Articles by barbara.murienterivera

LOS ANGELES – Homeowners and renters who have incurred damage or losses from the Los Angeles County wildfires that began Jan. 7 have until Monday,March 10,  2025, to apply for FEMA Individual Assistance. The program provides financial and other assistance to eligible individuals and households to help meet their basic needs and supplement their wildfire recovery efforts. FEMA may reimburse eligible applicants for temporary housing, home repairs to their primary home, personal property losses, medical and dental expenses related to the disaster, childcare and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance.Residents who have insurance need to file insurance claims for damage to their homes, personal property and vehicles before applying. FEMA assistance is not taxed and will not affect Social Security, Medicaid or other federal benefits. FEMA grants do not have to be repaid. Apply for FEMA Individual Assistance:Online at DisasterAssistance.gov (fastest option).On the FEMA App (available at the Apple App Store or Google Play).By phone on the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use a relay service, give FEMA your number for that service. Helpline operators speak many languages: press 2 for Spanish or press 3 for an interpreter who speaks your language. Lines are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. 7 days a week. Visit a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC). To locate a DRC near you, visit the DRC Locator.For an American Sign Language video on how to apply, visit FEMA Accessible: Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance. After You ApplyIf you had damage and applied for FEMA assistance, you can expect a call, text or email from FEMA to schedule a home inspection to assess disaster damage. Please note phone calls from FEMA may come from an unfamiliar number. Inspectors will try to reach you multiple times but eventually will stop calling if you do not respond. You will learn FEMA’s decision on what benefits you may receive in a Determination Letter sent by email or U.S. Mail.FEMA may refer you to the U.S. Small Business Administration for a SBA low-interest disaster loan to help offset damage and losses caused by the wildfires. Disaster loans are available to renters, homeowners and businesses and are the largest source of federal disaster funding for people impacted by disasters. The deadline to apply with the SBA is also March 10, 2025. Do not wait for your FEMA Determination Letter to apply for a SBA loan. To apply visit sba.gov/disaster; call SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 or email DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov for more information or to have a loan application mailed to you. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability, dial 711 to access telecommunications relay services. You may also apply with the help of a SBA representative or submit your loan application at a Business Recovery Center. To find one, go to Appointment.sba.gov. Completed paper loan applications should be mailed to U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.  […]

LOS ANGELES – On January 7, when wildfires first struck Los Angeles County and adjacent areas, more than 200,000 Californians were evacuated. State and local governments responded quicky to fight the blazes, employing more than 2,000 pieces of firefighting equipment – 80-plus aircraft, 200-plus bulldozers and more – which were soon bolstered by the governor’s activation of 2,500 National Guard troops and a request for a federal disaster declaration. Delivery of Federal ResourcesOn January 8, the Los Angeles County wildfires were declared a major disaster by the president, and a surge of additional federal resources commenced. FEMA and its federal partners responded with thousands of personnel and millions of dollars focused on saving lives and containing the fires. By Feb. 2, the fires were 100 percent contained. Weeks before, FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) had already begun assisting Californians in their recovery – for now and for the long term. As of Feb. 7, federal assistance to eligible homeowners, renters and businesses, in the form of FEMA grants and low-interest SBA Disaster Loans, has reached $683,276,321.That number includes:$64,069,621 in FEMA housing and other assistance$619,206,700 in home and business loan offers from the SBA, the largest source of federal disaster recovery funds for homeowners, renters, businesses and certain nonprofits.So far, 27,211 households have been approved for FEMA funds including:$9,990,895 in housing assistance for short-term rental assistance and home-repair costs$54,078,726 for other essential disaster-related needs, such as expenses related to medical, dental and lost personal possessions.40,574 home inspections have been completed to assess property damage. Two Disaster Recovery Centers remain open at UCLA Research Park and Altadena Recovery Center. In total, the centers have logged 12,641 survivor visits. At the centers, residents may speak in person to representatives from federal and state programs, the American Red Cross and various nongovernmental nonprofits and community groups.In partnership with the State of California, Los Angeles County, and local officials, FEMA will continue helping California’s individuals and families get back on their feet and jumpstart their recovery.The deadlines to apply with FEMA and SBA are both March 10, 2025.To apply for FEMA assistance, visit disasterassistance.gov, use the FEMA mobile app, or by call 800-621-3362. You may also visit a DRC for in-person assistance.  To locate a DRC, please click here.FEMA’s services and programs are accessible to people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs.To apply for a disaster loan from SBA, visit SBA’s disaster website: sba.gov/disaster, contact SBA by email at disastercustomerservice@sba.gov or call 800-659-2955 for information. You may also visit a Disaster Loan Outreach Center or Business Recovery Center for in-person assistance. For hours and locations, visit appointment.sba.gov. […]

