Important Fire Relief Information For You
We know there is a lot of information being thrown at you right now, as you navigate the next steps on recovery and rebuilding of your property. Below we have gathered essential resources and are continuing to update this page as new information comes to us. If there are any questions you have or any way we can help you please contact us here. 818-649-1817 or info@revealstudio.com
FEMA Assistance
- Website: www.DisasterAssistance.gov
- Phone: 1-800-621-3362
- Additional info: FEMA Individual Assistance Program
FEMA & Your Insurance
If you have insurance, file a claim with your insurance company as FEMA’s disaster assistance generally doesn’t cover all of your losses. FEMA’s assistance may include:
- Temporary housing rental payments
- Home repairs and replacement of essential items
- Unemployment payments for those who’ve lost their jobs
- Low-interest loans for residential losses not covered by insurance
- Crisis counseling
- Legal assistance for veterans’ benefits and social security matters
FEMA may also offer a one-time $770 payment for emergency supplies.
SBA (Small Business Administration) Loans
- Website: SBA Disaster Loans
- Phone: (800) 659-2955
- For Individuals & Families
- Homeowners: Up to $500,000 for real estate damage, and up to $100,000 for personal property replacement.
- Renters: Up to $100,000 to repair or replace personal property.
- For businesses and nonprofits:
- Business Physical Disaster Loans: Up to $2,000,000 for property, machinery, and equipment.
- Economic Injury Disaster Loans: Up to $2,000,000 for working capital.
Los Angeles County Department of Assessor’s Office (Tax Relief)
- Website: Tax Relief After Fire
- Phone: (213) 974-8658
- File an Application for Reassessment if your property was damaged or destroyed by a disaster.
- Note: Talk to the assessor about the pros/cons of reassessing your specific property.
Additional Assistance Resources:
- Emergency Network Los Angeles (ENLA): enla.org
- Greater Los Angeles County American Red Cross: (800) 675-5799
- The Salvation Army: socal.salvationarmy.org | (562) 264-3600
- Tzu Chi Foundation: 909-447-7799 | info@tzuchi.us
- United Policy Holders: info@uphelp.org
- Unemployment Assistance
- If you’ve lost your job due to the fire, you may be eligible for unemployment benefits. Apply online at California EDD, or call Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm at: 1-800-300-5616
- Replacing Lost Documents: If your important documents were lost in the fires, they can often be replaced. Here’s how to replace common documents:
- Birth/Death Certificates: Contact the California Department of Public Health at cdph.ca.gov or 916-445-2684.
- Driver’s License: Call 800-777-0133 or visit the California DMV.
- Social Security Card: Call 800-772-1213 or visit SSA.gov.
- Medicare Card: Call 800-772-1213 or visit SSA.gov/medicare.
- Wildfires: Protecting Your Emotional Wellbeing: LA County Dept of Mental Health
- Christian Assembly LA Fire Resource Guide
- Free Property Recovery Assistance: Samaritan’s Purse
Steps for Debris Removal and Rebuilding
- Wildfire Debris Removal Guide
- Returning Home after a Fire
- For more info on the debris removal process, visit Clean LA.
- For ongoing recovery updates, check recovery.lacounty.gov.
Key Actions for Homeowners Who’ve Lost Their Property
- Request Your Insurance Policy Details
Start by obtaining a full copy of your homeowner’s insurance policy, including the declarations page. Your insurance company is legally required to provide this free of charge within 30 days. Once received, contact your insurance agent to review the specifics of your coverage:- Rebuilding your home
- Personal belongings replacement
- Living expenses during the rebuilding process
- Don’t forget to inquire about Extended Replacement Cost and Building Code Upgrade coverages, if applicable to your policy, and how to make the most of these benefits.
- Understand Your Additional Living Expense (ALE) Coverage
Ensure you understand your ALE coverage limits. This benefit is typically available for a minimum of 24 months after a declared disaster. However, if rebuilding takes longer due to unforeseen delays, you may be eligible for an extension of up to 12 more months, making it 36 months in total. - Track All Extra Living Expenses
Record all temporary living expenses, such as rent and additional travel costs. ALE will cover these, but it does not pay for standard living expenses like mortgage payments. ALE should help maintain the standard of living you had before the fire. - Document Your Insurance Interactions
Maintain a detailed log of every conversation with your insurance company or adjuster, including information on exclusions or limitations in your policy. If your adjuster mentions a specific exclusion, ask them to point to the exact clause in your policy. - Seek Help from the Department of Insurance
If you need assistance, call the Department of Insurance at (800) 927-4357. They can help with claims or complaints. Additionally, verify contractors’ licenses with the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) by calling 1-800-321-2752 or checking their website. - Know Your Rebuilding Rights
You are not limited to rebuilding at your original location. If your policy includes Extended Replacement Cost and Building Code Upgrade benefits, you can apply these even if you choose to rebuild elsewhere. You also have the right to hire the contractor of your choice for the project. - Take Your Time with Major Decisions
Don’t rush into decisions about contractors, lawyers, or public adjusters. Consider the long-term financial, personal, and family implications before making any big choices. You can take time to gather multiple contractor bids and fully assess your insurance coverage before committing to rebuilding. - Don’t Assume You’re Underinsured
The cost to rebuild varies based on local conditions, so avoid assuming that you’re underinsured just based on general information. Carefully evaluate the rebuild cost and determine whether your coverage is adequate. If you find yourself underinsured, gather supporting documentation and contact the Department of Insurance for further assistance. - Consider Professional Assistance (Public Adjusters or Lawyers)
A public adjuster or lawyer may help if you’re struggling with your claim. However, if you’re already receiving your ALE or personal property reimbursements, you may not need additional assistance. Public adjusters charge a percentage of the settlement, so ensure you understand their fees upfront. They should only charge for additional amounts they help you recover, not for settlements already received. - Know Your Cancellation Rights for Public Adjuster Contracts
You have the right to cancel a public adjuster’s contract within five days of signing, especially in a declared disaster area. Be sure to verify the adjuster’s license through the California Department of Insurance by calling (800) 927-4357 or checking online.