OHS News

Assistance Available to Those Affected by the Southern California Fires

The State and Consumer Services Agency has set up a Web site and 800 number to help victims through the recovery process.

www.rebuildyourlife.ca.gov 1-800-952-5210

Callers to the phone line can report scam and victim abuse as well as get information on the numerous contractors, loan officers and other licensed professionals who will be assisting people in rebuilding their lives. The Governor said he would have no tolerance for price gougers or shady contractors while all efforts are focused on putting Southern California back together.

For those seeking information on family members who have been evacuated, visit REDCROSS.ORG and the "safe and well" link. Or call 1-800-REDCROSS. Evacuees can register their location online and family and friends can search to find them.

Governor Schwarzenegger issued an executive order to assist the victims of the devastating wildfires. The order suspends the one-week waiting period for unemployment insurance, waives fees and assists in the replacement of certain vital documents, and expedites cleanup and debris removal. The Governor's order also requests the Franchise Tax Board and the Board of Equalization to use their administrative powers where appropriate to assist fire victims with filing extensions or relief from penalties and assessments.

Governor Schwarzenegger announced cash grants of up to $10,000 to help some individuals who have suffered losses in the fires. The grants are administered by the California Department of Social Services as a supplemental program to FEMA-administered assistance. The grants help fire victims with expenses caused by a direct result of the disaster such as housing, replacing household items, medical costs, and transportation. Individuals must first apply for assistance through FEMA, which forwards applications to the California Dept. of Social Services. Only individuals who have received the maximum FEMA award are eligible for state supplemental grants.

Local Assistance Centers:

There are currently nine Local Assistance Centers (LACs). LACs are "one-stop" centers offering several services for those damaged by disasters. Federal agencies include FEMA, SBA, USPS, IRS, HUD, Social Security, and Veterans Affairs; state agencies include OES, EDD, DOI, DMV, DHS, DSS, BOE, Franchise Tax Board, State Contractor's Board, and Veterans Affairs; local agencies include Utilities, Building Permits, Housing and Community Services, Fire and Rescue, Assessor, Recorder, Treasurer, Clerk, and Law Enforcement; private agencies include Red Cross, Salvation Army, utility companies, and communication companies.

National Orange Show Fairgrounds
Dome Building
689 South "E" Street
San Bernardino, CA 92408
Monday-Friday 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

City of San Diego
Rancho Bernardo-Glassman Recreation Center
18448 W. Bernardo Drive
San Diego, CA 92127
Monday-Friday 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Ramona Community School
1710 Montecito Road
Ramona, CA 92065
Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Fallbrook Community Center
341 Heald Lane
Fallbrook, CA 92028
Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m

Rancho San Diego-Cuyamaca College
900 Rancho San Diego Parkway
El Cajon, CA 92109
Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m

Activities Center
George A. Caravalho Santa Clarita Sports Complex
20880 Centre Pointe Parkway
Santa Clarita, CA 91350
Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m

Malibu Bluff's Park
24250 Pacific Coast Hwy.
Malibu, CA 90265
Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m

Castaic Regional Sports Complex
31230 North Castaic Road
Castaic, CA 91384
Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m
Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m

One Stop Center/Strip Mall
125 Technology Drive West, Suite 200
Irvine, CA
Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m

FEMA Assistance:

Additional FEMA Mobile Disaster Recovery Centers are being used to augment the Local Assistance Centers.

FEMA encourages everyone to register before arriving at a local assistance center. You can register on the toll free number at (800) 621- FEMA (3362) or online at FEMA.GOV. Speech or hearing-impaired callers can use (800) 462-7585.

FEMA offers grants and/or loans to individuals who have losses not covered by insurance.

Under FEMA's Housing Assistance program, eligible individuals and families would receive rental payments for temporary housing and home repairs. Other assistance may be available as well; this includes storage, personal property, medical, funeral, transportation, and moving expenses.

The U.S. Small Business Administration Disaster Loan Program will also be available, which can provide low-interest loans to homeowners, renters and businesses. The customer service number is (800) 659-2955.

Disaster Unemployment Assistance is also available. Phone numbers to apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance, for individuals who have lost their job due to fire-related reasons, are (800) 300-5616, Spanish language: 800-326-8937, and TTY: (800) 815-9387.

For the latest information on the fires and firefighting efforts: http://www.calfire.ca.gov

The Department of Transportation has added a special link for fire-related state highway closures: http://www.dot.ca.gov/fireclosures.php