For comprehensive information, visit FEMA's official website or contact their helpline. Additionally, reviewing FEMA's "Myths vs. Facts" page can provide clarity on common misconceptions. References: FEMA

Yes. GoFundMe donations can be used for expenses that FEMA does not cover. Since FEMA assistance is designed to address specific disaster-related needs, using crowdfunding donations for other expenses can help support your overall recovery without affecting your FEMA eligibility.

To check the status of your account visit: DisasterAssistance.gov and click on "Check Status” to create an online account; or Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362

FEMA works regularly with partners to respond to disasters, provide disaster assistance and prepare the nation. https://www.fema.gov/partnerships

Possibly. FEMA is prohibited by law from duplicating benefits provided by other sources. If you receive GoFundMe donations earmarked for specific disaster-related expenses—such as home repairs, funeral costs, or other emergency needs—FEMA may reduce or deny assistance for those same expenses. Reference: FEMA

GRANTS PORTAL Applicants, recipients and subrecipents login: grantee.fema.gov.

Yes. Having a GoFundMe campaign does not automatically disqualify you from FEMA assistance. It's important to apply for FEMA aid regardless of any crowdfunding efforts. FEMA will assess your individual situation to determine eligibility and ensure there is no duplication of benefits. Reference: FEMA

To minimize potential impacts on FEMA assistance, consider keeping the description of your GoFundMe campaign general, without specifying that funds will be used for particular disaster-related expenses. This approach may help prevent overlaps that could affect your eligibility for FEMA aid. Reference: KQED

Keep detailed records of all funds received, including amounts, sources, and how the funds were used. This documentation will assist FEMA in accurately evaluating your needs and determining the appropriate assistance, ensuring compliance with regulations against duplicating benefits. Reference: FEMA

Communities devastated by these fires will likely not have utilities available, even if your property is not damaged. Due to the widespread damage, it was imperative to deactivate electricity and gas services to avoid further damage. Once fire agencies release areas for restoration, damage assessment crews inspect areas and remove safety hazards. Vegetation management teams clear debris to support line crews in restoration efforts. As repairs are completed, power is first restored to essential services, and then to as many customers as is safely possible. Dangerous conditions may impact progress. Customers should be prepared for extended and potentially intermittent outages throughout these extreme conditions. If you see a downed power line or dangling wire, stay 100 feet away from it or anything that is in contact with it and call 911 immediately. For more information about utilities, please visit sce.com and socalgas.com.

Los Angeles County residents directly impacted by fires can request property and vital records free of charge to help with recovery efforts from the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk’s Office. If you have been impacted, please call 800-201-8999 and select Option 1, followed by Option 2, or email your request with specific information to recorder@rrcc.lacounty.gov. Read an FAQ here.

Please go to the Department of Regional Planning website: https://planning.lacounty.gov/disaster-recovery/

Rebuilding your property after a fire can feel slow and frustrating. To help with this process, here is some are key information to jumpstart this process: Key contacts: Building & Grading/Drainage: Local LA County Public Works Building and Safety offices can be found at LA County Public Works Building and Safety office Septic Systems: Los Angeles County Environmental Health (626) 430-5380 Fire Prevention: Los Angeles County Fire Headquarters (323) 890-4132. Local district office numbers may be found at https://fire.lacounty.gov Geology & Soils: Los Angeles County Public Works Geotechnical & Materials Engineering (626) 458-4925. Planning and Zoning: Los Angeles County Department of Regional Planning: (213) 974-6411. Local office numbers may be found at: planning.lacounty.gov Fire Debris Removal: (888) CLEANLA / (888) 253-2652 Phase 1: Household Hazardous Waste Assessment and Removal How do I obtain a household hazardous waste assessment and removal for my property? The Los Angeles County Fire Department is coordinating fire debris assessment and household hazardous waste removal activities to provide the necessary clearances for the safe removal of demolition/fire debris. This is done at no cost and inspectors will go property to property. The Los Angeles County Fire Department must inspect the property before any work is to begin. This process is time-intensive. We understand that residents want to return home as soon as possible and are doing all we can to expedite the process without undermining your safety. Phase 2: Debris Removal and Clean Up Residents should not attempt to remove hazardous fire debris themselves. Post-fire house debris is hazardous because it can contain toxic materials like asbestos, lead, mercury, chemicals from household products, and other heavy metals which are released into the ash and debris when structures burn. These materials pose a risk to health if inhaled or handled improperly. Planning is underway for Debris Removal Activities in coordination with the County Office of Emergency Management and our State and Federal Partners. Residents should check recovery.lacounty.gov frequently for updates on the debris removal program.

