Family, this is a guide to assist you with some important deadlines and next steps. Please stay diligent and prioritize accordingly.

File for Insurance Claim ASAP (for those with home or rental insurance)

Apply for FEMA assistance by March 10, 2025:

• Online application https://www.disasterassistance.gov, or download the FEMA app, or call FEMA at 1-800-621-3362

• NOTE: If you are denied by FEMA due to insurance, once you have received your insurance assessment and funds, you are able to go back to FEMA and appeal for items that are not covered by insurance. An initial no, can mean “not right now”.

Complete US Small Business Administration (SBA) Loan Application by March 10, 2025:

• Call 1-800-659-2955 or apply online: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance

• SBA Loans are for residents (home owners or renters), small business owners or organizations.

• Once loan applications are completed, there is no obligation to borrow - even if approved.

• Credit history is reviewed to determine repayment probability.

• The loan covers both rebuilding or relocation.

• See attached for assistance and information. In person support available at the Disaster Recovery CenterWrite

Complete LA County Household Relief Grant by March 12, 2025: https://lacountyrelieffund.com

• Only one grant allowed per household

• Grant awards are between $6,000 - $18,000

• Determining factors are: size of household, % destruction of home, if property was insured, if a multi-generational home.

• See attached guide for assistance and support. In person support available at the Disaster Recovery Center (bring the following documents: proof of identity, proof of residence, most recently filed tax returns, proof of household size, bank account information, certifications and supporting documents listed in guide.

Complete LA County Phase 2 Debris Removal by the Army Core of Engineers (ACE) Opt In/ Out by March 31, 2025: https://recovery.lacounty.gov/debris-removal/roe/

1. The form needs to be completed regardless if opting in/out. If opting out, property owner is responsible for finding their own contractor who must comply with all county requirements.

2. Removal includes: 6 inches of top soil, ash, remaining destroyed structures (house, garage, etc), debris from basement, etc. The final stage is tree removal (for those that are marked with a blue dot and barcode on the bottom of the tree).

3. Removal does not include: driveways, undamaged structures, cement steps/ retaining walls, draining pools, refilling basements.

4. Additional Opt in/out of foundation removal process. Recommended as most permits won’t let you rebuild on it due to potential heat impact from the fire. Also a potential for asbestos in foundations. In addition, new homes have utilities under the foundation

5. Debris removal takes ~1.5 days. 40+ crews are executing site assessments. Activities are happening expeditiously and this is the first step to rebuilding. If opting in, Right of Entry (ROE) form completion should be done ASAP as that determines when the work is schedule. LA County provides clearance to ACE on when to proceed.

6. After opting in/out, a formal document must be signed by all property owners on the deed

7. If not insured, debris removal is covered 100% by FEMA. If insured, and a line in policy for debris removal, the county will work with your insurance.

8. More details on debris removal: https://recovery.lacounty.gov/debris-removal/what-to-expect/?utm_content=&utm_medium=email&utm_name=&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term=

9. Current status update view on Phase 2 can be seen here by entering your property address in the search field and seeing color indication for your phase: https://jecop-public.usace.army.mil/portal/apps/experiencebuilder/experience/?id=efbee5617ffa4d17b572d5f312004806

10. Goal is to complete by 1 year anniversary, Jan. 8, 2026.

Decide on representation with a lawyer ASAP if you are looking to join a lawsuit against Southern California Edison. Names of some reputable firms with wildfire experience:

1. https://www.singletonschreiber.com or contact Jarvis SIngleton at 619-771-3473

2. https://www.beckerlawgroup.com or contact Todd Becker at 626-777-7700

3. https://www.quinnemanuel.comhttps://www.quinnemanuel.com or contact 213-443-3050 or email WildfireSupport@quinnnemanuale.com

4. Ensure you are choosing representation that has experience with fire litigation cases against utility companies.

Visit the Woodbury recovery center for representatives from all resources and services including FEMA, SBA, LA County Assessors Office, Veteran Affairs and more. Hours are Tues-Sat, 9 am - 7 pm. 540 West Woodbury Rd. Altadena

Research architect and construction companies for the rebuilding process. Attend the Builders Townhall at VBC, register here: http://altadenatalks.org/builderstownhall

Obtain permits and rebuild.

• For any contractors: verify they are licensed and insured, recommendations/reviews/referrals/references from past clients, complaints thru Better Business Bureau (BBB), check experience and expertise rebuilding after wildfire, familiar with fire resistant construction. Compare multiple bids, don’t go with first person.

• There will be expedited permits and processing for like kind builds with exact footprint as before (or with additional 10% increase) with no major structural additions.

Additional details: https://mailchi.mp/lamayor.org/palisadescommunitybriefing-17975433?e=52e0b465df

Stay tuned for more information on the VBC Legacy Land Project

Sources of information include: aforementioned websites; Singleton-Schreiber Townhall, Feb. 25, 2025; Debris Removal and Recovery Event with Judy Chu , Feb 20, 2025