Deadline to apply for disaster assistance extended

PASADENA — Residents who suffered damages from the Southern California wildfires in the affected counties of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Santa Barbara, San Diego and Ventura now have until January 9 to apply for federal and state disaster assistance.

“During the holidays we know that many have issues to deal with and it is our hope that extending the deadline until after the New Year will allow a little extra time for those who haven’t registered for assistance,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Mike Hall.

There are two easy ways to begin the application process. Those with Internet access can register at http://www.fema.gov. Individuals may also call the Federal Emergency Management Agency toll-free number at 1-800-621-3362 or TTY 1-800-462-7585. Phone lines are open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week, until further notice. Multilingual operators also are available to answer calls.

Disaster assistance can include: funding for temporary disaster housing assistance; grants to help with housing repairs and personal property damages and losses; US Small Business Administration low-interest disaster loans for individuals and business owners; and assistance for other disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance.