Resources to help you prepare for a wildfire
Every year, wildfires burn throughout California. As we experienced in the recent Saddleridge Fire, which burned over 8,700 acres, our community is not immune to the threat of wildfires. In the last few years, we have seen many communities, homes and businesses destroyed by wildfires. In addition to this year's wildfire season, California is grappling with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
As we prepare for this year’s fire season, please consider the following steps for your safety:
Plan for a wildfire emergency.
https://www.readyforwildfire.org
Prepare or update your emergency kit.
Complete a home Inventory assessment.
https://www.readyforwildfire.org/prepare-for-wildfire/get-set/insurance-preparedness/
Sign up for local emergency notifications and alerts.
California’s wireless emergency alert
NotifyLA to receive Emergency Alerts from the City of Los Angeles
Nixle to receive alerts from County of Los Angeles
Sign up for Public Safety Power Shutoff updates.
Know where evacuation centers and shelters are located.
Real-time wildfire updates and shelter nearest you:
American Red Cross Los Angeles Region
Disaster Relief: Information about receiving disaster relief assistance (dispatch)
Phone: 1-800 675-579
Have an off-site phone number where family and friends can check in and provide status information.
Have a plan and supplies for pets or animals.
In addition to preparing for wildfires, here are several wildfire recovery resources:
CALFRESH:
If you have been affected by a disaster and are in need of food assistance, you can apply for benefits through the CalFresh Program.
Phone: 1-877-847-3663 (FOOD)
Websites:
CALWORKS:
CalWORKs provides cash aid to eligible and needy California families to help pay for housing, food, and other necessary expenses.
Websites:
CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE – INSURANCE & REBUILDING INFORMATION:
The California Department of Insurance provides assistance on insurance issues, such as claim handling delays, additional living expenses, underinsurance disputes, etc.
Phone: 1-800-927-HELP (4357)
TTY: 1-800-482-4833
Website: insurance.ca.gov/
UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE:
Workers who lose their jobs due to no fault of their own, such as in the case of a disaster, may be eligible for Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits. Eligibility for UI benefits requires that individuals be unemployed or working less than full time, be able to work, be seeking work, and be willing to accept a suitable job.
Phone: 1-800-300-5616
TTY: 1-800-815-9387
Website: edd.ca.gov/unemployment/
EMPLOYMENT DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT – ASSISTANCE FOR EMPLOYERS:
California employers who are directly affected by a state of emergency may request up to a 60-day extension to file their state payroll reports and to deposit state payroll taxes with the Employment Development Department (EDD), without penalty or interest.
Phone: 1-888-745-3886
TTY: 1-800-547-9565
Website: edd.ca.gov
FEMA DISASTER ASSISTANCE: 1-800-621-FEMA:
Impacted individuals may apply for the FEMA Disaster Relief.
Phone: 1-800-621-3362) (711 or Video Relay Service available)
Website: fema.gov
Should you need additional information about preparing for wildfires or recovery resources, please visit my website or contact my office at (818) 504-3911.
It is always my pleasure to serve you.
Sincerely,
LUZ RIVAS
Assemblywoman, 39th District
