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Eaton Fire Resources

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Stay Up To Date 

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Deadlines To Keep In Mind

 

FEMA Individual Assistance: by March 31, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. (Pacific Time)

 

SBA Disaster Loan: by March 31, 2025

  • Apply for a Small Business Administration Disaster Loan online at lending.sba.gov or call SBA at 800-659-2955. Individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing may call 800-877-8339

 

The Government-run Debris Removal Program Right of Entry form: by March 31, 2025

Disaster Unemployment Assistance: by March 31, 2025

  • If you are unable to work due to the wildfire disaster and you do not qualify for regular unemployment benefits (for example, if you are self-employed), you may be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance. You can file for DUA online through myEDD or by calling 1-833-998-2284.

 

Please call my office at 626-304-0110 if you are having trouble applying for assistance or need materials translated. I will continue working with federal, state, and local officials to support our recovery and ensure that our community has the resources we need. Please check my website at chu.house.gov/EatonFire for regular updates. 

 

Emergency Shelters and Housing

Residents can call or visit 211 online for information regarding emergency housing, and social and health services.

 

Los Angeles County residents who have been displaced from their homes due to the wildfires have also been able to apply for temporary housing through an Airbnb.org and 211 LA partnership here

 

. If your household has already received housing credits through Airbnb.org but you need additional help making a booking, you can call their customer support team directly at (650) 249-3243.  If your home was damaged or destroyed by the Eaton Fire and your household has not yet received emergency housing credits through 211 LA and Airbnb.org, you can still apply by calling 2-1-1.

 

Comprehensive and updating information on local shelters for people, pets, and animals, and other resources for Los Angeles County is also available here.  Call 1-800-733-2767 for assistance finding an evacuation shelter near you, and call (562) 940-6898 for assistance evacuating animals or to find an animal shelter.

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Animal Evacuation Centers

Small Animals:

  • Baldwin Park Animal Care Center – 4275 Elton St, Baldwin Park, CA 91706
  • Carson Animal Care Center – 216 W Victoria St, Gardena, CA 90248
  • Downey Animal Care Center – 11258 Garfield Ave, Downey, CA 90242
  • Lancaster Animal Care Center – 5210 W Ave I, Lancaster, CA 93536
  • Palmdale Animal Care Center – 38550 Sierra Hwy, Palmdale, CA 93550
  • Pasadena Humane – 361 S Raymond Ave, Pasadena, CA 91105 (Only accepts small animals within its jurisdiction)

Large Animals:

  • Industry Hills Expo – 16200 Temple Ave, City of Industry, CA 91744
    • Capacity for 200 horses
  • Pomona Fairplex 1101 – W Mckinley Ave, Pomona, CA 91768
    • Receiving horses and dogs (temporary kennels)
  • Pierce College – 6201 Winnetka Ave, Woodland Hills, CA 91371

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Local Assistance And Disaster Recovery Centers 

Local Assistance Centers & Disaster Resource Centers are open and available to the public Monday through Saturday from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

Visit a center to get help applying for federal assistance, speak to representatives from state and federal agencies, receive updates on their FEMA application for assistance, and learn about the appeals process. 

Locations:

Altadena Disaster Recovery Center

540 West Woodbury Road
Altadena, CA 91001 

Westside Disaster Recovery Center

UCLA Research Park West
10850 West Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90064

Federal Agencies available on-site: 

  • FEMA

  • Small Business Administration

  • Internal Revenue Service

LA County departments available on-site:

  • Assessor’s Office

  • Department of Aging and Disabilities

  • Department of Animal Care and Control

  • Department of Child Support Services

  • Department of Children and Family Services

  • Department of Consumer and Business Affairs

  • Department of Economic Opportunity

  • Fire Department *(Located at Altadena One-Stop Center, 464 W. Woodbury Rd., Suite 210, Altadena, CA 91001)

  • Department of Mental Health

  • Department of Military & Veterans Affairs

  • Department of Public Health *(Located at Altadena One-Stop Center, 464 W. Woodbury Rd., Suite 210, Altadena, CA 91001)

    • Environmental Services

  • Department of Public Social Services

    • CalWorks

    • CalFresh

    • General Relief

    • MediCal

  • Department of Public Works

    • Building & Safety *(Located at Altadena One-Stop Center, 464 W. Woodbury Rd., Suite 210, Altadena, CA 91001)

    • Environmental Programs/Municipal Services

    • Flood Control

    • Permitting *(Located at Altadena One-Stop Center, 464 Woodbury Rd., Suite 210, Altadena, CA, 91001)

    • Debris Removal - *Please note, deadline to submit Right of Entry form is March 31, 2025.

  • Department of Regional Planning *(Located at Altadena One-Stop Center, 464 W. Woodbury Rd., Suite 210, Altadena, CA, 91001)

  • Department of Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk

    • Recorder Bureau-Document Resources Division

    • Reorder Bureau-Public Resources Division

  • Department of Treasure Tax Collector

  • LA County Homeless Initiative & Affordable Housing

State agencies available on-site:

  • Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)

  • Employment Development Department (EDD)

  • California Department of Social Services (CDSS)

  • Franchise Tax Board (FTB)

  • California Department of Insurance (CDI)

  • Contractors State License Board (CSLB)

  • California Department of Tax & Fee Administration (CDTFA)

  • California Department of Public Health (CDPH) – Vital Records

  • California Department of Veterans Affairs (Cal Vet)

  • California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD)

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How To Apply For FEMA Disaster Assistance 

All individuals who were impacted by the Eaton Fire should apply for FEMA assistance. Please call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or go online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov as soon as possible. 

 

The deadline to apply for assistance is Monday, March 31, 2025


Individuals who may be eligible for individual assistance should apply through one of the following options: 

  • Apply by phone to FEMA: 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Disaster assistance applicants, who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY, should call 1-800-462-7585 directly; for those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS) or speak non-English languages, call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 4 a.m. to 8 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time seven days a week until further notice.  

