As Coordinated Wildfire Response Efforts Continue, FEMA Encourages Californians to Apply for Aid

WASHINGTON — As wildfire response efforts continue, Californians should listen to instructions from state and local officials and take steps to stay safe, such as immediately evacuating if told to do so, paying attention to local alerts, and wearing face masks when outdoors.

Los Angeles County Residents with Wildfire Damage Are to Apply for FEMA Assistance

Suppose your primary home has been affected by the fires. In that case, FEMA may be able to assist you with certain costs, such as purchasing essential items, finding temporary accommodations, replacing personal property, or making basic repairs to your home. However, FEMA assistance is intended for those who do not have insurance or whose insurance does not cover basic needs. If you do have insurance, it is important to file a claim as soon as possible and be prepared to provide your coverage information when applying for FEMA assistance.

There are several ways to apply for FEMA assistance:

• Online at DisasterAssistance.gov and in Spanish language at DisasterAssistance.gov/es.
• Calling the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362 for assistance in multiple languages.
• On the FEMA App for mobile devices.

To view an accessible video about how to apply visit: FEMA Accessible: Registering for Individual Assistance or en Español.

FEMA and the Federal Government Remain Steadfast as Disaster Response Continues

FEMA is supporting state and local governments by paying for all debris removal and life-saving and life-sustaining actions, including fire suppression efforts, for 180 days, in addition to aiding people and families in their recovery.

The federal government as whole is dedicated to aiding in the community’s recovery and response efforts in California. For this unprecedented response and recovery effort, FEMA, the primary federal coordinating agency for the state-led response, depends on the federal interagency’s experience.

On the ground, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is offering technical and public works skills to help its disaster response partners plan and coordinate.

The activation of over 880 National Guard men from California, Nevada, and Wyoming.

Free Mental Health Support and Other Forms of Care Are Available for Wildfire Survivors and Their Loved Ones

Anyone feeling overwhelmed or in distress because of the fires can call or text the Disaster Distress Helpline 24/7 at 1-800-985-5990 to receive free crisis counseling.

State and nonprofit partners like the American Red Cross and others are providing a safe place to stay, meals and emotional comfort to people. To find a shelter, text SHELTER and your ZIP code to 43362, visit redcross.org/shelter or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767). You can also call this number if you need assistance locating a missing loved one because of the fires.

Anyone Can Help: Here’s How

The best way to help the affected communities is by donating cash directly to recognized disaster relief organizations. Organizations on the ground know what items and quantities are needed, often buy in bulk with discounts and if possible, purchase through businesses local to the disaster, supporting economic recovery. People can also connect with trusted organizations operating in the affected area to know where volunteers are needed.

For information visit the official website here