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Real Health for
our Forests
Los Angeles Times
October 31, 2003



To the victims of these devastating fires, I want to offer all the resources of my offices in California and Washington, D.C. for any assistance you may need during these trying times.
As you are probably aware, on October 27, 2003, President Bush declared the Counties of Los Angeles, Ventura, San Bernardino, and San Diego major disaster areas. This declaration opens the way for federal assistance to be made available to those suffering losses from the fires through numerous grant and loan programs. On October 30, 2003, President Bush declared Riverside County a major disaster area as well.

I know people have many questions regarding details of the fire, how to apply for federal assistance, and what is being done to help those directly affected by these tragedies. Please contact any one of my offices in California or Washington D.C. with any questions or concerns.

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FEMA

The first step individuals who are in designated disaster areas should take is call the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) at 1-800-621-3362 to register with the agency.

FEMA has four main calling centers with representatives that speak numerous languages. Be prepared to provide your Social Security number, describe your damages and losses, and give directions to any damaged property. Speech or hearing impaired individuals should call
1-800-462-7585.

In addition to calling FEMA directly, you may choose to stop by one of the several Disaster Recovery Centers that will be opened up in the affected areas. These centers will be staffed by local, state, federal officials who can answer any further questions you might have.

Once you have registered with a FEMA representative over the phone, a FEMA representative will review your case and recommend the appropriate assistance options which include the following:

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  • The Individuals and Households Program (IHP)

    Combined federal/state program provides assistance to individuals in disaster areas who have suffered property damage or the loss of property where such losses are not covered by insurance.
  • Small Business Administration Disaster Loans (SBA)

    Federally-subsidized loans are made available to replace homes, personal property, or businesses that have sustained damage and are not covered by insurance.
  • Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA)

    Provides unemployment benefits and reemployment assistance to individuals who have lost employment as the result of the disaster.
  • Legal Services

    Legal assistance may be provided to low-income individuals who may need help with insurance claims and other legal matters related to the disaster.
  • Special Tax Considerations

    An individual may deduct losses resulting from the disaster on their tax return for either the year for which the losses occurred or from the preceding year.
  • Crisis Counseling

    Supplemental funding is provided to the State to assist in counseling efforts for those affected by the disaster.
Additional Resources
  • The California Department of Insurance has set up the following toll free telephone number to assist fire victims and homeowners with filing insurance claims: 1-800-927-4357.

    The hotline will be open from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. to answer your insurance questions. A website has also been set up on the internet at www.insurance.ca.gov. to help residents with specific insurance questions.

  • The American Red Cross is also a very helpful resource during times like these. The Red Cross maintains a database that can help you find your family if you have become separated from them and help you obtain food, water, and clothing. Listen to your radio or watch your local media for the location of the nearest volunteer facility.

Victims Hotline and Phone Numbers

Toll-free registration for disaster victims. Call as soon as possible to get more information on how the Federal Emergency Management Agency can help.

  • Shelter Locations:
    1-866-GET-INFO
    (1-866-438-4636)

  • Disaster Relief Fund:
    1-800-HELP-NOW
    1-800-257-7575 (en español)

    Additional Information
  • San Bernardino Residents: 760-345-6511909-888-1481
  • Los Angeles: 213-739-5220
  • San Diego Residents: 619-542-7640
  • Spanish Speakers: 800-257-7575

Resources

Information about the fires.

News

Late-breaking stories on the spread of fires and the efforts to help Californians.
Help

More ways to assist the victims of the fires.

Evacuation Information

If you are a concerned citizen wondering whether or not your area is being evacuated please contact these information hotlines. Note: Someone will contact you if you need to be evacuated.

  • Grand Prix Fire
    Old Fire
    San Bernardino National Forest/CDF San Bernardino Unit
    909-383-5688
  • Paradise Fire, Cedar Fire
    CDF San Diego Unit
    619-590-3160
  • Piru Fire, Los Padres National Forest
    805-961-5770
  • Camp Pendleton Marine
    Corps Base
    760-763-3889
  • Simi Fire
    Ventura County - Simi
    805-388-4276
  • Verdale Fire, LA County
    323-881-2411
  • Whitmore Fire
    CDF Shasta-Trinity Unit
    530-225-2510

En Español

"Esta es una situación trágica. Envío mi cordial agradecimiento a todos los que estan luchando los fuegos que estan destruyendo a California y mi más profundo dolor esta con las familias de las personas que han perdido sus vidas y los miles que han perdido sus hogares."

Declaración de Senadora Feinstein sobre las quemazónes en California
El 28 de Octubre de 2003

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