  • You can also apply online anytime at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.

  • By smartphone or tablet, use https://www.fema.gov/ 

 

Representatives from the agency will also be available at Disaster Recovery Centers to assist in person between 9 a.m.-7 p.m. PST Monday through Saturday:

  • Altadena Disaster Recovery Center - 540 West Woodbury Road, Altadena, CA 91001

  • Westside Disaster Recovery Center - 10850 West Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064

 

Please have the following information available when you call: 

  • A phone number and a reliable alternate in case FEMA needs to call you back; 

  • Address of the damaged property; 

  • Social Security number; 

  • Bank account information (or direct deposit information);

  • Insurance information (if you have insurance);

  • Brief description of damages; 

  • Current mailing address; and 

  • Pen and paper to write down your registration number. 

 

If you have insurance, it is important that you file a claim with your insurance company. Government disaster assistance only covers basic needs and usually will not compensate you for your entire loss. FEMA may not compensate for items covered by your insurance

 

Disaster-related assistance may include: 

  • Rental payments for temporary housing for those whose homes are unlivable;
  • Grants for home repairs and replacement of essential household items;
  • Unemployment payments for workers who temporarily lost jobs because of the disaster and do not qualify for state benefits (self-employed);
  • Low-interest loans to cover residential losses not fully compensated by insurance;
  • Crisis counseling for those traumatized by the disaster; or
  • Advisory assistance for legal veterans’ benefits and social security matters.

 

You may also qualify for a one-time payment of $770 through FEMA’s Serious Needs Assistance program to cover expenses for emergency supplies like food, water, diapers, and gas for transportation.

FEMA Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) Program

TSA is a temporary program intended to provide short-term lodging for eligible disaster survivors whose primary residence is uninhabitable or inaccessible because of the disaster and are not covered by insurance additional living expenses or loss of use. Renters and homeowners who have already applied for disaster assistance may be eligible to stay temporarily in a hotel or motel paid for by the TSA program. This program is offered to enable displaced residents to work on their interim housing plan. 

FEMA will notify affected residents of their eligibility through an automated phone call, text message, and/or email depending on the method of communication selected at the time of application for disaster assistance. Eligible applicants sign a terms and conditions document confirming their eligibility end date when they check into a participating hotel.

Under the TSA program, FEMA pays the cost of room, taxes, and non-refundable pet fees directly to participating hotels and motels. Survivors are responsible for all other costs, including laundry, restaurant/room service, parking, telephone, or movie rental. Continued eligibility is determined on an individual basis. When eligibility ends, survivors will be notified by FEMA seven days prior to checkout date.

Home Inspections

Within 10 days of applying for assistance, an inspector will call you to make an appointment for home inspection, even if you stated that your home was destroyed. The inspector will use the telephone number you provided when you applied. Assistance could be delayed if the inspector can’t reach you at that number. Tell FEMA immediately if there is a change in your contact information. The inspector will attempt contact multiple times by phone or text if allowed. If you do not hear from an inspector within 10 days, please call the FEMA helpline (800-621-3362) to check the status of your case.

To confirm identity, the inspector may ask for the last four digits of the 9-digit registration number but will not ask for all nine numbers, if requested they can provide the first 5 confirming they are legitimate and have your inspection information. A FEMA inspector will never ask for your social security number to confirm your identity.
 

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FAQs About FEMA Assistance 

Do I have to register with FEMA to get help? 

Yes, with very few exceptions, if you want federal assistance you must register with FEMA, either by telephone (1-800-621-FEMA (3362)) or online (www.DisasterAssistance.gov). You will need your FEMA registration number for future reference. 

What is the difference between FEMA and the SBA? 

FEMA coordinates the Federal Government’s role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters. SBA, on the other hand, is the Federal Government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps homeowners, renters, businesses, and non-profit organizations repair or replace real estate, personal property, machinery and equipment, inventory, and business assets that have been damaged or destroyed in a declared disaster. These disaster loans cover uninsured and uncompensated losses and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations. For information about SBA programs, applicants may call 1-800-659-2955 (TTY 1-800-877-8339). 

Why was my application “NOT APPROVED?”

Los Angeles County survivors who registered for FEMA assistance will receive a letter. If the letter says you are “not approved” for assistance, it does not mean you have been denied assistance. Understanding this letter and any next steps you need to take is critical to move your recovery forward.

It is important to read the letter carefully because it will include the amount of money FEMA may provide and information on the appropriate use of that money. The letter will also explain your application status and advise what you need to do to appeal if you do not agree with FEMA’s decision.

People with insurance may receive an initial “not approved” decision. FEMA assistance may still be available. Even if your FEMA letter says you are not eligible to receive assistance due to your insurance coverage, you may still be able to receive financial assistance. FEMA may need your insurance determination to be finalized in order to continue processing your application to make sure you are not receiving financial aid for the same damage twice. By law, FEMA cannot pay for costs related to the wildfires that your insurance already covers. 

Once 30 days or more have passed since you filed your insurance claim, and you have not received your settlement, please contact the FEMA helpline at 1-800-621-3362. FEMA may be able to provide some initial funds to while you wait for your insurance payout. 

For additional assistance, contact my office at https://chu.house.gov/services/help-with-a-federal-agency.  

Can my household apply for FEMA assistance if I am not a U.S. citizen?

 To qualify for FEMA assistance, you or a member of your household must be U.S. citizen, non-U.S. citizen national or qualified migrant. However, undocumented families with one family member (including a minor child) who is a United States citizen, non-U.S. citizen national or qualified migrant and has a Social Security number may apply.

  • Los Angeles County Office of Immigrant Affairs advises immigrant communities that they may safely access emergency/disaster relief assistance. Use of emergency assistance is not considered in the “public charge” test. Receiving emergency aid – including food, shelter, medical assistance, and temporary financial support – will not impact the future immigration relief applications of the recipient or their household members. If you have additional questions, contact OIA at 800-593-822 to speak with a counselor. Further information can be found in English and Spanish.

