Race Day Live (Los Angeles, CA) – Wildfires have devastated Southern California, displacing thousands of families and destroying vast areas in one of the largest wildfire events in U.S. history. To assist affected residents, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is stepping in with disaster assistance programs to help people recover.
FEMA’s Response to the Disaster
FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell visited the impacted areas to assess damage, speak with survivors, and meet with local officials. Last Wednesday, President Joe Biden approved a Major Disaster Declaration to support recovery efforts in Los Angeles County and surrounding regions.
As damage assessments continue, more counties and additional assistance may be included in the declaration.
Who Qualifies for FEMA Assistance?
Residents of Los Angeles County with disaster-related needs due to the wildfires may be eligible for financial aid. FEMA assistance is designed to cover uninsured or underinsured expenses, helping households meet basic recovery needs.
Important Note:
If you have insurance, you must first file a claim with your provider. FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for damages already covered by insurance. However, federal assistance may cover losses not covered by your policy.
How to Apply for FEMA Assistance
There are three ways to apply for FEMA assistance:
| Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Online | Visit DisasterAssistance.gov to apply quickly and conveniently. |
| FEMA Mobile App | Use the FEMA mobile app to apply directly from your smartphone or tablet. |
| By Phone | Call the FEMA helpline at 1-800-621-3362 between 4:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. Pacific Time. Assistance is available in most languages. |
If you use a relay service like video relay (VRS) or captioned telephone, provide FEMA with the number for that service during your application.
What Does FEMA Assistance Cover?
FEMA assistance is intended to address:
- Temporary housing and basic household needs.
- Necessary uninsured or underinsured expenses.
- Essential repairs to jump-start recovery efforts.
Next Steps
As FEMA continues its damage assessments, additional counties and assistance programs may be added to the declaration. Residents are encouraged to apply promptly and ensure their applications are complete to expedite the recovery process.
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