathan’s video was filmed at the site of the Deschanel family home, with only the stone pieces, including the chimney and front entrance still standing. “So many memories here. It’s just heartbreaking,” he says in the video. “I try to focus on the steps of what we actually have to do to build back.”

Jonathan assures that the recovery effort in the city is actually “ahead of schedule,” with the vast majority of surrounding areas now having access to electricity and clean drinking water. The builder worked closely with L.A. officials to ensure the video includes the most up-to-date and accurate verified information.

“You’re in charge of what happens to your property, so hopefully this will help you manage those next steps,” he says. “Know that the city and state have thousands of people working on everything — from cleanup, to housing, to even mitigating the labor and material shortages that are inevitable — to try and get you home.”

Steps one and two concern mitigating damage and loss, while steps three, four and five involve the actual rebuilding process.

The first step is to register with the disaster recovery center, where victims can obtain a new property title, social security card, passport and birth certificate, if they were lost in the fires, as well as cancel utilities — all of which will help secure individual’s identities and property. The center will likely be open until April 18.

Second, those impacted should sign up for debris removal by the US Army Corps of Engineers, which requires registration and some paperwork but is a free service. The last day to register is March 31 — and anyone who had previously opted out, can still opt back in prior to that date.

Homeowners can also opt for private removal, though it can cost thousands, he says. Jonathan suggests individuals ensure their insurance has specific coverage for debris removal, before going that route.

He suggests starting step three while the debris is getting removed. While he encourages homeowners to embrace the “original architectural diversity” of the area, he reiterates the importance of prioritizing resistance to a range of natural disasters when building new homes.

The Celebrity IOU host suggests specific fire-resistant design choices like reducing exterior overhang and fireproofing the underside; including wildfire ember mesh in vents; using tempered glass if you’re in a fire zone; using class A non-combustable materials, especially in regards to exterior elements; and being mindful of greenery placement. “Resilient” home elements can also be applied and implemented to every style of home, Jonathan says.

The fourth step is submitting building plans — which, thanks to L.A.’s expedited permitting process, can be quick if a house was built relatively recently. There’s a One-Stop Rebuilding Center in West Los Angeles, as well as rebuilding centers in Altadena and Malibu —some of the worst hit areas. Additionally, any concerns can be brought to the Department of Building Safety Hotline for Rebuilding at (213) 557-8441.

“This is a huge deal,” Jonathan says of the process. “They’ve also created a one-stop shop with every department represented to further support and avoid any late-fee delays.”

Lastly, Jonathan encourages homeowners to be familiar with their insurance rights. He’s aware of both positive and discouraging stories of insurance companies’ responses to rebuilding.

 “You have every right to be frustrated and upset, but I want you to also feel hope,” Jonathan says.

For more information, visit drewandjonathan.com.