What happens if I disagree with FEMA’s decision?

Every applicant has the right to appeal a FEMA determination. For example, if you feel the amount or type of assistance is incorrect, you may submit an appeal letter and any documents needed to support your claim.

How can I appeal a FEMA decision? 

You must file your appeal in writing to FEMA within 60 days of the date of your determination letter. In a signed and dated letter, you must explain the reason(s) for your appeal. A step-by-step guide to the FEMA appeals process can be found on page 7 here: Post Disaster Individual Assistance Guide.
 

Where can I find updated information from FEMA? 

For a three-step Disaster Assistance Process and recent news on disaster response and recovery, please visit http://www.fema.gov/apply-assistance

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Small Business Administration Disaster Loans 

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers low-interest loans for homeowners, renters, businesses, and nonprofit organizations. The SBA loans are to help businesses repair or replace disaster-damaged property, inventory, and supplies. Homeowners and renters may also be eligible for SBA loans to repair or replace disaster-related damages to homes or personal property. Homeowners and renters should submit their SBA disaster loan application, even if they are not sure if they will need or want a loan. 

Types of Loans Available

Individuals and Families:
 

Homeowners: up to $500,000 to repair or replace real estate damage and up to $100,000 to replace personal property.

Renters: up to $100,000 to repair or replace personal property.

Businesses and Nonprofits:
 

  • Business Physical Disaster Loans: up to $2,000,000 to repair or replace real property, machinery and equipment, inventory and other assets that were damaged or destroyed (available to businesses of any size and most private, non-profit organizations).

  • Economic Injury Disaster Loans: only for small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, and most private non-profit organizations suffering adverse financial impacts of the disaster (with or without property loss or damage), up to $2,000,000 for working capital to help pay obligations until normal operations resume. 

  • The maximum combined loan amount across both business loan programs is $2,000,000.

How to Apply for SBA Assistance 

In-Person SBA Disaster Loan Assistance

You can visit either of SBA’s two Disaster Loan Outreach Centers (DLOCs) for small businesses, private nonprofit (PNP) organizations, and residents who sustained economic losses and/or physical damages from the wildfires. to receive in-person assistance 

Walk-ins are accepted, but you can schedule an in-person appointment in advance at appointment.sba.gov. The DLOC locations and hours of operation are listed below:

LOS ANGELES COUNTY 

Disaster Loan Outreach Center

Pasadena City College Community Education Center (PCC CEC)

Multi-Purpose Room 

3035 E. Foothill Blvd.

Pasadena, CA  91107

Opens 9 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 14

Mondays - Fridays, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Closed Monday, Jan. 20,
 in observance of MLK holiday

VENTURA COUNTY

Disaster Loan Outreach Center

Ventura County Community 
Foundation (VCCF)
Economic Development Collaborative

4001 Mission Oaks Blvd., Ste. A‑1
Camarillo, CA  93012 

Mondays - Fridays, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Closed Monday, Jan. 20 in observance of MLK holiday

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Department Of Housing And Urban Development (HUD) Resources 

Housing Counseling

Currently, HUD-approved housing counselors are staffed at Disaster Recovery Centers at 540 West Woodbury Road, Altadena, CA 91001 and the UCLA Research Park (formerly the Westside Pavilion) in West Los Angeles. Disaster Resource Centers are open and available to the public daily from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM. 

Please note, the Disaster Recovery Center located at the Pasadena City College Community Education Center will be closed on February 1, 2025. Services will be shifted to the Altadena Disaster Recover Center. 

Altadena Disaster Recovery Center                                                   UCLA Research Park West

540 West Woodbury Road                                                                 10850 West Pico Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91101                                                                           Los Angeles, CA 90064

Residents can also find a HUD-approved housing counseling agency online via www.hud.gov/findacounselor or by calling 1-800-569-4287 (select option #5 in the menu of options for disaster relief). 

Federal Housing Administration (FHA)

A 90-day moratorium on foreclosures has been implemented for mortgages insured by the FHA and for mortgages to Native American borrowers under the Section 184 Indian Home Loan Guarantee program. Additionally, Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECM) are granted an automatic 90-day extension. This relief is effective from January 8, 2025, the date of President Biden’s disaster declaration. Homeowners affected by the disaster should contact their mortgage servicer for assistance, and conventional mortgage holders may also be eligible for further relief. 

For more details, homeowners can contact the FHA Resource Center at 1-800-304-9320 or visit the FHA Disaster Relief site.

For HUD Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Mortgage Holders

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are reminding homeowners and renters impacted by the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles of various relief options, including forbearance, payment deferral plans, and disaster recovery counseling programs through HUD. 

For Fannie Mae customers, affected individuals can access support through their mortgage servicer, by calling 855-HERE2HELP (1-855-437-3243) or visiting the Fannie Mae website for free disaster recovery counseling. Additionally, Freddie Mac offers a Disaster Relief and Mortgage Assistance FAQ, and borrowers can use the Loan Look-up Tool to confirm if their mortgage is owned by Freddie Mac for tailored support.

Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity

Housing discrimination sometimes occurs when people attempt to find and access housing following a disaster. HUD's Office of Fair Housing assists those who believe they've experienced discrimination. 

To file a complaint, call 1-800-669-9777 or visit www.hud.gov/fairhousing/fileacomplaint.  Assistance is available for those with limited English proficiency or who are deaf/hard of hearing via 1-800-877-8339.

Federal Mortgage Relief Federally-backed mortgages are potentially eligible for mortgage forbearance or other loss mitigation options in response to presidentially-declared disasters. 

Fannie Mae Backed Mortgages
Homeowners and renters should call 855-437-3243 to access Fannie Mae's disaster recovery counseling or visit the Fannie Mae website for more information on their mortgage relief options. 