LOS ANGELES – As more Eaton Canyon and Pacific Palisades neighborhoods impacted by Los Angeles County wildfires open to residents, city and county officials caution that these areas are still dangerous, due to considerable risks remaining from waste, unstable burned buildings, and utility crews using heavy equipment.Everyone is eager to go home, clean up the burn site and start rebuilding. You may be worried about what you will find when you get back — but don’t rush in. If you find your home has damage, be careful. Improper handling and disposal of ash and materials may impact your health, as well as your neighbors. Recovery calls for caution. Areas Damaged by Wildfires are Reopening, but Risk Remains Almost all areas are now open, but some limited access may persist due to downed power lines, landslides, debris, unstable roads, or other utility work. Los Angeles County officials will communicate when re-entry conditions are permissible through public media. To check on your area, visit the county’s disaster website at Eaton Fire – LA County Recovers / Palisades Fire – LA County Recovers.The more a neighborhood is damaged by wildfire, the more complex and lengthier it will be to make the area safe. Below are some factors that help determine when a disaster area can be considered safe:Fire debris and ash in roadways. Crews have been working to clear roadways to ensure survivors can safely travel back to their homes or businesses. Debris removal has begun in Phase 1 of two phases. For more information on the process, visit Debris Removal – LA County Recovers Household materials removal. Exposure to certain common household materials impacted by fire may be a risk to human health, animals, and the environment. During Phase 1, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been surveying, removing, and disposing of household materials that may require special handling from properties affected by the wildfires. Items being removed include materials such as paints, solvents, oils, vehicle, and household batteries, and pesticides. For more information visit: 2025 California Wildfires | US EPA.In Phase 2, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was tasked to support FEMA and the Consolidated Debris Removal Program. Corps of Engineers contractors will remove fire-damaged debris from private property. Residents must opt-in to the Debris Removal Program and obtain a Right-of-Entry (ROE) form for the Corps of Engineers to access charred properties.  Property owners are not required to use these services. Residents who do not “opt-in” to the Debris Removal Program are responsible for all associated debris removal costs. In addition, for the safety of the community, property owners who choose to do their own cleanup must still follow local, state, and federal requirements.Use Caution When Returning HomeBring personal protective equipment for working in and around your home: gloves, eye protection, face masks or respirators, and boots with a steel toe and insole.Look for damaged power lines, foundation cracks and other exterior damage. Your home may be too dangerous to enter before an inspector checks it out.Don’t turn on your electrical breaker if it looks damaged. Keep the main electrical power and water systems off until you or a professional can ensure they are safe.Check your gas meter and gas lines for damage. If you smell natural gas or propane, hear a hissing noise, or notice visible damage, leave immediately and contact the fire department.If your home and electrical system appear undamaged, but the power is off, turn off all your appliances before you turn the power back on at the main breaker.Take it one step at a time. Focus on the most important clean-up tasks first. Don’t try to move large or unstable material by yourself. Ask for help and help others.Rebuild with the Future in MindYou can rebuild or repair your home in ways that reduce your risk from wildfires. Email FEMA Mitigation to request a free individualized plan: FEMA-R9-MIT@fema.dhs.gov. When choosing a contractor, please note: Contractors should be licensed and bonded and have disability and workers’ compensation insurance. If they don’t, you may be liable for accidents on your property.Make sure contractors obtain the necessary permits to do the job. Consult your local government and/or LA County to verify that they do. […]

