By: LINDSEY O’NEILL, ESQ. 

Disaster victims often feel overwhelmed in the aftermath of a tragedy such as the Southern California fires.  In addition to issues related to the emotional and physical trauma, families who have lost their homes or other property have a variety of questions about how to deal with the practical and legal issues caused by the disaster, such as how to find replacement housing and how to deal with loan or credit obligations on property that has been damaged.   Charitable organizations, federal and state grants, as well as insurance benefits may be available to assist victims of the Southern California fires in replacing property that has been destroyed or damaged by fire.  In addition to individual insurance carriers, the agencies and organizations listed below may provide helpful assistance or information to families in the recovery process.  Our hearts go out to each and every person affected by the fires as well as the firefighters, police and relief workers who have shown such courage, kindness and dedication in helping those in need. 

The American Red Cross website offers a variety of information for victims of the Southern California fires:   http://www.redcross.org/ 

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offers assistance to families displaced from their homes with regard to rental housing, foreclosure relief, home rebuilding and new mortgage information:  http://www.hud.gov/news/nhl.cfm 

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides information regarding assistance with home or property damage: http://www.fema.gov and  http://www.fema.gov/rebuild/repair.shtm

The USA.gov website offers information about replacing your vital documents (originally posted for Katrina victims):  http://www.usa.gov/Citizen/Topics/PublicSafety/Hurricane_Katrina_Recovery/Vital_Docs.shtml

The California Employment Development Department (EDD) provides information about unemployment insurance related to disasters: http://www.edd.ca.gov/eddfire200710.htm

The California Department of Social Services, Disaster Services Section, provides information about financial assistance to victims of declared disasters:  http://www.dss.cahwnet.gov/dis/

The U.S. Department of Justice is investigates and prosecutes identity theft and fraud:  http://www.usdoj.gov/criminal/fraud/ and http://www.usdoj.gov/criminal/fraud/websites/idtheft.html