Under Fannie Mae's guidelines for single-family mortgages impacted by a disaster:

  • Homeowners may request mortgage assistance by contacting their mortgage servicer (the company listed on their mortgage statement) following a disaster.
  • Homeowners affected by a disaster are often eligible to reduce or suspend their mortgage payments for up to 12 months by entering a forbearance plan with their mortgage servicer. During this temporary reduction or pause in payments, homeowners will not incur late fees and foreclosure and other legal proceedings are suspended.
  • In instances where contact with the homeowner has not been established, mortgage servicers are authorized to offer a forbearance plan for up to 90 days if the servicer believes the home was affected by a disaster.
  • Following a forbearance plan, there are a number of options available to potentially help homeowners resolve the delinquency without paying a lump sum, including Disaster Payment Deferral and Fannie Mae Flex Modification.

Homeowners and renters looking for disaster recovery resources may visit the Fannie Mae website to learn more about addressing immediate needs. Fannie Mae also offers help navigating the broader financial effects of a disaster to homeowners and renters through disaster recovery counseling at 855-437-3243. Assistance is provided free of charge by U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-approved housing counselors who are trained disaster-recovery experts that provide:

  • A needs assessment and personalized recovery plan.
  • Help requesting financial relief from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, insurance, and other sources.
  • Web resources and ongoing guidance for up to 18 months.
  • Services available in multiple languages.

Freddie Mac Backed Mortgages 

Freddie Mac has mortgage relief options for those affected by natural disasters. If you’ve been impacted by a disaster, your first step is to call your lender for help.

To find out if your mortgage is owned by Freddie Mac visit, you can use this self-service Loan Look-up Tool.

Residents can find a HUD-approved housing counseling agency online via www.hud.gov/findacounselor or by calling 1-800-569-4287 (select option #5 in the menu of options for disaster relief). 

Federal Housing Administration (FHA) Backed Mortgages

Should Presidentially-Declared Major Disasters adversely impact a Borrower’s ability to make on-time Mortgage Payments, the mortgage provider must provide the Borrower with forbearance and HUD loss mitigation assistance, where appropriate, as provided in applicable FHA policy guidance. 

Residents can find a HUD-approved housing counseling agency online via www.hud.gov/findacounselor or by calling 1-800-569-4287 (select option #5 in the menu of options for disaster relief).

Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Backed Mortgages 

If you have a VA-backed home loan and have faced a natural disaster, you can get help by asking your mortgage servicer to put a 90-day pause on foreclosures and waive late charges. Contact your mortgage servicer or call the VA at 877-827-3702

  • If you’re a Veteran or the surviving spouse of a Veteran, the VA will provide counseling—even if your loan isn’t a VA-guaranteed loan.
  • If you have a VA-guaranteed loan, you can contact the VA anytime to discuss your loan.
  • If you have a VA-guaranteed loan and it’s 61 days past due, the VA will automatically assign a VA loan technician to review your loan.

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Backed Mortgage 

USDA provides assistance to those whose property was damaged or whose ability to repay a mortgage was affected by a recent natural disaster. USDA can help with insurance claims, payment plans and other servicing options during your recovery from the disaster. Assistance may vary depending on the type of disaster and if the disaster qualifies as a Presidentially declared disaster.

 

Please contact a USDA Customer Service Specialist on their Disaster Line at 888-796-0538. 

Federal Foreclosure Moratorium 

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced a 90-day extension of its foreclosure moratorium on Federal Housing Administration (FHA)-insured single family mortgages in the areas of Los Angeles County, California, devastated by the January 2025 wildfires through July 7, 2025. 

 

The moratorium prohibits mortgage servicers from initiating or completing foreclosure actions on FHA-insured single family forward or Home Equity Conversion mortgages in the Los Angeles County PDMDA through July 7, 2025. The moratorium was originally set to expire on April 8, 2025.

  • Borrowers unable to make their mortgage payments should contact their mortgage servicer for assistance as soon as practical. Borrowers may also contact the FHA Resource Center at (800) CALL-FHA (1-800-877-8339; or for TTY 1-800-877-8339) for assistance.
  • For borrowers and renters who need immediate housing and disaster recovery assistance, HUD-certified housing counselors are prepared to provide guidance on the options that are available. To find a HUD-approved housing counseling agency, borrowers can use HUD’s online search tool or use our phone search by calling (800) 569-4287 or (202) 708-1455 (TTY).
  • For borrowers whose homes are destroyed or damaged to an extent that requires reconstruction or complete replacement, contact an FHA-approved lender about FHA’s Section 203(h) loan program. This program provides 100 percent financing for eligible homeowners to rebuild their home or purchase a new one.
  • For borrowers seeking to purchase and/or repair a home that has been damaged, contact an FHA-approved lender about FHA’s Section 203(k) loan program. This program allows individuals to finance the purchase or refinance of a house, as well as the costs of repair or renovation, through a single mortgage.

 

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Debris Removal And Returning To Your Property 

Check the status of your property

Find the status of your home on this preliminary damage assessment map, which is being updated daily as inspections continue: https://recovery.lacounty.gov/eaton-fire

The EPA also has a link with more information: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/12e839aa88764185ab7ef3f84cace1ea

What Needs to Happen Before You Can Return to Your Property?

Los Angeles County, along with local, state, and federal partners, is working tirelessly to ensure areas affected by the Eaton Fire are safe for residents to return. Here’s what must happen before your community is ready for repopulation:

  • Fire hot spots must be fully extinguished.
  • Urban Search and Rescue operations need to be completed.
  • Roads must be cleared of hazards, such as downed power lines, fallen trees, and broken glass.
  • Streets and road infrastructure must be repaired and deemed safe for travel.
  • Utilities, including water, electricity, gas. and sewer systems, must be inspected to ensure they are safe.
  • Homes and other structures must be evaluated for fire damage, structural weaknesses, and potential for collapse.
  • A Red-Tagged building means it is unsafe and cannot be entered.
  • Yellow-Tagged building means some areas may be safe but only for limited use or specific purposes.

