Wildfire Resources
How to do Business with FEMA After a Disaster
LOS ANGELES – FEMA works with private sector vendors to help fulfill the response and recovery needs for disasters like the recent Los Angeles County Wildfires.
The Doing Business with FEMA webpage outlines the steps that companies and small businesses looking to compete for federal contracts should take. During response and recovery, FEMA’s goal is to contract with local businesses in the affected area whenever practical and feasible.
FEMA will only engage with companies through the federal procurement process. Business solicitations sent to individual members of the FEMA workforce will not be processed. The FEMA website outlines how companies can see and respond to the agency’s solicitations. The key steps to beginning the process are:
- Consult your local procurement center: We recommend you consider consulting with these Procurement Technical Assistance Centers.
- Register with SAM.gov: This is the System for Award Management. Entity registrations are free, and registration is required to do business with the federal government.
- Understand the FEMA mission: FEMA’s mission, as authorized by the Robert T. Stafford Act, is to help people before, during and after disasters.
- Monitor contracting sites for opportunities: Contracting sites are listed on FEMA’s webpage.
Debris removal is often contracted locally after a disaster. If your company provides debris removal services, you can sign up with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Contractor Registry. You can also register your business information (including capabilities and locations served).
Additional information can be found on our Frequently Asked Questions webpage.
Am I Eligible for FEMA Assistance if I have Insurance?
I have insurance and received a denial letter from FEMA
If you indicated on your application that you have an insurance policy, FEMA may send you a determination letter indicating that you are not eligible for assistance due to your insurance. Make sure to read the entire letter to confirm the reason for a denial or determination. In many cases, the reason is often because FEMA cannot duplicate insurance benefits.
What are duplicated benefits?
- By law, FEMA cannot provide financial assistance when any other source, such as insurance, charities, etc. has awarded funds for the same disaster-caused need or when that funding is available from another source.
- Example of a duplication of benefits: FEMA cannot pay for home repairs if a homeowner already is receiving sufficient funds from their insurance company for the same repairs.
- FEMA assistance is not a substitute for insurance and cannot compensate for all losses. Grants from FEMA are intended to meet basic needs and supplement an applicant’s disaster recovery expenses.
What should I do if insurance covers some or none of my losses?
If you still need help, you can send FEMA a copy of the documents from your insurance company that show the damage or expenses your insurance covers. FEMA may be able to help with costs that your insurance does not cover.
− To upload documents, you may visit a Disaster Recovery Center or go online to disasterassistance.gov
- Documentation includes but is not limited to a settlement letter from your insurance, a statement of benefits, or a copy of the insurance policy.
- FEMA may provide money to help meet an applicant’s immediate needs when their insurance benefits are delayed for 30 days or more through no fault of their own.
- If a recipient receives an insurance settlement to cover the same expenses, they must pay back the government assistance they received.
Financial Assistance - American Red Cross
Red Cross began outreach to specific individuals whose primary residences were located within these defined areas. These individuals are eligible for this initial Red Cross Immediate Financial Assistance program. For those the Red Cross has contact information for, an invitation is being sent to enroll via email, text message, or phone call directly from the American Red Cross.
If you receive an invitation to complete an application for financial assistance you can complete the entire process virtually by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (800-733-2767) to enroll, confirm eligibility and receive financial assistance. For more information, please visit redcross.org/gethelp.
Please be aware of scams or people posing as Red Cross representatives. Eligible residents will receive an invitation via email, text and phone call based on the contact information the Red Cross has for you. If you’re unsure whether the Red Cross has reached out, please call 1-800-RED-CROSS (800-733-2767).
Receiving Red Cross financial assistance does not make you ineligible for FEMA assistance. The Red Cross is only part of the solution to recovery, and we encourage people who were affected by the recent wildfires to apply for federal Disaster Assistance at disasterassistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-3362. FEMA approval is not required to be eligible for Red Cross financial assistance.
Disaster Recovery Center
The City and County are working closely with the state and FEMA to open Disaster Recovery Centers for Angelenos impacted by the fires.
The Recovery Center will support individuals with the following:
- Lost vital records (birth certificates, death certificates, driver’s licenses, social security documentation).
- Disaster relief for people with homes and businesses lost or damaged by the fire.
- They will provide referrals for mental health counseling and other services.
Westside Location: UCLA Research Park West, 10850 Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90064
Hours of Operation: 9 am – 8 pm, 7 days a week
Virtual Remote Interpretation for language translation will be available during operating hours. In-person American Sign language will be available during the following time periods:
January 15th, Wednesday 11 am – 3 pm
January 17th, Friday 3 pm – 7 pm
January 19th, Sunday 11 am – 3 pm
Eastside Location: Pasadena City College Community Education Center, 3035 E. Foothill Blvd. Pasadena, CA 91107
Hours of Operation: 9 am – 8 pm, 7 days a week
Hotel Vouchers
211 LA Teams Up with Hilton and Partners to Provide Hotel Vouchers
Hilton, American Express and 211 LA have announced a plan to provide vouchers to people impacted by the fires to stay, free of charge, at Hilton properties.
In a joint release with American Express, Hilton announced it is making 20,000 hotel room nights available at no charge to impacted people across the greater Los Angeles area.
To be considered for the program, residents need to first apply to 211 LA for housing assistance using this application: bit.ly/211-Emergency-Services-Request
Residents who have already applied through 211 LA do not to need to fill out another application.
