LA Wildfires Resources

Dear Neighbor, I'm grateful for the brave firefighters and first responderse who've worked tirelessly to contain the LA wildfires. I'm doing all I can to ensure resources and assistance are readily available for all affected residents. The road to recovery will be a long one, but my office is here to help if you're applying for federal assistance to repair your home or small business. Additionally, my team can follow up with federal agencies to ensure you're covered and that you receive the relief you need. Read on for more recovery resources. How We’re Supporting You My office is working with federal, state, and local agencies to ensure: Impacted families can access FEMA assistance and other recovery resources. Emergency responders continue to have the resources they need to combat fires effectively. You receive accurate and timely updates to keep our community safe. If you or someone you know requires immediate assistance with federal agencies, including FEMA applications, disaster unemployment insurance, or other programs, please contact my office at (213) 481-1425 or visit www.gomez.house.gov. How You Can Stay Informed Sign up for text alerts from Register | Alert LA County and NotifyLA.org Follow my office at @RepJimmyGomez on all platforms for updates and resources. Thank you to our brave firefighters and first responders for their tireless work on the frontlines. Moving forward with the recovery phase, please continue to stay alert and prioritize your safety. Sincerely,     Jimmy Gomez Member of Congress Click here to download FEMA's Survivor's Road to Recovery Map.  Click here to download FEMA's Disaster Survivor's Checklist. Click here to apply for SBA disaster loan assistance. Click here to download "Helping Kids Affected by Wildfires" in English and Spanish.  Are you Ready to Go? Follow the Six P's It’s critical to be prepared if you need to evacuate. Remember the 6 P's to ensure you carry the essentials with you: People and Pets: Make sure your loved ones and animals are safe and accounted for. Papers: Important documents like passports, deeds, and birth certificates. Prescriptions: Medications and medical devices you may need. Pictures: Irreplaceable photos and memorabilia. Personal Computer: Including hard drives and essential electronic devices. Plastic: Credit cards, ATM cards, and cash for emergency expenses.

 Do I have to register with FEMA to get help? 

Yes, with very few exceptions, if you want federal assistance you must register with FEMA, either by telephone at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or online (www.DisasterAssistance.gov). You will need your FEMA registration number for future reference. 

What is the difference between FEMA and the SBA? 

FEMA coordinates the Federal Government’s role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters. SBA, on the other hand, is the Federal Government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps homeowners, renters, businesses, and non-profit organizations repair or replace real estate, personal property, machinery and equipment, inventory, and business assets that have been damaged or destroyed in a declared disaster. These disaster loans cover uninsured and uncompensated losses and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations. For information about SBA programs, applicants may call 1-800-659-2955 (TTY 1-800-877-8339). 

Why was my application “NOT APPROVED?”

Los Angeles County survivors who registered for FEMA assistance will receive a letter. If the letter says you are “not approved” for assistance, it does not mean you have been denied assistance. Understanding this letter and any next steps you need to take is critical to move your recovery forward.

It is important to read the letter carefully because it will include the amount of money FEMA may provide and information on the appropriate use of that money. The letter will also explain your application status and advise what you need to do to appeal if you do not agree with FEMA’s decision.

People with insurance may receive an initial “not approved” decision. FEMA assistance may still be available. Even if your FEMA letter says you are not eligible to receive assistance due to your insurance coverage, you may still be able to receive financial assistance. FEMA may need your insurance determination to be finalized in order to continue processing your application to make sure you are not receiving financial aid for the same damage twice. By law, FEMA cannot pay for costs related to the wildfires that your insurance already covers. 

Once 30 days or more have passed since you filed your insurance claim, and you have not received your settlement, please contact the FEMA helpline at 1-800-621-3362. FEMA may be able to provide some initial funds to while you wait for your insurance payout. 

For additional assistance, contact my office at https://chu.house.gov/services/help-with-a-federal-agency.  

Can my household apply for FEMA assistance if I am not a U.S. citizen?

To qualify for FEMA assistance, you or a member of your household must be U.S. citizen, non-U.S. citizen national or qualified migrant. However, undocumented families with one family member (including a minor child) who is a United States citizen, non-U.S. citizen national or qualified migrant and has a Social Security number may apply.