Private Property Debris Removal Information

The debris removal process is divided into two main phases, each managed by different agencies. 

Phase 1 is household hazardous waste removal managed by the EPA without sign-up by property owners, and Phase 2 is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Phase 1 was completed on February 27th.

For Phase 2, property owners need to decide by March 31st, 2025, whether to opt in for free cleanup by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers or opt out and pay a specialized, approved contractor to remove the remaining fire debris, following all necessary requirements, rules and regulations.

If you opt in, the debris removal will be performed for you by the Army Corps of Engineers, with no out-of-pocket cost. Your insurance payment for debris removal will be assigned to the government to help pay for the work; even if the insurance payment does not fully cover the work, the work will be performed at no charge to you. You do not need insurance to participate in the program.   

If you opt out of the program, you must receive approval from the County and a permit from the applicable local city authority to proceed with debris removal. Then you will be responsible for hiring the appropriately licensed and certified contractors. You will be responsible for all costs of debris removal and asbestos abatement.

  • Opting-In: A new interactive graphic is now available online to help property owners visualize what they can expect if they opt-in to Phase 2 of the government run debris removal program led by the US Army Corps of Engineers. For more details and the latest from the Army Corps, visit the What to Expect for Phase 2 Debris Removal page.
     
  • Opting-Out: If you are opting out of the government-sponsored Fire Debris Removal Program and hiring a private contractor, Los Angeles County has key resources to guide you through the required steps. For more details, click here.

A hazardous tree removal waiver has been established for property owners participating in the federally funded Private Property Debris Removal (PPDR) Program who wish to retain specific trees on their property. This waiver allows owners to retain certain trees identified by an ISA-certified arborist to be hazardous. The waiver can be submitted via email or to the contractor during the 360-degree walkthrough, which is the last step before debris removal operations begin. Completed forms must be emailed to Eatoncallcenter@ecc.net for Altadena properties or Palisadescallcenter@ecc.net for Palisades properties.

For more information and instructions on how to opt in or opt out of debris removal services, please visit https://recovery.lacounty.gov/debris-removal/ or call: 

  • Debris Call Center: (213) 308-8305. Hours of operation are 6:00 am to 6:30 pm.

For answers to Frequently Asked Questions about different parts of the debris removal process, visit here

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Rebuilding Permitting Centers

Rebuilding Permit Centers are open for guidance through the rebuilding process for residents affected by the Palisades and Eaton fires. These permit centers connect you with the departments responsible for rebuilding in your area. 

LA County One-Stop Permit Center
464 West Woodbury Road, Suite 210
Altadena, CA 91001
Open Monday, Wednesday & Friday: 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Click here for more information. 

LA County One-Stop Permit Center
26600 Agoura Road, #110
Calabasas, CA 91302
Open Monday, Wednesday & Friday: 7:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Click here for more information.

City of LA - One Stop Permit Center
1828 Sawtelle Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90025
Open Monday - Friday: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Click here for more information. 

City of Malibu Rebuild Center
23805 Stuart Ranch Road, Suite 240, Malibu, CA 90265
Open Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. 
Click here for more information.

City of Pasadena Permit Center
100 N. Garfield Ave, Suite N106, Pasadena CA 91101
Monday, Tuesday & Thursday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Wednesday: 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Alternate Fridays: 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Click here for more information.

Replacing Lost Documents

If you’ve lost important documents or identification in the fires, many can be replaced. You can learn more about how to replace these common documents by contacting the agencies directly. Consult the California Office of Emergency Services website for additional information.

LA County residents directly impacted by fires can request property and vital records (i.e., birth, death, marriage) free of charge to help with recovery efforts by calling 800-201-8999 (select Option 1 followed by Option 2) or by contacting recorder@rrcc.lacounty.gov.

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Unemployment Assistance 

Unemployment assistance: People who are out of work due to the fires may be eligible for unemployment benefits. You can file for unemployment benefits online at https://edd.ca.gov/. You can also file by phone, Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 12:00 pm by calling:

  • English: 1-800-300-5616
  • Spanish: 1-800-326-8937
  • Chinese (Cantonese): 1-800-547-3506
  • Chinese (Mandarin): 1-866-303-0706
  • Vietnamese: 1-800-547-2058

Disaster Unemployment assistance: Disaster unemployment assistance (DUA) is for workers—such as self-employed people—who are not eligible for regular unemployment benefits and lost their jobs or had hours reduced because of the disaster. For more details and eligibility information, check the Fact Sheet: Disaster Employment Assistance (DE 8714DUA) (PDF). The deadline to apply for DUA is Monday, March 31, 2025.

You can file for DUA online through myEDD, and then select UI Online, which is available in English, Spanish, Armenian, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Korean, Tagalog, and Vietnamese. There are also dedicated phone lines available for workers affected by the fires who have questions about unemployment benefits or need help applying for DUA:

  • English: 1-833-998-2284
  • Spanish: 1-855-964-0634
  • Other languages: 1-800-300-5616

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Disaster Fraud 

After a disaster, scam artists and identity thieves may attempt to take advantage of disaster survivors. Individuals should: 

  • Watch for and report any suspicious activity. Federal agencies such as FEMA and the SBA will never charge individuals for disaster assistance.
  • Protect your identity and stay informed. Do not offer any personal information unless you are speaking with a verified federal, state, or local official.
  • Stay tuned to trusted local media sources for updates on disaster fraud and scams.
  • Share information from trusted sources and discourage others from sharing information from unverified sources. 

Individuals can report suspected fraud or scams to the FEMA Investigations and Inspections Division by calling 1-866-223-0814 or emailing StopFEMAFraud@fema.dhs.gov. 

Individuals can also file complaints of fraud, waste, or abuse with the U.S. Department of Justice National Center for Disaster Fraud’s (NCDF) Disaster Complaint Form

Individuals who suspect they may be victims of identity theft should check in with local law enforcement and visit IdentityTheft.gov to report and recover from identity theft. 

