Immediate action, careful planning, and the right resources are crucial. Whether you're a homeowner, renter, or small business owner, this guide outlines what you need to know and do to rebuild safely and effectively.

Evacuation Zone Updates

Zones in Altadena have been downgraded to Evacuation Warning Status. Here’s what this means:

  • Homeowners: You may begin inspecting your property but cannot start significant repairs or cleanup until cleared by county officials.

  • Renters: Coordinate with your landlord to check on the safety and habitability of your rental unit.

  • Small Business Owners: Access your property to document damage and assess inventory, but refrain from reopening until local inspections are completed.

Activities Allowed:

  • Inspecting property (wear protective gear).

  • Documenting damage for insurance claims.

  • Collecting personal belongings.

Prohibited Activities:

  • Entering areas marked unsafe by officials.

  • Starting cleanup without clearance.

  • Using water or utilities until safety is confirmed.

Agencies Present and Their Roles

Multiple agencies are on the ground to assist with recovery efforts. These include:

  • Los Angeles County Office of Emergency Management: Overseeing evacuation and repopulation efforts.

  • FEMA: Providing disaster assistance, temporary housing aid, and financial support.

  • California Air Resources Board (CARB): Monitoring air quality and providing guidance on safe cleanup practices.

  • Small Business Administration (SBA): Offering disaster loans and grants for businesses and homeowners.

How This Impacts You:

  • Expect temporary road closures as debris removal begins.

  • Agencies will set up temporary support centers—visit these for assistance with applications, claims, or counseling.

Sign up for status alerts through the ALERT LA

Phone alerts will show up as:  (213)255-3911

Email alerts will be from: Alert LA County <noreply@genasys.com>

Text/SMS messages will show up from: Sender ID 65513

For Homeowners

Safety and Reentry

  • Wear N95 masks, gloves, and boots when entering your property.

  • Request air and soil quality tests through county officials to ensure safety.

  • Contact utility providers to check for service restoration timelines.

Documenting Damage

  • Take photographs and videos of all damages.

  • Create a detailed inventory of items lost or destroyed, including approximate values.

Protect Your Rights

  • Avoid scams: Verify credentials of any contractors offering services.

  • Work only with licensed professionals for remediation to preserve insurance claims.

Resources

  • Insurance Claims: Call your provider immediately and submit all documentation.

  • FEMA Assistance: Apply at DisasterAssistance.gov.

  • Mortgage Support: Contact your lender to discuss disaster forbearance or payment relief options.

For Renters

Understanding Your Lease

  • Review your lease for disaster-related clauses (e.g., rent abatement or early termination).

  • Notify your landlord of any damage and request their repair plans.

Temporary Housing

  • Use renters insurance or FEMA assistance for temporary accommodations.

  • Explore local resources for displaced renters, including hotels and short-term rentals.

Protect Yourself

  • Document damage to your unit with photos.

  • Verify whether your lease allows you to withhold rent or terminate the agreement if the unit is uninhabitable.

  • Avoid unlicensed cleaners or unverified aid groups that may exploit the situation.

Resources

  • Contact local tenant advocacy groups for help if your landlord is unresponsive.

  • File insurance claims for lost belongings.

For Small Business Owners

Assessing Damage

  • Conduct a property inspection and document damages.

  • File a claim with your business insurance provider, including photos and inventory records.

Financial Recovery

  • Apply for SBA disaster loans at sba.gov.

  • Negotiate with creditors and vendors to adjust payment terms.

Communication

  • Update employees about recovery progress and their roles during this period.

  • Inform customers of closures or delays through your website and social media.

Avoiding Scams

  • Verify credentials of contractors and service providers.

  • Consult with legal professionals to navigate contract disputes or liability concerns.

Protecting Health and Safety

  • Wear protective gear when returning to fire-damaged areas.

  • Avoid ash and soot: They may contain hazardous materials.

  • Request environmental testing for soil and air quality before starting cleanup.

Recovering Documents

Replace essential documents lost in the fire:

  • Driver’s License: Contact the DMV.

  • Social Security Card: Visit your local SSA office or apply online.

  • Birth Certificate: Contact the state’s vital records office.

  • Insurance Policies: Request replacements from your provider.

Store all recovered or replacement documents securely in a waterproof and fireproof container.