Almost Three weeks after wildfires roared
through seven California counties, more than $5.6 million in federal funds is in
the hands of individuals and families affected by the disaster. More than 14,500
Californians have registered through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
for federal and state disaster assistance.
"We're very pleased that we've been able to get help to so many people so
quickly," said Federal Coordinating Officer Mike Hall of FEMA. "This is why
we're here. Our goal is to help people get their lives back together as quickly
and efficiently as possible."
"Our county, state and federal partners have worked hard to expedite the needed
help," said State Coordinating Officer Henry Renteria, Executive Director of the
California Governor's Office of Emergency Services. "The state and FEMA are
committed to a unified strategy to resolve each and every challenge presented
during this recovery effort."
As a result of President Bush's disaster declaration of Oct. 24, at the request
of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, residents and business owners of Los Angeles,
Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Santa Barbara an at the request of
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, residents and business owners of Los Angeles,
Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Santa Barbara and Ventura
counties, who were affected by the wildfires, are eligible to apply for federal
and state individual assistance.
The funds can be used to help: find temporary housing when homes are either
destroyed or made unlivable by the fires; pay for home rebuilding or repairs;
replace personal property not covered by insurance; and assist with necessary
disaster-related expenses.
Here are current disaster recovery efforts at a glance:
14,728 Californians registered for disaster.
$5,625,790 in grants approved for Californians that includes $4,571,714 for
housing and $1,054,076 for other needs assistance.
$11,784,700 in Small Business Administration loans to individuals and
businesses.
9 assistance centers set up as close as possible to the hardest-hit areas:
Fallbrook, Rancho Bernardo, Ramona and El Cajon (San Diego County), National
Orange Fairgrounds and Running Springs (San Bernardino County), Santa Clarita
and Malibu (Los Angeles County), and Irvine (Orange County).
156 community relations specialists in the community, meeting with people
affected by the disaster, local officials, community, and business and religious
leaders, to answer questions, explain recovery programs and help solve problems.
2 multi-disciplinary assessment teams from state agencies in San Diego County to
evaluate the needs of communities without electrical power and other services.
5,638 inspections completed of damaged or destroyed residences.
Californians in the seven declared counties are urged to register with FEMA for
assistance by calling toll-free 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585.
The FEMA lines are open 24/7 every day until further notice. It's also possible
to register online at www.fema.gov. Callers should have pen and paper ready,
social security number, insurance information and phones numbers where they can
be contacted.
FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing,
mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic
disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.
Source: FEMA