Wildfire and Windstorm Recovery Resource Guide

We understand that when evacuating, especially with short or no notice, you may have left some of your important documentation behind. If you have had any of the following documents destroyed due to wildfires in your area, please contact our office directly:

• Social Security card
• Passport
• Naturalization card
• Tax returns  
• Military records 

My office is here to help. If you need assistance with getting replacements for federal documents, or if you need support securing federal assistance from FEMA, SBA, or other federal agencies please reach out to us.  

Washington, D.C. Office:

1517 Longworth HOB

Washington, DC 20515

(202) 225-4176

Apply for FEMA Assistance:  

• Call 1-800-621-FEMA(3362), or
• Visit disasterassistance.gov, or  
• Download the FEMA mobile app 

TIP: FEMA applications are being denied when multiple applicants apply from the same household. FEMA assistance is provided per household, not per individual.

Evacuation Map can be found HERE.

Emergency Alerts

• Register for Alert LA County HERE.
• More Information on Local Alert Systems HERE.
• Follow Los Angeles County Public Safety Partners on Social Media
  • Office of Emergency Management on X: @ReadyLACounty
  • LA County Fire on X: @LACoFDPIO
  • LA County Sheriff on X: @LASDHQ
  • LA County on X: @CountyofLA 

Locate your closest shelter location by texting SHELTER and your zip code (for example, “SHELTER 01234”) to 4FEMA (43362). 

Para Español, envía un mensaje de texto con "REFUGIO" y tu código postal a 4FEMA (43362). Standard text message rates apply. 

●    LA County Shelter locations can be found HERE. 
●    You can also download the FEMA Mobile App to find open shelters.
 

School Closures: Information regarding school closures and relocations can be found on the following school district pages:

• LA Unified School District HERE.
• Burbank Unified School District HERE.
• Glendale Unified School District HERE.
• Pasadena Unified School District HERE. 

Find Cal Fire's "Wildfire is coming. Are you ready?" guide HERE.
 

If you are under a mandatory evacuation order, here's what you need to know about putting safety first and what to expect from your insurance coverage and claims filing process.  

• If you are ordered to evacuate, you need to leave your residence immediately. Listen to orders from local authorities. 
• Contact your insurance agent or company immediately to let them know where you are staying and to help you with coverage or claims questions. They can also help assist you with lodging options.
• Most insurance policies cover additional living expenses if you are under a mandatory evacuation and are unable to live in your house or apartment because of a fire or other covered peril. Most policies will reimburse you the difference between your additional living expenses and your normal living expenses, but policies have set limits on the amount they will pay and may be subject to a deductible. Check with your insurance professional about what coverage you have and keep receipts for expenses that may be reimbursed if you file a claim.
• If you are on pre-evacuation alert, it is critical to have an evacuation plan that includes identifying available lodging options such as family or friends, local hotels, shelter locations, insurance assistance with lodging, and pet shelters.  
• Take photos or videos of personal possessions, particularly antiques, artwork or custom/expensive items. Or if you have time, make a more complete home inventory that lists, or has pictures or videos of, the contents of your home or apartment. Most insurance companies now have apps to help simplify the process. You can add digital photos and scan in receipts, along with your room-by room online inventory. But only do these things if you have plenty of time -- put safety FIRST. 

Returning Home After the Fire 

• Starting the Claim Process - Once the danger has passed and you are given the all clear, if your property has been damaged due to fire and/or smoke, don't wait -- start the claim process by calling your insurance company or agent. Contact the California Department of Insurance (CDI) if you need the contact information for your company or agent.
• Document/mitigate the damage - If the damage to your home is extensive, start taking photos of the property and documenting what was lost. Protect from further damage by placing tarps on roofs or boarding up windows, but do not begin repairs without contacting your insurance company.  
• Verify public adjusters - In the aftermath of a disaster like a wildfire, public adjusters may contact you if you have suffered damage to your home. You are not required to hire a public adjuster, but if you do, make sure they are licensed and reputable – check references. Consumers can verify a public adjuster’s license online here. Public adjusters work on behalf of a consumer and often charge a percentage of the claim amount. The fee is agreed upon in the contract between the public adjuster and the consumer. This cost is not included in the claim amount paid by the insurer. 

If you have any questions about insurance contact the CDI consumer help hotline at 1-800-927-4357 or visit their online Consumer Help Page.  

Additional helpful links:

• Guide for Adjusting Property Claims in California After a Major Disaster - Information from the California Department of Insurance (CDI)
• CDI Wildfire Recovery and Readiness - Information from the CDI with various resources for preparation and recovery  
• Insurance Resources - Information from the CDI with resources regarding insurance claims and recovery assistance