FEMA’s Telephone Helpline Can Answer Storm Victim’s Questions. 

Help Desks Also Available In Los Angeles County

Release Date: March 9, 2005
Release Number: 1577-023

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PASADENA, Calif. -- Those who suffered damages or losses from storms during the period December 27, 2004 through January 11, that are not covered by insurance should first call FEMA’s Helpline at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362)—TTY 1-800-462-7585. FEMA operators can answer residents’ questions promptly and efficiently.

Those people who have registered for disaster assistance for damages from the severe storm of December 27 through January 11 and have additional questions can also visit one of three Los Angeles County Help Desks opened by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The desks are located at the Help Centers listed below.

Kenneth Hahn Recreation Center
4100 S. La Cienega Blvd.
Los Angeles, Calif.
Open Mondays and Tuesdays, March 7 through March 15.
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Council Member Tom LaBonge Field Office
10116 Riverside Dr., Suite 200
Toluca Lake, Calif.
Open Wednesdays and Thursdays, March 9 through March 17.
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Hollywood Neighborhood City Hall
6501 Fountain Ave.
Los Angeles, Calif.
Open Fridays and Saturdays, March 11 through March 19
Hours: Fridays 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. – Saturdays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

SBA loan officers will also be available to answer questions about SBA’s loan program.

SBA is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private non-profit organizations fund repairs or rebuilding efforts, and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover uninsured and uncompensated losses and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations.

FEMA prepares the nation for all hazards and manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, trains first responders, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.

Last Modified: Monday, 14-Mar-2005 09:23:09