Predatory investors are barred from making unsolicited undervalue offers to individuals impacted by the fire to buy their land.  You can report this predatory activity by submitting a complaint on the California Department of Real Estate website (https://www.dre.ca.gov/consumers/lawildfireupdate.html) or by emailing (LAFires@DRE.CA.GOV). 

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United States Postal Service (USPS) Operations 

The Postal Service operations team is working to restore operations wherever safely possible. USPS is working to deliver mail wherever it's feasible and safe, frequently adjusting operations for a restoration of services in impacted areas. 

Operations at the La Cañada Flintridge Post Office have resumed for retail services and mail delivery.

La Cañada Flintridge
607 Foothill Blvd
La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011-9998

Mon – Fri: 10 am – 5:30 pm
Sat: 10 am – 3 pm

The Altadena Post Office retail and delivery services have been relocated and customers will be able to pick up mail, per effective dates:

FacilityMail Pickup LocationEffective Date

Altadena Post Office

2271 Lake Avenue

Altadena, CA 91001 - 9998

Pasadena Post Office

600 Lincoln Avenue

Pasadena, CA 91109-9998

Mon – Fri: 9 am – 6 pm

Sat: 9 am – 3 pm

Thursday, January 9, 2025

IS YOUR HOME IMPACTED?  USPS can forward your mail to a temporary location. Customers may submit an Official Mail Forwarding Change of Address Order (COA) to reroute their mail (including packages and letters) online at https://moversguide.usps.com/ or by filling out a PS Form 3575 (COA) available at any post office. 

For more information about postal products and services, customers may call 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777) or visit the Postal Service online at www.usps.com.

If you or someone you know are experiencing an issue with USPS, feel free to contact my office.

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Private Insurance 

Moratorium on Non-Renewals and Cancellations. 

Effective January 7th, the California Department of Insurance (CDI) issued a mandatory one-year moratorium preventing homeowners insurance cancellations and non-renewals in areas affected by the Southern California wildfires. This moratorium protects everyone living within the perimeters or adjoining zip codes of the Palisades and Eaton fires in Los Angeles County for one year. 

 

 

Insurance Support Workshops

 

CDI is scheduling a series of Insurance Support Workshops to provide free, confidential appointments with experts from the Department who can answer questions about your coverage and connect you with additional support programs. 

 

  • The dates, times, and locations can be found at https://www.insurance.ca.gov/. To schedule an appointment, call 1-800-927-4357.
  • The Insurance Support Workshops will have insurance experts assisting in the following languages: English, Cantonese, Mandarin, Filipino Korean, Spanish, Vietnamese, Armenian, Arabic

 

Allstate has set up Mobile Claim Centers (MCCs) where their representatives can assist their customers with claims, answer their questions, and provide information on recovery efforts. Current MCC locations are open 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. daily and listed below with real-time updates available on the MCC site

 

  • Pasadena City Hall

100 Garfield Ave., Pasadena, CA 91101

  • Home Depot 

1625 Mountain Ave., Monrovia, CA 91016

  • Calvary Community Church 

5495 Via Rocas, Westlake Village, CA 91362

 

If you have homeowners, renters, or car insurance

  • Notify your insurance company of the damage as soon as possible to file a claim.
  • An insurance adjuster will then investigate your claim to determine what damages your policy covers and how much you will be reimbursed.
  • A wildfire property claim can take several months to resolve depending on the provider, the complexity of the damage, and the volume of claims filed in an area. 

Evacuation Relief. 

Insurers must reimburse living expenses for policyholders with either renters or homeowners coverage who are under evacuation order. Additional information is available here and here. Residents can also call the California Department of Insurance Hotline for help at 800-927-4357

Insurance Tips

Know your policy. If you don’t have a copy of your policy, contact your agent or company and request it. Keep your receipts. If you are evacuated or displaced, be sure to keep copies of receipts for all food, lodging, and other living expenses incurred because you cannot go home. Take as many photos as you can before any cleanup or debris removal happens to thoroughly document the damage. Claims need to be filed with insurance companies, but the California Department of Insurance may be able to assist citizens with questions about insurance and the claims process. For more information, please visit https://www.insurance.ca.gov/. Document all of your conversations with your insurer/adjuster about your claim and policy limitations in a dedicated "claim diary." If your adjuster says something is excluded, limited, or subject to certain conditions, ask the adjuster to point out the specific provision in your policy being cited.

More tips can be found on CDI’s Top Ten Tips for Wildfire Claimants. Guidance is available in English, Spanish, Mandarin, and Vietnamese.

Mortgage Payments

Homeowners must continue making mortgage payments following a wildfire. However, anyone who is struggling to make their mortgage, insurance, or other housing payments should contact their mortgage servicer immediately as forbearance relief may be available. Additional assistance may be available to homeowners with federally backed or insured mortgages

Contact A Housing Counselor 

Families can contact a HUD-approved housing counselor for on-the-ground assistance related to post-disaster housing relief, mortgage assistance, and financial planning.

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Food Assistance 

Los Angeles Regional Food Bank: Locate food pantries closest to you at https://www.lafoodbank.org/find-food/pantry-locator/

  • If you would like to donate food, money, non-food items, or volunteer your time, more information can be found here: https://www.lafoodbank.org/fire/ and LAFoodBank.org/volunteer
  • The Food Bank is accepting financial donations and food donations at their two distribution centers from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, located at: 1734 East 41st Street Los Angeles, California 90058 and 2300 Pellissier Place Industry, CA 90601

World Central Kitchen has set up several mobile locations across Southern California, offering free hot meals to those impacted by the fires:

  • Santa Anita Park parking lot from 5:30pm - 9pm
  • Jack In The Box – 2125 North Windsor Ave. Altadena from 5:30pm - 10pm
  • St. Francis School – 200 Foothill Blvd. La Cañada Flintridge 12pm-5pm
  • Pasadena City College – 1570 E Colorado Blvd. Pasadena 5pm-9pm
  • Arco – Fair Oaks Ave & E Woodbury Rd Altadena 1pm-5pm

CalFresh/SNAP: If you have lost your job, or just need assistance, you can apply for CalFresh and other benefits online by visiting the Benefits Cal website at www.benefitscal.com/. To find out if you qualify to receive CalFresh benefits, fill out this form and someone from the Food Bank team will contact you.

