Helpful post-fire tips from local agencies

Precautions for cleaning ash

To avoid injuries, the county is issuing the following recommendations for cleaning ash:

• Do not use leaf blowers.

• Do not hose ash particles into drains.

• Lightly mist indoor and outdoor surfaces before gently sweeping ash.

• Use only vacuums with HEPA filters.

• Avoid skin contact with the ash.

• If skin comes in contact with ash, wash immediately.

• Wear well-fitting dust masks (this actually protects more from large particles rather than the fine particulate matter).

• Collected ash may be placed in trash bags for trash.

More health information on how residents can protect themselves during and after the fires is available at http://www.sdcountyrecovery.com.

Flu shots at Local Assistance Center

The County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency is offering flu shots at the Local Assistance Center – Fallbrook Community Center, 341 Heald Lane – for residents affected by the fires.

Free erosion control assistance

Residents of unincorporated areas of San Diego County affected by the 2007 wildfires can pick up free soil erosion control materials at five locations around the county, one of which is in Fallbrook.

County Department of Public Works erosion experts will be at each location to advise residents and will schedule erosion control assessments at their homes upon request. These assessments will allow the experts to devise a plan for erosion control tailored specifically for that property and explain to the residents how to implement it.

A similar county program following the 2003 firestorms gave residents the means to help protect themselves from debris flows. An added benefit is that erosion control following significant burns protects the environment by reducing the amount of burned material that gets into watercourses that ultimately flow into bays and the ocean.

These services will be available seven days a week until further notice. Pick up supplies at Ingold Sports Park, 2551 Olive Hill Road, Fallbrook. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sundays.

Conflict resolution services available

In the aftermath of the southern California wildfires, many victims may find themselves in unfortunate disputes along their paths to recovery.

The National Conflict Resolution Center (NCRC) is a full-service alternative dispute resolution provider qualified to resolve these challenges and is offering to do so at a low or no-cost fee for fire victims.

NCRC can help fire victims avoid the hassles of court time and costs, allowing them to move forward with their lives.

Disputes are common in the wake and recovery of such devastating events. Examples include:

• Disputes over property lines

• Fire hydrant and water supply issues

• Code compliance issues

• Problems with the permitting process

• Disputes with building contractors

• Disputes over debris removal

• Lingering insurance issues

NCRC operates as a private nonprofit corporation.

For more information or to schedule a mediation, call NCRC at (619) 238-2400. Information is also available at http://www.ncrconline.com.

FEMA Web site, registration lines open

The Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has activated its online registration site and call centers to take applications from Californians who suffered damages and losses in connection with the wildfires in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties.

President Bush’s disaster declaration for California has opened the way for eligible fire victims to receive funds for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.

Residents who were displaced by or sustained damage because of the ongoing wildfires can apply for assistance by going online to http://www.fema.gov and clicking on “Apply for Assistance” or by calling 1-800-621-3362. The TTY number is 1-800-462-7585.

Telephone lines are open and Internet registration is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Internet registration is encouraged, as it is often easier and faster.

Disaster assistance for individuals and households is provided through FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program, which includes temporary housing assistance for a place to live while homes are being repaired or replaced and funds for homeowners to repair damage to their primary residence to make the home safe, sanitary and functional.

Under this program, funds also are available for other disaster-related needs such as medical and dental costs, clothing and household items and moving and storage expenses.

Federal funding also is available to certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for debris removal and emergency protective measures. Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures.

When registering for FEMA assistance, residents should have the following information available: Social Security number (and that of a spouse); private insurance, if applicable; address and zip code of the damaged property; directions to the damaged home or property; and a daytime telephone number.

Protect pets after the fires

To keep pets safe during and after the firestorm, the San Diego County Veterinarian recommends:

• Keep pets indoors and avoid unnecessary outdoor exertion.

• See a veterinarian if the pet has a difficult time breathing or is experiencing any illness.

• Wash ash off pets and their toys.

• Provide clean drinking water. If water is unsafe for people, it is unsafe for pets.

• Use good hygiene and wash hands after animal contact.

The smoke from wildfires is one of the main hazards for humans and animals, so exposure should be as minimal as possible.

Property Tax Relief Firestorm 2007

County Assessor Gregory J. Smith wishes to advise all property owners whose property was damaged or destroyed during the recent firestorm that property tax relief is available. All property owners who suffered fire damage to their property in excess of $10,000 can contact his office for the necessary claim form for this property tax relief program. The claim form is also available on the Assessor’s website at http://www.sdarcc.com. For further information, please call the Assessor’s Main Office at (760) 940-6868.

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Fire victims must not clear land ahead of insurance

Following Rebuilding Process Correctly Essential to Insurance, FEMA Assistance

SAN DIEGO — Supervisor Pam Slater-Price called for fire victims to proceed through the rebuilding process with caution and not jeopardize their insurance claims or FEMA assistance. Clearing land ahead of filing an insurance claim, which may require an insurance official to survey the property as it is, may void insurance coverage.

After the insurance company takes an inventory of the property, which includes landscaping and cars, then residents in the unincorporated area must also be cleared by a County damage assessment team. Filing an insurance claim will also release any temporary housing assistance to which the homeowner may be entitled. Insurance companies may also reimburse displaced homeowners for other expenses.

“Anyone in the burned areas, regardless of whether your home burned down or not, should file an insurance claim,” Slater-Price said. “Smoke and flame damage may be covered by insurance.”

Once residents are allowed to clear their land, the County will have dumpsters placed throughout the fire damaged areas. Residents with potentially hazardous materials to clean up, such as cleaning products, paint, batteries, gasoline, and fuel, are encouraged to call for information on how to properly dispose of the materials. Unincorporated areas residents call (877) 713-2784. Last week, the county Board of Supervisors declared a state of emergency and took action to waive building permit fees, as well as expedite rebuilding permits.

For more fire recovery information, visit http://www.sdcountyrecovery.com.