Disaster Aid Tops $10 Million In First Week
Release Date: November 5, 2003
Release Number: 1498-08
» More Information on California Wildfires
Pasadena, CA -- While firefighters continue to gain the upper hand over Southern California's deadly wildfires, federal and state assistance in the five fire-stricken counties has already exceeded $10 million.
People who suffered damage during the fires can register for assistance by calling FEMA's toll-free registration line at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), or TDD 1-800-462-7585, available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week.
Some of the first week's response and recovery activities:
- Applications for individual assistance have been received
from more than 9,500 residents since President Bush issued a major disaster
declaration on October 27 for the devastating wildfires. The declaration was
at the request of California Governor Gray Davis, who had earlier proclaimed
states of emergency in the affected counties.
- Disaster housing assistance checks totaling $1.77 million
have been approved to help with temporary housing and essential home repairs.
- Checks totaling $2.82 million have been approved to help
with other needs such as medical, dental, funeral, transportation, moving
and storage expenses.
- The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved
$6.2 million in low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters and businesses.
- The American Red Cross opened shelters during the disaster
that have served more than 160,000 meals and sheltered thousands who evacuated
their homes. The Southern Baptist Church prepared and served many of the meals
at the shelters. The Salvation Army also opened shelters in the disaster areas
and provided mass feeding. The Church of the Brethren has operated child care
centers in fire-stricken areas. Other voluntary organizations working in the
disaster include the Church World Service, Church of the Nazarene, Lutheran
Disaster Response, and many local churches.
- More than 3,900 people have called the FEMA Helpline for
answers to questions about their applications.
- FEMA inspectors have completed 1,907 inspections of fire-damaged
properties.
- Disaster Unemployment Assistance is available through the California Employment Development Department for those who have lost income because of the disaster.
The Governor's Office of Emergency Services coordinates overall state agency response to major disasters in support of local government. The office is responsible for ensuring California's readiness to respond to and recover from natural, manmade, and war-caused emergencies, and for assisting local governments in their emergency preparedness, response, mitigation and recovery efforts.
On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages Citizen Corps, the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
| Counties | Registrations | Disaster Housing Approved | IHP Grants Approved | Totals |
| Los Angeles | 408 | $29,158 | $66,003 | $95,161 |
| Riverside | 67 | $15,092 | $27,825 | $42,917 |
| San Bernardino | 4,947 | $443,738 | $686,024 | $1,129,762 |
| San Diego | 3,950 | $1,254,217 | $1,947,099 | $3,201,316 |
| Ventura | 147 | $32,042 | $93,553 | $125,595 |
| Totals: | 9,519 | $1,774,247 | $2,820,504 | $4,594,751 |
Last Modified: Wednesday, 05-Nov-2003 15:18:08