Southern California
Wildfires
Provided from third-party sites intended for information; we do not guarantee accuracy
Resources
California Department of Consumer Affairs
Response.ca.gov
Governor Gavin Newsom announced the launch of a new state website with tools and resources for Californians who have been impacted by wildfires and utility-directed power shutoffs.
The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES)
Web: www.caloes.ca.gov ǀ Facebook: @CaliforniaOES ǀ Twitter: @cal_oes
Cal OES is responsible for overseeing and coordinating emergency preparedness, response, recovery, and homeland security activities within the state of California.
The California Board of Occupational Therapy
Web: www.bot.ca.gov
During a disaster, emergency or evacuation, the Board’s DISASTER PREPAREDNESS webpage advises consumers of the benefit of occupational therapy during this time of stress, dislocation, and disruption of daily self-care, occupations and routines. There are also links to state and local resources.
The Contractors State License Board (CSLB)
Web: www.cslb.ca.gov/media_room/disaster_help_center | Facebook: @CSLB.CA | Twitter: @CSLB
Check a license: http://cslb.ca.gov/OnlineServices/CheckLicenseII/CheckLicense.aspx
File a complaint: http://cslb.ca.gov/Consumers/Filing_a_Complaint/
As a consumer protection agency, and in its role regulating California’s construction industry, CSLB is responsible for protecting those whose homes and property are directly affected by wildfires, as well as other catastrophic events like floods, mudflows, earthquakes, and pipeline explosions. CSLB’s post-disaster mission is to help ensure that survivors are not victimized by unlicensed or unscrupulous contractors who may try to take advantage of them during the recovery and rebuilding process. It is a felony to contract without a license in a declared disaster area. Consumers can protect themselves by using CSLB’s resources to check a contractor’s license status and history.
The California Architects Board
Web: www.cab.ca.gov/cons/disaster_prep.shtml | Facebook: @CaliforniaArchitectsBoard | Twitter: @CAArchitectsBd
The Board’s Disaster Preparedness page advises consumers to be aware that illegal operations often try to take advantage of a disaster situation. The Board has two publications to assist consumers: The Homeowner’s Rebuilding Bulletin and the Consumer’s Guide to Hiring an Architect.
The California Board of Pharmacy
Web: www.pharmacy.ca.gov/ | Twitter: @CAPharmBoard
Preparing for an emergency evacuation: www.pharmacy.ca.gov/consumers/disaster_planning_tips.pdf
Consumers: During a disaster evacuation, the Board stresses the importance of staying on a prescribed medication treatment plan. Take steps to ensure that medications are not exposed to water or extreme temperatures.
Web: www.healthcareready.org/rxopen. The Emergency Prescription Assistance Program (EPAP) helps people in a federally identified disaster area who do not have health insurance get the prescription drugs, vaccinations, medical supplies, and equipment that they need. To determine eligibility for EPAP, call (855) 793-7470.
Pharmacists: During a declared state of emergency, the Board reminds pharmacies of information and state laws intended to help pharmacists provide prescription drugs— including controlled substances— for residents displaced because of emergency evacuation.
- Providing Prescription Drugs during Declared Statewide Emergency:
www.pharmacy.ca.gov/licensees/emergency_declaration.shtml - Providing Medications for Medi-Cal Recipients Impacted by State of Emergency:
www.pharmacy.ca.gov/licensees/meds_for_medi-cal_emergency.shtml - Pharmacists may contact the Board’s Ask an Inspector program at (916) 518-3100, M-Th 9am-1pm, or by email at [email protected].
The California Department of Insurance (DOI)
Web: www.insurance.ca.gov/01-consumers/140-catastrophes/WildfireResources.cfm
Facebook: @insurancecagov | Twitter: @CDInews
In an effort to assist victims of these devastating fires, DOI works closely with other federal, state and local agencies to assist in recovery issues related to insurance. Californians should work with their agent, insurer claims adjuster, and insurer with a goal of achieving a settlement that they believe is fair and consistent with their coverage. For questions about insurance or a dispute with an insurer, please contact DOI at 1-800-927-4357.
The California Department of Forestry & Fire Protection (CAL FIRE)
Web: www.fire.ca.gov/ | Facebook: @CALFIRE | Twitter: @CAL_FIRE
CAL FIRE is dedicated to the fire protection and stewardship of over 31 million acres of California’s privately-owned wildlands. In addition, the CAL FIRE provides varied emergency services in 36 of the State’s 58 counties via contracts with local governments. CAL FIRE provides regular updates about fire incidents and detailed maps of fire areas.
Additional Resources
EMERGENCY FUNDS & HOUSING SUPPORT
Up to date information on local hazards and evacuation assistance, including quick links to Road Closures, Animal Shelters and Health Alerts.
Apply for federal assistance by calling toll-free to (800) 621-FEMA (3362). Disaster victims may register by calling this number. You do not have to wait to go to a disaster assistance center. The number for speech and hearing impaired individuals is (800) 462-7585. Federal disaster assistance available for residents and businesses in the affected counties includes temporary housing assistance, disaster loans and other needs assistance grants.
These locations serve as all-purpose stops for people looking for financial assistance, government documents, and information about how they can rebuild following a disaster.
A comprehensive case-management service for disaster-affected homeowners whose mortgage loans are backed by the company. The program provides homeowners broader personalized support to address safety and basic needs, property repairs, employment, and financial recovery—all of which affect a borrower’s ability to meet their mortgage obligations.
Federal Disaster Loans for Businesses, Private Nonprofits, Homeowners, and Renters.
The California Employment Development Department (EDD) provides a variety of services to individuals and businesses affected by disasters in California.
Taxpayers whose properties have either been destroyed or sustained a minimum of $10,000 in damage may file a Misfortune and Calamity (M&C) claim for property tax relief. Assessor’s Disaster Relief Hotline (213) 974-8658
Offering free home stays for those in need of emergency housing.
Medical Aid
Health Net is helping ensure that members who have lost their homes, or have been evacuated, due to wildfire activity in California have access to essential prescription medications, critical Health Net information and other healthcare services to help them cope with grief, loss, stress or trauma.
Recover & rebuild
Provides free disaster recovery help, information and guidance.
Local assistance, record replacement, debris removal, and temporary housing.
Assistance to support long-term recovery efforts.
Learn about California’s anti-price gouging laws as they pertain to rental housing, especially during emergencies like wildfires. This FAQ provides essential information for landlords, property managers, and real estate professionals to ensure compliance.
Community partners
A resource guide that aims to inspire individuals and citizen groups to act in organized, effective ways to help communities hit by disasters to reclaim their future.
Legal & financial assistance
C.A.R.
C.A.R.’s legal resources offers links and information on tax, legal and other issues for wildfire victims.
How are properties affected in the real estate market by natural disasters?
INSURANCE - RELATED ISSUES
DOI can be contacted for general information and guidance about insurance claims by calling (800) 927-HELP (4357).
Through their Roadmap to Recovery programs you will find support, guidance and trustworthy help navigating the process of returning to a wildfire damaged area, repairing and replacing damaged and destroyed property, and collecting all available insurance funds.
PREVENTION & PLANNING
Created by the American Red Cross, this information encourages you to take precautions to help stay safe and speed up your recovery after a fire. It also offers ideas on what you can do to help make yourself and your home safer in the future.
Steps to take to create a family disaster plan to expedite voluntary and forced evacuations in the event of an emergency.