LOS ANGELES – FEMA Public Assistance (PA), which supports the repair and replacement of publicly owned infrastructure and buildings damaged in disasters, also assists private nonprofit (PNP) organizations, including houses of worship and other faith-based organizations that provide certain social services. Private nonprofits and faith-based groups that were impacted by the Los Angeles County Wildfires may be eligible for Public Assistance to help restore their damaged or destroyed facilities. To apply, they need to submit a Request for Public Assistance, or RPA, by Sunday, March 9, 2025. Organizations are also advised to apply with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for a low-interest disaster loan.Request for Public Assistance (RPA) If a PNP wishes to request reimbursement for costs related to damage and losses from the wildfires, it must submit a RPA to FEMA online via the FEMA Grants Portal by March 9. Follow these steps:Obtain a unique entity identifier, or UEI, at SAM.com, the official website for entities registering to do business with or apply for grants or loans from the federal government. For information on obtaining a UEI: visit SAM.gov or FSD.gov. Go to the FEMA Grants Portal at grantee.fema.gov, and click on “Register your Organization and Request Public Assistance” (at the bottom of the opening page). Fill in the requested information about the organization.After the RPA is submitted, FEMA evaluates a PNP’s nonprofit status and the services it provides to determine whether it is eligible. After the state and FEMA have approved a request, the applicant receives a system-generated email that the RPA has been approved. The organization then may submit projects requesting FEMA PA reimbursement for eligible work. Applicant Briefings will be held prior to the RPA deadline of March 9, to acquaint applicants and potential applicants with the PA program. Cal OES and Los Angeles County will send invitations to new and potential applicants.  Once scheduled, the date(s), time(s), and location(s) of the applicant briefings will be posted on the Cal OES website under Applicants’ Briefings. Which Nonprofits and Faith Groups are Eligible to Apply for Public Assistance?Not all groups will be eligible. FEMA classifies PNP applicants as either “providers of critical services” or “providers of essential non-critical social services.” Providers of critical services, such as hospitals, other healthcare facilities, utilities and various other entities, can submit a RPA with the state and await FEMA’s decision. Entities that offer essential non-critical social services must take a few more steps. They need to submit a RPA, and also apply for a low interest disaster loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), whose deadline to apply is March 10. If they are turned down for an SBA loan, or if the loan amount does not cover the cost of all repairs, FEMA may provide funds to pay for what SBA or insurance does not cover. Examples of essential non-critical social services include senior citizen or community centers, educational enrichment, daycare, services for people with disabilities, assisted living, low income housing, homeless shelters, rehabilitation services, and community and arts centers.For PNPs with facilities that provide essential noncritical social services, FEMA provides PA funding for eligible debris removal and emergency protective measures. However, FEMA may provide funding for permanent work costs that a SBA loan will not cover. Houses of worship and other nonprofits are encouraged to file a Request for Assistance, or RPA, as soon as possible, For the latest information about California’s recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4856. Follow FEMA Region 9 @FEMARegion9 on X or follow FEMA on social media at: FEMA Blog on fema.gov, @FEMA or @FEMAEspanol on X, FEMA or FEMA Espanol on Facebook, @FEMA on Instagram, and via FEMA YouTube channel. California is committed to supporting residents impacted by the Los Angeles Hurricane-Force Firestorm as they navigate the recovery process. Visit CA.gov/LA Fires for up-to-date information on disaster recovery programs, important deadlines, and how to apply for assistance. […]

LOS ANGELES – Debris cleanup for the catastrophic wildfires in Los Angeles County started this week. FEMA assigned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps of Engineers) to survey, remove, and dispose of debris from properties burned by the wildfires.As part of this effort, Los Angeles County established a Debris Removal website for fire-impacted residents to obtain information and resources regarding debris clearance. Although most hazardous materials will be removed from private property by the EPA in Phase 1, full clearance of properties in Phase 2 by USACE will require a Right of Entry (ROE) form which is provided on the county website. Signing up for the debris removal program via the ROE will NOT impact a survivor’s ability to receive other FEMA disaster assistance programs. If a survivor opts-out of the ROE program, they become responsible for all costs, permits, inspections and other associated debris removal costs. Coverage for debris and hazardous tree removal may be provided under your insurance policy. For information about insurance reimbursement, visit pages 3 and 4 on the ROE form.Although hazardous debris will be removed by EPA without any action from the homeowner, general debris removal must be selected by the property owner by signing a ROE form. The ROE form allows property owners to give permission for USACE to access their property for cleanup activities.What is the Debris Removal Program?The Debris Removal Program has two phases: removal of household hazardous material followed by removal of other fire-related debris and trees that a certified arborist determines are dead or likely to die within five years due to the fire.Phase 1: Removing Hazardous MaterialsOn January 16, teams of experts from California’s Department of Toxic Substance Control and EPA began assessing properties in the burn areas to remove any household hazardous material that may pose a threat to human health, animals, and the environment such as batteries, paint, cleaners and solvents, oils, and pesticides. These teams specialize in identifying and removing hazardous substances from properties for safe disposal. This phase is automatic and is done at no cost to residents.EPA will only remove hazardous materials. This includes lithium-ion batteries from vehicles, homes, and other products. Examples of household items with lithium-ion batteries include electric/hybrid vehicles, power tools, power banks, home alarms, drones, and tablets.For more information, please visit: 2025 California Wildfires | US EPAPhase 2: Debris RemovalOnce the EPA clears properties of hazardous materials, the Corps of Engineers, alongside FEMA, will coordinate to remove fire damaged metal, ash, and other fire debris to help foster reconstruction. The Corps of Engineers will also remove foundations when property owners opt to include foundation removal on the ROE. Phase 2 will generally occur concurrent to Phase 1 as ROEs are collected, validated by the County and FEMA, and given to the Corps of Engineers to begin Phase 2 debris removal. One of the critical components of Phase 2 will be the collection of ROEs as residents opt into the program which can be done by visiting the county website. For the latest information about California’s recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4856. Follow FEMA Region 9 @FEMARegion9 on X or follow FEMA on social media at: FEMA Blog on fema.gov, @FEMA or @FEMAEspanol on X, FEMA or FEMA Espanol on Facebook, @FEMA on Instagram, and via FEMA YouTube channel.California is committed to supporting residents impacted by the Los Angeles Hurricane-Force Firestorm as they navigate the recovery process. Visit CA.gov/LAFires for up-to-date information on disaster recovery programs, important deadlines, and how to apply for assistance. […]