For current CalFresh/SNAP beneficiaries: The SNAP program is now waiving several requirements to make it easier for you to access food during this challenging time:

  • One waiver will now allow CalFresh/SNAP households in Kern, Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino and Ventura to purchase hot foods with SNAP benefits through February 8, 2025.
  • Another waiver temporarily extends the 10-day reporting requirement for replacement of food purchased with CalFresh/SNAP benefits lost as a result of destruction and power outages caused by the wildfires. The waiver applies to residents of Los Angeles and Ventura counties and will be in effect through February 5, 2025, giving beneficiaries more time to report loss of food and qualify for replacement benefits.

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Mental Health Resources

Free mental health support and other forms of care are available for wildfire survivors and their loved ones. Anyone feeling overwhelmed or in distress because of the fires can call or text the Disaster Distress Helpline 24/7 at 1-800-985-5990 to receive free crisis counseling.

Free Medical and Mental Health Clinic in Pasadena 

Mondays and Wednesdays from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. 

In person, hosted by the Eaton Health Village, in partnership with the Department of Mental Health. For free medical and mental health care, including medical consultations, medical refills, mental health services and case management, vision care, and dental care. 

  • Location: Pasadena Seventh-Day Adventist Church (1280 E. Washington Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91104)
  • More information: 951-595-7032 or Click here. 

The SAMHSA Disaster Mobile App is a free tool for first responders and disaster response and recovery workers. The app is available for download on Apple and Android devices. 
https://store.samhsa.gov/product/samhsa-disaster-mobile-app/pep13-dkapp-1

Crisis Lines

  • Teen & Youth Help HotlineImage removed. Teenage Advice, Crisis & Depression Helpline
    Do you need help working something out? Do you want to talk to someone who understands, like another teen? We're here to help!
  • The National Suicide Prevention LifelineImage removed. 1-800-273-8255
    The 24-hour, toll-free, confidential suicide prevention hotline is available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. It provides Spanish-speaking counselors, as well as options for deaf and hard of hearing individuals.
    • Línea de Vida Nacional de Prevención del Suicidio ofrece servicios gratuitos en español para alguien que está en crisis o necesita ayuda llame al 1-888-628-9454
    • Options for Deaf and Hard of Hearing 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746
  • The Crisis Text LineImage removed.
    The Crisis Text Line is the only 24/7, nationwide crisis-intervention text-message hotline. The Crisis Text Line can be reached by texting HOME to 741-741.
  • Tips for Survivors: Coping With Grief After a Disaster or Traumatic Event—This tip sheet defines and describes grief, discusses ways of coping with grief, and explains complicated or traumatic grief. The tip sheet also offers relevant resources for additional support.
    https://store.samhsa.gov/product/Tips-for-Survivors-/SMA17-5035   
  • Be Red Cross Ready: Taking Care of Your Emotional Health after a Disaster—This fact sheet from the American Red Cross lists common reactions to a disaster, identifies ways for survivors to cope effectively, and highlights signs of the need for additional mental health support. A Large Print version is also available in English, Arabic, Chinese, French, Haitian Creole, Korean, Spanish, Tagalog, and Vietnamese.  
  • Mass Disasters, Trauma, and LossThis booklet from the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies discusses common reactions to disasters, factors that make people more likely to experience reactions for longer periods, and steps survivors can take to cope effectively after a disaster. Signs of the need for professional mental health assistance are also provided. It is also available in Arabic, Chinese, and Spanish.  
  • Recovering After a Fire—At this web page, the American Red Cross suggests ways for people who have experienced a residential fire to take care of themselves and their loved ones and to help people who may need additional assistance. The page lists four steps to take right after a fire, as well as links to more information about returning home safely after a fire and recovering emotionally and financially.

Resources for Children, Youth, Parents and Other Caregivers, and Schools

  • Age-related Reactions to a Traumatic Event—In this fact sheet, the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) provides an overview of how children and adolescents may react to a traumatic event, including a natural or human-caused disaster that they experience as traumatic. This resource describes reactions typical within specific age ranges and offers tips for families, doctors, and school personnel to help children and adolescents cope.
    The information in the fact sheet is provided in a video in American Sign Language at. The fact sheet is also available in Japanese and Spanish.  
  • Creating Supportive Environments When Scary Things HappenThis fact sheet explains how parents and other caregivers can create home environments that offer children and adolescents the stability and reliability they need to cope effectively with adversity, including disaster. The fact sheet zeroes in on routines, rhythm, and ritual as ways to foster security and resilience. It is also available in Spanish.  
  • Parent Guidelines for Helping Children Impacted by Wildfires—This National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) tip sheet identifies the challenges often experienced during and after wildfires. The tip sheet is available in Spanish
  • Talking to Children: When Scary Things HappenThis fact sheet provides adults with the guidance necessary to speak to children about scary or violent occurrences happening in the world. This fact sheet is available in Spanish.  
  • Trinka and Sam: The Big FireThis NCTSN children’s book tells the story of Trinka and Sam, two young mice who are friends and neighbors who survive a wildfire. The book covers effects a wildfire can have on a community, as well as common emotions and behaviors in children after a wildfire. Guidance is provided at the end of the book for parents and other caregivers to help them use the book with their children to understand and talk about their experiences with wildfires. This booklet is also available Spanish.  

Resources Focused on Older Adults

  • Helping Older Adults After Disasters: A Guide to Providing Support—Designed for anyone supporting older adults after a disaster, this SAMHSA guide highlights reactions to disasters that are common among survivors of all ages, as well as unique challenges older adults may face after disasters and how response workers can help. The guide also identifies resources available to help in connecting older adults with services and supports. 
     
