This photo was taken on Toyopa in the Huntington Palisades.
Photo JACK SCHNEIDER
While residents wait to be allowed to enter Pacific Palisades, there is necessary business to do.
CTN visited with FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) agents that were touring homes/property on Sunset Boulevard on January 12.
They recommended filing with insurance, first, so residents might access immediate help, Then file with FEMA, which will need to see a copy of the insurance settlement or the denial letter. FEMA doesn’t pay for losses that insurance covers.
FEMA assistance will be available for uninsured or underinsured property. One should apply and open an account click here.
Once filed, and the account open, the applicant will receive a letter or email, explaining if they are eligible for FEMA funds.
The agent was told that some residents had said they had already filed, but had been denied.
He said that people may have been denied because one tiny part of the application was not done and that they should read the denial letter to see what was missing. “Read it carefully,” he said. “Often, it’s a matter of providing additional information or correcting an error. There are still ways to move forward.”
The FEMA representative, who had flown in from Washington, D.C., said that many people when they see “denied,” open a second file. Do not do this, because then there would be two files opened for the same individual.
The Federal Government has promised FEMA money for residents affected by the fires. Here’s the key, people will not receive the money directly from the Federal Government. That money will be channeled through L.A. City and County officials, who will then distribute the funds.
He was asked how one could get local officials to make this a priority of getting those funds to individual residents.
He suggested that what generally works best is a united effort from the community putting pressure on elected officials. And, to thank officials when they follow through.
This editor walked with FEMA agents down Sunset Boulevard.
Photo JAMIE PAIGE/WESTSIDE CURRENT
Visiting a Disaster Recovery Center can also help expedite the process. “Bring your denial letter and all related documentation,” the FEMA rep said. “We’ll work with you to address any issues and ensure your appeal is as strong as possible.”
A Disaster Recovery Center is being opened on Wednesday at UCLA Research Park, 10850 West Pico Blvd,(formerly Westside Pavilion) and will operate from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday through Saturday.
Services will also be available to people who have lost records, including birth certificates, death certificates, driver’s licenses and social security cards. People who have lost their homes or businesses can apply for disaster relief loans.
Individual assistance from FEMA includes multiple federal programs to help disaster survivors start to recover. Programs include:
- Serious Needs Assistance for lifesaving and life-sustaining items, including prescriptions, infant formula, breastfeeding supplies, diapers, consumable medical supplies, durable medical equipment, personal hygiene items, and fuel for transportation.
- Advanced Financial Assistance
- Housing
- Rental Assistance
- Funds for Repair / Replacement of Damaged Homes
- Disaster Legal Services
Registering for FEMA is an essential first step.
There are three different ways to register:
- Online at DisasterAssistance.gov. Applying online is the easiest, fastest, and most convenient way to apply
- On the FEMA App for mobile devices
- Call the FEMA helpline at 1-800-621-3362: Available daily from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. (PST).