LOS ANGELES – Wildfires have burned through more than 50,000 acres of Los Angeles County since January 7. Now, weather authorities are forecasting possible rain showers for the weekend. It may be a good time for residents of areas impacted by the wildfires to prepare for the hazardous by-products of fire and rain: flooding, debris flows and mudslides. Large-scale Wildfires Can Lead to Flooding and Debris Flows Where intense fires occur, soils can develop a top layer that repels water due to charred remnants of organic material. Normally, live vegetation sucks up rain, reducing runoff, but wildfires leave the ground barren. Unable to absorb the rain, the soil succumbs to flooding. The flood risk can remain elevated from two to five years. Debris flows are fast-moving slurries of material — water, rock, soil, vegetation, and even boulders and trees — that rush downhill. Mudslides flow down slopes that become saturated and collapse. Californians who live downhill or downstream from burnt areas are at the greatest risk for dangerous debris flows. Even smaller debris flows can be dangerous.What Individuals in Burn-scarred Areas Can DoPost-fire flooding can be unpredictable because surface changes from the fire are not always obvious. Wildfire survivors should learn to recognize the signs of coming flood events: soil that is crunchy to walk on; increased slope erosion; or even unusual sounds from the surrounding terrain — mudslides and debris flows can be loud.  When the rain comes:With rain in the forecast, elevate your valuables to higher points in your home, pack a “go-bag” and make an exit plan.Watch where the water goes. If you see gullies, rapid flooding, debris flows or mudslides in your area, check local media for alerts and prepare to evacuate. The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) actively monitors flooding activity and issues alerts when an area is at risk. Avoid debris; it can include sharp and heavy hidden objects that can cause serious injury and worse. Heed the guidance of local authorities. With flooding events come health hazards, including broken utility lines and disrupted infrastructure. Sign up for local emergency alerts.Just one inch of floodwater can cause costly damage to your home, but most homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. You may consider purchasing flood insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which is managed by FEMA. You can purchase flood insurance coverage at any time. However, there is a 30-day waiting period after you’ve paid the premium before the policy becomes effective. For more information about the NFIP, visit fema.gov/flood-insurance or call 877-336-2627. […]

LOS ANGELES – FEMA is opening a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Altadena to assist Californians who experienced damage to their primary home, personal property loss or have disaster-caused emergency needs related to the wildfires. At DRCs, you can get help applying for federal assistance, speak to representatives from state and federal agencies, receive updates on your FEMA application for assistance and learn about the appeals process. Additionally, the DRC located at the Pasadena City College Community Education Center’s last day of operations is Friday, Jan. 31.The Altadena location will open Monday, Jan. 27, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. PST.Altadena Disaster Recovery Center540 W. Woodbury Rd.Altadena, CA 91001Hours of operation – Daily: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.Other DRC locations include:UCLA Research Park West10850 West Pico Blvd.1Los Angeles, CA 90064Hours of operation – Daily: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Pasadena City College Community Education Center (last day of operations is January 31st)3035 East Foothill Blvd.Pasadena, CA 91107Hours of operation – Daily: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.There are other ways to apply for assistance aside from going to a DRC. The fastest way to apply is online at DisasterAssistance.gov or via the FEMA app. You may also call 1-800-621-3362. If you use a relay service, such as video relay, captioned telephone, or other service, give FEMA your number for that service. For the latest information about California’s recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4856. Follow FEMA Region 9 @FEMARegion9 on X or follow FEMA on social media at: FEMA Blog on fema.gov, @FEMA or @FEMAEspanol on X, FEMA or FEMA Espanol on Facebook, @FEMA on Instagram, and via FEMA YouTube channel. California is committed to supporting residents impacted by the Los Angeles Hurricane-Force Firestorm as they navigate the recovery process. Visit CA.gov/LAFires for up-to-date information on disaster recovery programs, important deadlines, and how to apply for assistance. […]