  • Eldercare Locator—This service of the Administration on Aging, part of the U.S. Administration for Community Living, features an online database users can search by ZIP code and city and state to find local services for older adults, which may be particularly useful following a disaster. The service can also be reached by toll-free phone at 1–800–677–1116. The Eldercare Locator website includes links to consumer publications and websites of organizations that serve older adults. 
    https://eldercare.acl.gov    

Resources Focused on Substance Use Concerns 

  • People With Substance Use Disorders and Disasters—Several subsections within the SAMHSA Disaster Behavioral Health Information Series (DBHIS) collection feature resources on including and supporting people with substance use disorders (SUD) through processes of disaster planning, response, and recovery. These collections include tip sheets, guides, and other resources that can help with disaster preparedness, response, and recovery for people with SUD, people in recovery, and people at risk of SUD. Following are parts of the SAMHSA DBHIS focused on people with SUD:
  • Substance use, substance misuse, and people with SUD:
  • Alcohol use, alcohol misuse, and people with alcohol use disorder:
  • People with opioid use disorder
  • People with co-occurring disorders (one of which may be SUD):
  • PFA: Alcohol, Medication, and Drug Use After Disasterthis handout provides information that disaster survivors can use to avoid increased use of alcohol and misuse of prescription medications and other drugs after a disaster. It also provides tips for survivors in recovery from SUD to avoid restarting substance use after a disaster. 

Resources for Disaster Responders and First Responders

  • First Responders and Disaster Responders Resource PortalThis part of the SAMHSA DTAC website notes the stressors that may be involved in work as a responder, identifies signs of stress, and offers coping tips. The page features links to tip sheets, online trainings, and other resources related to responder mental health and freedom from substance use issues and conditions. 
     
  • Pause – Reset – Nourish (PRN)* to Promote Wellbeing—this tip sheet describes the PRN approach to promotion of well-being for responders to a disaster or other crisis. This tip sheet is available in Spanish
  • PFA Mobile—Compatible with Apple and Android devices, this free mobile app from NCTSN is designed to help responders with providing Psychological First Aid (PFA) in disaster-affected communities. The app identifies the eight core PFA actions, helps responders use interventions appropriate for specific survivor reactions, and expedites assessment and referral of survivors. 
    PFA Mobile linked to the Apple App Store: https://www.nctsn.org/resources/pfa-mobile
    PFA Mobile linked to the Google Play Store: https://www.nctsn.org/resources/pfa-mobile-android-version

     

  • Tips for Disaster Responders: Identifying Substance Misuse in the Responder Community—This SAMHSA tip sheet describes the stressors involved in disaster response and notes that these stressors may contribute to relapse for disaster responders in recovery, or to substance misuse in an attempt to manage stress.

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Tax Filing Relief & IRS Assistance 

Governor Newsom and the IRS have announced that federal and state tax filing deadlines for taxpayers in Los Angeles County have been extended until October 15th, 2025, for individuals and businesses. Call the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration at 1-800-400-7115 for additional questions on tax or fee relief. Call the IRS disaster hotline at 866-562-5227 for more information on which filings qualify.

If an affected taxpayer receives a penalty notice from the IRS, the taxpayer should call the telephone number on the notice to have the IRS abate any interest and any late filing or late payment penalties that would otherwise apply. Penalties or interest will be abated only for taxpayers who have an original or extended filing, payment or deposit due date, including an extended filing or payment due date, that falls within the postponement period.

The IRS automatically identifies taxpayers located in the covered disaster area and applies automatic filing and payment relief. But affected taxpayers who reside or have a business located outside the covered disaster area must call the IRS disaster hotline at 866-562-5227 to request this tax relief.

In addition, TTB will consider waiving late filing, payment, or deposit penalties on a case-by-case basis for wineries and other businesses whose operations were affected by the fires. To qualify for such a waiver, a taxpayer must:

  • Demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the appropriate TTB officer, that the fires directly affected your ability to timely file, pay, or deposit; and
  • Contact the TTB National Revenue Center (NRC) at:

550 Main Street, Suite 8002

Cincinnati, OH 45202-5215

Toll-free: 877-882-3277

Online Inquiry: TTB’s National Revenue Center Contact Form

Casualty Losses

Affected taxpayers in a federally declared disaster area have the option of claiming disaster-related casualty losses on their federal income tax return for either this year or last year. Claiming the loss on an original or amended return for last year will get the taxpayer an earlier refund, but waiting to claim the loss on this year’s return could result in a greater tax saving, depending on other income factors.

Individuals may deduct personal property losses that are not covered by insurance or other reimbursements. For details, see Form 4684 and its instructions.

Affected taxpayers claiming the disaster loss on last year’s return should put the Disaster Designation “California, Wildfires” at the top of the form so that the IRS can expedite the processing of the refund.

Other Relief

The IRS will waive the usual fees and expedite requests for copies of previously filed tax returns for affected taxpayers. Taxpayers should put the assigned Disaster Designation in red ink at the top of Form 4506, Request for Copy of Tax Return, or Form 4506-T, Request for Transcript of Tax Return, as appropriate, and submit it to the IRS.

Affected taxpayers who are contacted by the IRS on a collection or examination matter should explain how the disaster impacts them so that the IRS can provide appropriate consideration to their case.

Taxpayers may download forms and publications from the official IRS website, irs.gov, or order them by calling 800-829-3676. The IRS toll-free number for general tax questions is 800-829-1040.

 

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Price Gouging 

If you think a store or service provider is committing price gouging, compare prices in areas not affected by the disaster. Consumers are protected from a price increase of 10% or more for 30 days on goods and services and for 180 days on contractor-related services. Keep detailed records of purchases you make during the declared emergency. 

  • If you believe you were a victim of price gouging, contact the Los Angeles County Consumer and Business Affairs Department to file a complaint by calling (800) 593-8222 or visit https://dcba.lacounty.gov/

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