The following are state resources specifically to aid California residents in the recovery process a wildfire disaster.
- California Department of Insurance; In an effort to assist victims of these devastating fires, DOI works closely with other federal, state and local agencies to assist in recovery issues related to insurance. Californians should work with their agent, insurer claims adjuster, and insurer with a goal of achieving a settlement that they believe is fair and consistent with their coverage. For questions about insurance or a dispute with an insurer, please contact DOI at 1-800-927-4357.
- Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) Cal OES is responsible for overseeing and coordinating emergency preparedness, response, recovery, and homeland security activities within the state of California. Cal OES regularly dispatches team members to join first responders, emergency leaders, and those affected by disasters that threaten public safety, to tell their stories and provide information essential to the public.
- The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) –As a consumer protection agency, and in its role regulating California’s construction industry, CSLB is responsible for protecting those whose homes and property are directly affected by wildfires, as well as other catastrophic events like floods, mudflows, earthquakes, and pipeline explosions. Check a license or File a complaint.
- The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) is dedicated to the fire protection and stewardship of over 31 million acres of California’s privately-owned wildlands. In addition, the CAL FIRE provides varied emergency services in 36 of the State’s 58 counties via contracts with local governments. CAL FIRE provides regular updates about fire incidents and detailed maps of fire areas.
- Consumer Protection
- California Department of Transportation
- California Highway Patrol
Public Safety Power ShutOff
- CAHAN: The California Health Alert Network is a web-based system that provides emergency planning and response communication with public health partners. Public Safety Power Shutoff alerts along with other public health alerts are distributed via this system.
- Prepare For Powerdown: Learn how to prepare for when your local energy company may need to turn off power during extreme weather or wildfire conditions. This page also provides links where you can sign up to receive early warning notifications from your electric company regarding power safety shutoffs in your area.
- Southern California Edison: Sign up to receive outage alerts.
- Sempra Energy Utility: Sign up to receive outage alerts.
- PG&E: Sign up to receive outage alerts.
- Protections For Affected Customers, Outage Map, Wildfire Safety ,The Latest Fire Perimeter Mapsopens In New Window.
- SMUD Emergency Preparedness Planning Guide: Guide to help customers and the community to prepare for power outages.
Wildfire Relief
- California Community Foundation has supported the immediate relief efforts and long-term recovery of wildfire-impacted communities since 2003 with its California Wildfire Relief Fund.
- Napa Valley Community Foundation 2020 Napa Valley Wildfire Fund provides relief and recovery services to those affected by wildfires in Napa Valley.
- Solano County Community Foundation supports recovery and rebuilding efforts in Solano County with its Solano Disaster Relief Fund.
- The Community Foundation Santa Cruz County has established a Fire Response Fund to support its residents.
- California Immigrant Resilience Fund can direct you to local efforts in Northern California to ensure undocumented families impacted by wildfires have support and resources necessary to recover and rebuild their lives.
- The Center for Disaster Philanthropy offers a California Wildfires Recovery Fund that helps communities prepare for and recover from wildfires.
- The Latino Community Foundation operates a NorCal Wildfire Relief Fund which invests in grassroots Latino nonprofit organizations in Sonoma and Napa Counties.
- The Diocese of Sacramento is collecting donations to provide direct financial assistance to fire victims at its Fire Assistance Fund.
- The California Fire Foundation provides direct financial assistance to fire victims with its SAVE Fund and also helps firefighters and their families who have experienced losses from wildfires through the California Firefighters Benevolent Fund. For information regarding fire evacuations and shelter locations visit the Cal Fire current Incidents webpage.
- Guide to Disaster Assistance Services for Californians
- Guide to Disaster Assistance Services for Immigrant Californians
- Guía de Servicios de Asistencia por Desastres para Californianos Inmigrantes
- DMV Assists California Fire Victims The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is offering limited services to residents affected by the wildfires raging across the state. Fire victims who need to replace lost or damaged DMV-related documents can do so free of charge at assistance centers in the impacted areas. Fire victims also can receive support at local DMV field offices, by calling DMV customer service at 1-800-777-0133 or by visiting www.dmv.ca.gov.
- Disaster Distress Helpline provides 24/7, 365-day-a-year crisis counseling and support to people experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters. Call 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.
- Department of Insurance Information for Recent Wildfire Victims To assist wildfire victims, the California Department of Insurance developed a guide to expedite the recovery process.
- Wildfire and Indoor Air Quality This USEPA website provides guidance on what to do if you or your family is impacted by wildfire smoke from a wildfire near your home, office, school.
- AIRNow This USEPA website provides local air quality conditions and forecasts.
- Wildfires: Are You Ready This ready.gov web page explains how to prepare your home during a fire weather watch alert.
- Fire Response and Recovery (CalEPA) This CalEPA web page provides various resources and references pertaining to wildfire emergency preparedness, response and clean up.
Wildland Fire Safety for Livestock and Pets
Wildfire Preparedness
- Protect Your Family From Wildfire Smoke (California Area IHS) (PDF) This California Area IHS factsheet lists what you can do now to prepare for wildfire season and protect your family’s health.
- Wildfire Is Coming (CalFire) (PDF) This CalFire guide explains how to create a defensible space around your property.
- How to Prepare for Wildfire (FEMA) (PDF) A ready.gov booklet which explains how to protect yourself and your property from wildfire.
- Before, During and After a Wildfire (CalFire, 2018) (PDF) A CalFire Wildfire Actions Guide for what to do before, during and after a wildfire.
- How to Prepare for a Wildfire (FEMA, 2015) (PDF) This ready.gov booklet describes how to prepare for a wildfire.
- Prepare for Fire Season (USEPA, 2018) (PDF) USEPA fact sheet that provides steps you can take to protect you and your family during this year’s wildfire season.
- Preparing for Public Safety Power Shutdown (2019, Sempra Energy, Edison Electric, PG&E) A website dedicated to providing guidance to California residents on how to prepare for public safety power shutdowns in their area.
- Backup Generator Factsheet (2019, Sempra Energy, Edison Electric, PG&E). Guidance on the selection and safe usage of backup emergency generator.