Los Angeles County communities have been devastated by the Eaton Fire and Palisades Fire. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Los Angeles County Department of Public Works, Office of Emergency Management, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Southern California Edison, SoCal Gas and all of our local, state, regional and national partners are working around the clock to ensure these communities are safe for residents to return. Please continue to monitor lacounty.gov/emergency for emergency updates, recovery.lacounty.gov for important resources, and follow @CountyofLA on all social media platforms. Additionally, the County is hosting multiple press conferences a day where important information and updates are being delivered. You can watch these at https://www.youtube.com/countyoflosangelesnewsroom.

We understand this is an incredibly difficult and shocking time for residents impacted by these wildfires. Though the threat of fire may have subsided in some areas, many dangers remain, including downed power lines, hazardous materials, roadways blocked by downed trees and other heavy debris, unclean water, poor air quality and other hazards. Los Angeles County’s departments and its local, state, regional and federal partners are working expeditiously to clear downed power lines and debris, stabilize damaged infrastructure and ensure roads are clear and safe for residents to enter and inspect their properties. We will continue to provide daily updates on efforts to repopulate communities.

No school will reopen until it passes rigorous environmental safety testing. Efforts are underway to relocate students to safe spaces away from ongoing wildtire cleanup areas. Collaborating with the governor to extend transportation support, ensuring students remain connected to their school communities.

Mental Health: Dedicated counseling for students, parents, and staff is being arranged. Community Support Event: Join us tomorrow, January 17th, for a community event at Pasadena City College (Parking Lot 3) featuring seven vendors offering resources and donations to aid recovery efforts. Patience Requested: We understand this is a challenging time and appreciate your patience as we develop a comprehensive recovery plan.

A board meeting is being held this evening (1/16/24 @5:30 pm)to finalize plans and timelines for notifying schools about their reopening dates. https://www.pusd.us/about/board-of-education/agendas-minutes-video Updates will be shared via the PUSD website and communication channels as soon as decisions are made.

Self-directed distance learning is available for displaced students. Students from severely damaged schools like Elliot may be relocated to safe spaces. Details are forthcoming. We are deploying 5,000 additional student devices and have plans to equip teachers with the necessary tools for remote instruction. PUSD is securing mental health and crisis support for both students and staff to ensure emotional well-being. A support event is scheduled for January 17th at Pasadena City College, Parking Lot 3, with vendors offering mental health and crisis-related resources.

Approximately 50% of the worktorce around 1,400 staff members has been impacted, though exact numbers are pending. Preliminary surveys suggest that those most affected may not have been able to respond yet. Ongoing efforts aim to capture a clearer picture. Only an estimation of students displaced, with 2,000-3,000 currently accounted

We have lost five structures, including facilities used by our charter partners. Not all buildings have been assessed yet due to safety concerns. Severely damaged schools include Webster, Eliot Arts Magnet, Noyes, Loma Alta, and Edison. Other schools in Altadena were impacted by smoke, ash, and fallen trees. Restoration efforts are underway with three restoration companies currently cleaning affected schools and 1500 staff. Environmental testing will follow to ensure safety before reopening. Some schools are expected to reopen by the end of next week, with a goal of fully reopening all schools shortly thereafter. (www.pusd.us)