California is currently experiencing one of the worst, if not the worst fire season in the state’s history. There are currently 600 fires burning across the state and the LNU and SCU Complex fires have already solidified their place as the second and third largest in California history. 

On Saturday, August 22, 2020, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that the White House approved the state’s request for a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration. The approved request will bolster California’s emergency response to wildfires ravaging the counties of Lake, Napa, San Mateo, Santa Cruz, Solano, Sonoma and Yolo. 

A Presidential Major Disaster Declaration assists impacted counties through support including crisis counseling, housing, unemployment assistance and legal services. It also provides federal aid to assist state, tribal and local government with the funding of emergency response, recovery and protective measures. 

If you have sustained losses in the counties receiving federal aid, you can now apply for assistance by registering with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), or by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362) or 800-462-7585 TTY. FEMA encourages online registration whenever possible. 

When registering for assistance through FEMA, be prepared to to provide the following information:

  • Social Security Number (SNN) or the SSN of a minor in the household who is a U.S. Citizen, Non-Citizen National or Qualified Alien.
  • Annual Household Income.
  • Contact information (phone number, mailing address, email address* and damaged home address).
  • Insurance information (coverage, insurance company name, etc.).
  • Bank Account Information (if you are eligible to receive financial assistance, the money can be deposited in your account).  

*You must provide an email address if you want to review your registration status online. If you do not provide an email address, you will be required to contact FEMA for any updates to your registration. 

For more resource and assistance information, visit the California Community Foundation’s Northern California Wildfire Relief Resource page or the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services’ Wildfire Response Resource page.  

This year has challenged Californians in never before seen ways. As we all face these adversities, CCIS is committed to providing contractors up-to-date information on the resources available to protect their health, family and business.