“In the wake of wildfires that have caused destruction and displacement for thousands of my constituents, I’m heartened by the compassion and care that our private sector partners have extended to neighbors in need,” said Supervisor Kathryn Barger, Chair of the LA County Board of Supervisors. “My deepest thanks to Hilton and American Express for launching this generous and sorely-needed program. These vouchers offer survivors a safe and soft place to land as they plan toward the future and rebuild their lives.
“This partnership between LA County 211 and Hilton Hotels is a vital step in addressing the urgent needs of residents who have been displaced and severely impacted by the wildfires. These seven-day housing vouchers will provide critical relief for families and individuals as they begin to recover and rebuild their lives,” said Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath, Third District. “We are grateful to Hilton and American Express for stepping forward in this time of immense need and for being a partner in helping our communities through this crisis.”
In addition to housing assistance, 211 LA provides fire survivors a wide range of resources for recovery. Those needing support can dial 2-1-1 or visit 211la.org for information and assistance.
“We are deeply grateful to Hilton and American Express for their emergency support during this heartbreaking time. Their generosity in providing shelter to those who have lost so much, as well as to the brave first responders on the front lines, reflects the best of what it means to come together as a community.” said Maribel Marin, Executive Director of 211 LA. “At 211 LA, we are honored to partner in this effort, ensuring that displaced individuals and families receive the critical assistance they need to navigate this crisis and begin rebuilding their lives.”
Courtyard by Marriott/LAX
We are extending an offer for sleeping rooms at the Courtyard by Marriott/LAX to those impacted by the fires. Our special rate is $139.00 + tax, which includes breakfast. The spacious rooms are 398 square feet, providing plenty of space for families. This rate is exclusively available to fire victims.
APPLY TO FEMA
To apply for FEMA disaster assistance, you can go online at DisasterAssistance.gov, download the FEMA App for mobile devices, or call toll-free 1-800-621-3362. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service. FEMA videos and Public Service Announcements about the California wildfires are available for public use and can be found online.
EMERGENCY RESPONSE UPDATES
https://lacounty.gov/emergency
https://twitter.com/ReadyLACounty
https://twitter.com/LACoFDPIO
www.facebook.com/LACoFD
ROAD CLOSURES
https://dpw.lacounty.gov/roadclosures
LOCAL EMERGENCY SHELTERS
redcross.org/get-help/disaster-reliefand-recovery-services/find-an-openshelter.html
ANIMAL SHELTERS
Animal Care Los Angeles Best Friends Animal Society
Small Animal Evacuation
- Baldwin Park Animal Care Center
- 4275 Elton St, Baldwin Park
Large Animal Evacuation
- Industry Hills Expo Center
- 16200 Temple, City of Industry
PUBLIC SHELTERS
Four public shelters across Los Angeles County are open, according to the state’s Office of Emergency Services:
- Westwood Recreation Center (1350 S. Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles, 90025) and domestic family pets are welcome in carriers and crates.
- City of Pasadena’s emergency shelter located at Pasadena Civic Auditorium (300 E. Green, Pasadena, CA 91101).
- Pomona Fairplex (1101 W McKinley Ave., Pomona, CA, 91768).
- Ritchie Valens Recreation Center (10736 Laurel Canyon Blvd., Pacoima, CA 91331).
- Pan Pacific Recreation Center (7600 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036).
- Stoner Recreation Center (1835 Stoner Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90025).
- Calvary Community Church (5495 Via Rocas, Westlake Village, CA 91362).
- Pasadena Convention Center 300 E. Green St.
TEMPORARY HOUSING
LA 211 has paired up with Airbnb, and anyone who has been evacuated because of the Palisades fire can stay in an Airbnb for one week at no charge. Dial 2-1-1 or visit www.211LA.org
Queen Mary: The Queen Mary hotel in Long Beach announced that it will be pricing rooms for fire evacuees at $189. The reservation will include a voucher for a breakfast buffet for two people. The reservation will also waive pet and Historical Preservation fees.
Visit Anaheim: People affected by the wildfires can visit Visit Anaheim’s official website and find special hotel offers and assistance.
MORE RESOURCES
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES
Los Angeles County Fire
https://lasd.org/
Department of Insurance (800) 927-4357
American Red Cross: What To Do After A Home Fire | American Red Cross
Airbnb is offering temporary housing to those impacted by So Cal Fires: https://news.airbnb.com/airbnb-org-offers-temporary-housing-to-people-impacted-by-the-los-angeles-wildfires/
World Central Kitchen
Wildfire & Disaster Relief | California Fire Foundation
WEST ANGELES CDC
In response to the devastating fire disaster impacting Los Angeles County, the West Angeles Community Development Corporation stands ready to support our community in this time of urgent need. Many have suffered immense loss, from their homes to cherished belongings, and we are here to help rebuild hope and regain wellness.
How We Can Help: Our services are completely free of charge and include:
- Emotional and spiritual support for individuals and families.
- Guidance for navigating housing assistance and rebuilding resources.
- Access to community aid programs, including financial wellness services.
- Food distribution and provision of necessary resources.
- Personalized wellness consultations to help individuals regain balance and strength.
Call us at: 323-751-3440
Visit us at: 6028 Crenshaw Blvd. LA
Email us at: [email protected]
