California fire aid: List of FEMA, Red Cross and other resources

The Los Angeles fires have been burning homes and businesses for more than a week, killed at least 24 people, displaced thousands of others and destroyed more than 12,000 structures. 

As investigators work to determine what sparked the fires, fire crews are still working to contain the biggest blazes. 

Meanwhile, residents and business owners are beginning to figure out how to recover from tremendous loss. 

Here is a list of resources available: 

Housing and business relief 

FEMA offers up to $770 to help cover immediate needs during the evacuation, but its larger grants of up to $43,600 generally aren’t available until after insurance companies pay out, according to The Associated Press. 

Someone who receives a maximum grant from FEMA might be eligible for another $10,000 grant from the state.

For other needs beyond what insurance and FEMA cover, the Small Business Administration offers low-interest loans to individuals and businesses. Businesses can borrow up to $2 million while homeowners can borrow up to $500,000 for rebuilding and another $100,000 for personal property.

See more information on filing a FEMA claim below. 

Aside from federal government assistance, the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation provides resources to assist businesses survive and recover after natural disasters.

Filing a wildfire insurance claim

After a property loss, you must report the damage to your insurance company agent or representative to start the claim process.

California’s Department of Insurance recommends asking questions such as:

  • Does my policy cover the property damage to my home?
  • How long will it take to process my claim?
  • Will I need to obtain estimates for repairs to the structure?
  • What is my deductible?

More wildfire insurance claim resources here

FEMA claims

Closeup shot of an unrecognizable couple going through paperwork together at home

You can register for assistance through FEMA in the three following ways: 

  • Online at DisasterAssistance.gov, recommended by officials as the easiest, fastest, and most convenient way to apply.
  • On the FEMA App for mobile devices.
  • Call the FEMA helpline at 1-800-621-3362: 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. (PST). Help is available in most languages.

Small Business Administration 

Help from the U.S. Small Business Administration is available for homeowners, renters, nonprofits and businesses of all sizes affected by the wildfires.

Get more information and apply here

Disaster Recovery Centers

Visit Disaster Recovery Centers open around Los Angeles for help with federal aid applications, housing and rental support and access to services.

See location and hours of the centers here

Relief for seniors

Meadowbrook at Agoura Hills is offering temporary housing and Wildlife Relief Packages for seniors that have been evacuated because of the fires.

Those interested can get more information by calling 818-824-8090 or by visiting seniorlifestyle.com/California-Wildfire-Relief/.

Replace drivers' licenses, IDs, car titles

The DMV can help you get replacement drivers' licenses, IDs and vehicle titles. Click here for more

State tax relief

You can apply for state tax relief for individuals and businesses impacted by the fires. 

You can also get copies of your tax records and a one-month filing extension on your tax returns. Learn more at CDTFA.

Red Cross assistance 

In need of immediate assistance? 

Contact your local Red Cross chapter here

Find an open shelter here

RELATED: Where to donate clothes for LA fire victims

Job loss assistance

If you lost your job due to the fires, apply for benefits through the State of California.

WorkSource Centers also provide free employment services for dislocated workers.

Property tax assistance

Tax relief could be available if your property is damaged or destroyed by a fire. File an Application for Reassessment: Property Damaged or Destroyed by Misfortune or Calamity with the Assessor’s Office within 12 months.

Locating and reporting lost animals

Pasadena Humane has created a hotline for Eaton Fire victims who are searching for their lost pets. People can call 626-577-3752 to report found of lost animals.

A new dedicated phone line has been established to specifically assist with inquiries related to pets affected by the fire. If you're looking for your animal in the fire zone, affected areas, please call 213-270-8155 for assistance.

Love Lost, an online platform is also helping people attempting to locate missing pets. More information can be found here.

Animal therapy and fostering

LA's Cat Cafe Lounge is offering complimentary 30 and 70-minute cat therapy sessions. They are also looking for people to sign up to foster displaced cats. 

The Source: Information in this article was taken from a variety of federal government websites, state of California websites and local Los Angeles resources. 

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