Standing strong are Altadena residents, from left, Brianna Fisher, Sai Ishwari Grant, Anasazi Grant, Arya Gayatri Grant, and Akil Grant. (E. Mesiyah McGinnis/L.A. Sentinel)

Altadena, California was a bustling little bedroom community nestled against the San Gabriel Mountains where generations of African American families settled years ago to enjoy the lush green trees, the larger than average home lot sizes and a piece of the American Dream.

Unfortunately, in less than 24 hours on Tuesday night, Jan. 7, the lives of so many in this quiet bedroom community were devastated by the Eaton fire.   No doubt the extremely high winds mixed with a forest fire led to much of the devastation.

The wildfires reduced vehicles to rubble in Altadena. (E. Mesiyah McGinnis/L.A. Sentinel)

Who’s to blame, where were the firefighters to battle the blazes, was there adequate water pressure, and what role did the utilities companies play in starting the fire will be debated in homes, hotel rooms, shelters, and probably court rooms for years to come.  But the truth is, for thousands of victims the priority of the day is how to handle being displaced.

Families, seniors, homeowners, and renters alike have all found themselves in this devastating state of where we go, what do we do, “I HAVE NOTHING” state that many could have never imagined being in.

The frame of the door is all that remains of this Altadena home. (E. Mesiyah McGinnis/L.A. Sentinel)

In this article, we take a look and try to provide individuals and families devastated by this fire with resources and guidance in what to do to navigate the first few days and few weeks, and ultimately how to start moving forward.  In the weeks to come, we will also share steps to accomplish recovery and finally rebuilding, all from the perspective of those experiencing these losses.  While every person’s circumstances is different, here are a collection of suggestions and resources to help families get through.

 

  • IF YOU ARE A HOMEOWNER: step 1 is to immediately contact your insurance provider and start the claim process.  The faster you get your claim submitted, the faster you can start receiving your benefits.   Whether you have fire insurance or not, you most likely have some type of homeowners insurance that can provide you with some level of displacement or uninhabitable coverage.

They can often provide you with immediate dollars to cover everything from hotel stays to Airbnb rental assistance.  This can often include money to cover food, clothing, housing and other short-term expenses associated with you and your family being displaced.

Find out your coverage limits. This is not an open check book, so know your limits, understand the advance or reimbursement process, and manage those resources accordingly.

 

  • Contact your mortgage lender and let them know what is happening.  Some banks and finance companies will suspend your mortgage payments for a period of time to help you navigate through this process and will help you keep a few extra dollars at your disposal during these strenuous times.

 

  • Contact your other creditors as well.  Banks and credit card companies, in some cases, will not only suspend payments due, but may also extend your credit limit since you may need additional dollars to cover extended hotel stays, buy clothes, and address other unexpected expenses.

 

  • You should open a post office box either at the U.S. Post Office or at a private PO box such as at the UPS Store or a similar business.  You are going to need an address for mail, insurance checks, bills, and other correspondence while you are in transition.  The fastest and easiest way is via a post office box.

 

  • Once your PO Box has been opened, notify all your creditors and other entities and people who send you mail that for the time being, this is your new mailing address.

 

  • Whether you are a homeowner or renter, you should sign up for FEMA at fema.gov.  The federal government agency has set up locations throughout devastated areas in Pasadena and West L.A. to provide immediate resources to victims.

 

  • FEMA may provide money and other services to help you recover from losses caused by a presidentially declared disaster, such as damage to your home, car and other personal items. Note: FEMA does not provide assistance for small businesses impacted by a disaster.

 

  • IF YOU ARE A RENTER: Yes, renters can apply for FEMA disaster assistance. FEMA can provide temporary financial assistance to help renters pay for lodging and other needs while their home is being repaired or rebuilt.

 

  • Eaton Fire Evacuation Center – 300 East Green Street, Pasadena CA. There are a variety of various services and support currently operating at the Eaton Fire Evacuation Center (Pasadena Convention Center).

 

The times and availability of these resources may vary.  Details, times and services can be found at cityofpasadena.net.

These services include Uber and Lyft vouchers, housing assistance via Airbnb, The Queen Mary, and a number of shelters, and childcare services.

On site Disaster Recovery Services include American Red Cross, FEMA, California Department of Insurance, utilities including AT&T, and Verizon, and Resources for Displacement Services including Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, mental health services and much more.