What happens if I disagree with FEMA’s decision?

Every applicant has the right to appeal a FEMA determination. For example, if you feel the amount or type of assistance is incorrect, you may submit an appeal letter and any documents needed to support your claim.

How can I appeal a FEMA decision? 

You must file your appeal in writing to FEMA within 60 days of the date of your determination letter. In a signed and dated letter, you must explain the reason(s) for your appeal. A step-by-step guide to the FEMA appeals process can be found on page 7 here: Post Disaster Individual Assistance Guide.

Where can I find updated information from FEMA? 

For a three-step Disaster Assistance Process and recent news on disaster response and recovery, please visit http://www.fema.gov/apply-assistance. 

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers low-interest loans for homeowners, renters, businesses, and nonprofit organizations. The SBA loans are to help businesses repair or replace disaster-damaged property, inventory, and supplies. Homeowners and renters may also be eligible for SBA loans to repair or replace disaster-related damages to homes or personal property. Homeowners and renters should submit their SBA disaster loan application, even if they are not sure if they will need or want a loan. 

Types of Loans Available

Individuals and Families:

Homeowners: up to $500,000 to repair or replace real estate damage and up to $100,000 to replace personal property.

Renters: up to $100,000 to repair or replace personal property.

Businesses and Nonprofits:

• Business Physical Disaster Loans: up to $2,000,000 to repair or replace real property, machinery and equipment, inventory and other assets that were damaged or destroyed (available to businesses of any size and most private, non-profit organizations).

• Economic Injury Disaster Loans: only for small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, and most private non-profit organizations suffering adverse financial impacts of the disaster (with or without property loss or damage), up to $2,000,000 for working capital to help pay obligations until normal operations resume. 

• The maximum combined loan amount across both business loan programs is $2,000,000.

How to Apply for SBA Assistance

• Apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website: http://www.sba.gov/category/navigation-structure/loans-grants/small-business-loans/disaster-loans. 
  • You will be prompted to create a MySBA account
• Apply by mail: complete a paper application and mail it to the U.S. Small Business Administration Processing and Disbursement Center at: 14925 Kingsport Rd., Ft. Worth, TX 76155-2243.
• For assistance, call SBA customer service at 800-659-2955, or email DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov.

• FEMA Disaster Relief

• SBA Disaster Loan Assistance

• LA County Recovers

• CA Department of Insurance Resources

• California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection

• L.A. County Fire Department

• L.A. County Government 

• App: Watch Duty

  • Watch Duty is an app that organizes information on a map of the U.S., which is dotted with flame icons representing active wildfires

• App: Genasys Protect

  • Genasys Protect is a citizen site and app. Officials in your community use Genasys Protect to share safety information and instructions with you during emergencies.

Small Animals:

• El Camino High School 5440 Valley Circle Blvd, Woodland Hills, CA 91367; American Red Cross Sheltering Site with mobile animal shelter for small animals only

• Agoura Animal Care Center 29525 Agoura Rd, Agoura Hills, CA 91301

• Baldwin Park Animal Care Center 4275 Elton St, Baldwin Park, CA 91706

• Carson Animal Care Center 216 W Victoria St, Gardena, CA 90248

• Castaic Animal Care Center 31044 Charlie Canyon, Castaic, CA 91384

• Downey Animal Care Center 11258 Garfield Ave, Downey, CA 90242

• Lancaster Animal Care Center 5210 W Ave I, Lancaster, CA 93536

• Palmdale Animal Care Center 38550 Sierra Hwy, Palmdale, CA 93550

Large Animals:

• Pomona Fairplex 1101 W McKinley Ave. Pomona

• Industry Hills Expo 16200 Temple Ave, City of Industry, CA 91744

• LA Equestrian 480 Riverside Dr, Burbank, CA 91506

• Castaic Animal Care Center 31044 Charlie Canyon, Castaic, CA 91384

Please click HERE to view LA County Road Closures

Please click HERE to view San Bernardino County Road Closures

Please click HERE to view the California Department of Transportation Travel Alert Map

Please click HERE to learn more about free emergency parking

Additional in-language resources are below: