How to get wildfire recovery assistance

MONTEREY COUNTY, Calif. (KION) If your home or property was damaged by one of the wildfires, there are ways you can get help.

Monterey County's Office of Emergency Services recommends contacting your insurance company first. If there are any losses your insurance won't cover, federal disaster assistance may help.

The insurance company should be able to tell you how much of the damage they can cover. But there are also local and federal resources for those in need.

"Even if you think you aren't eligible for help, please reach out or try to get help because there is lots of help available and people are there to help you," said Red Cross Northern California Coastal Region CEO Jennifer Adrio.

The Red Cross provides shelter and helps coordinate getting resources to families in need.

Homeowners insurance typically helps pay for repairing properties damaged by fires. If you have fire insurance that will provide more coverage to offset additional costs.

“Our hearts and thoughts go out to everyone affected. This is trying times,” Adrio said.

When you get home, prepare a list of damaged items; you may need to send documentation to support your claim.

“Don’t clean up anything. Take pictures so you can send this for your insurance claim. and call your insurance and find out what that process is,” Monterey County Spokesperson Maia Carroll said.

If you don't have insurance or there are losses your insurance won't cover, that’s where federal assistance comes in.

FEMA provides financial assistance for home repair, personal property repair and rental assistance for temporary housing.

You can apply online through DisasterAssistance.gov. Just type in your zip code and complete the application.

The county’s Office of Emergency Services has resources for all types of situations as people return home after the wildfires. You can find those here: https://www.co.monterey.ca.us/government/departments-a-h/administrative-office/office-of-emergency-services/response/2020-fires/virtual-local-assistance-center-2

For more help with shelter and other assistance with wildfire relief, contact the Red Cross at 1-800-RED-CROSS.

KION also learns the Department of Housing and Urban Development has announced aid is on the way for people around California, including a 90 day moratorium on foreclosures along with insurance and funding for those who need to rebuild or buy a new home.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

U.S. Fire Administration checklist for next steps after a fire: https://www.co.monterey.ca.us/home/showdocument?id=95661

Red Cross Steps for a Safe and Speedy Recovery: https://ucanr.edu/sites/postfire/files/247832.pdf

CAL FIRE Post Wildfire Recovery: https://www.readyforwildfire.org/post-wildfire/rebuilding/

Red Cross Shelter Locator: https://www.redcross.org/get-help/disaster-relief-and-recovery-services/find-an-open-shelter.html