Calif. Officials Update Latest Actions on Fires and Recovery Efforts
September 05, 2009
California Emergency Management Agency (Cal EMA) Acting Secretary Matthew Bettenhausen, Secretary of Service and Volunteering Karen Baker, Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) Director Brian Stiger and CAL FIRE Deputy Director of Fire Protection Ken Pimlott updated the latest actions taken by the Administration in addressing firefighting efforts statewide and helping fire victims take the important first-steps towards recovering. They also highlighted www.rebuildyourlife.ca.gov, which provides additional tips and resources for rebuilding and recovering after a disaster.
"The Governor has directed every possible resource to help our emergency responders fight these fires and further help the fire victims rebuild their lives as quickly as possible," said Cal EMA Acting Secretary Matthew Bettenhausen. "California stands ready to provide them with all the assistance they need to recover, rebuild and get their lives back on track."
Additional resources to help with the recovery effort can be found at www.rebuildyourlife.ca.gov. The Web site and Consumer Protection Hotline, 1-800-952-5210, were established by the State and Consumer Services Agency to reduce fraud and provide easy access to information for victims of these devastating fires. Victims of fires throughout the state can access the hotline and Web site for help in replacing important documents and checking contractor´s license numbers to avoid fraud and tips to avoid scams.
Through the hotline, callers can speak to a live operator and receive assistance in several languages. They will be provided with contact information for vital resources like housing assistance programs and receive guidance on the services that are available for disaster recovery efforts. The hotline and Web site will also direct victims to other federal, state and local government agencies that can directly assist with their needs. The top ten tips for rebuilding after a disaster can be found here.
Additionally, the Governor´s CaliforniaVolunteers Office is coordinating volunteers and monetary donations to help Californians cope with the effects of the wildfires. Individuals, businesses and groups interested in helping can visit www.CaliforniaVolunteers.org to find volunteer and donation opportunities.
"Our volunteers have been a great asset in helping the victims of these terrible fires begin the recovery process," said Secretary of Service and Volunteering Karen Baker. "Californians have given their time and donated to their communities and I am sure that this will continue as neighborhoods in these affected areas are rebuilt."
There are currently 81 volunteers registered to help in Los Angeles County and approximately 100 trained volunteers on site. These volunteers, which consist of Community Emergency Response Team and Volunteers in Police Service, are on rotation helping at the command center and in other roles in an effort to assist the response effort.
"The Governor has directed every possible resource to help our emergency responders fight these fires and further help the fire victims rebuild their lives as quickly as possible," said Cal EMA Acting Secretary Matthew Bettenhausen. "California stands ready to provide them with all the assistance they need to recover, rebuild and get their lives back on track."
Additional resources to help with the recovery effort can be found at www.rebuildyourlife.ca.gov. The Web site and Consumer Protection Hotline, 1-800-952-5210, were established by the State and Consumer Services Agency to reduce fraud and provide easy access to information for victims of these devastating fires. Victims of fires throughout the state can access the hotline and Web site for help in replacing important documents and checking contractor´s license numbers to avoid fraud and tips to avoid scams.
Through the hotline, callers can speak to a live operator and receive assistance in several languages. They will be provided with contact information for vital resources like housing assistance programs and receive guidance on the services that are available for disaster recovery efforts. The hotline and Web site will also direct victims to other federal, state and local government agencies that can directly assist with their needs. The top ten tips for rebuilding after a disaster can be found here.
Additionally, the Governor´s CaliforniaVolunteers Office is coordinating volunteers and monetary donations to help Californians cope with the effects of the wildfires. Individuals, businesses and groups interested in helping can visit www.CaliforniaVolunteers.org to find volunteer and donation opportunities.
"Our volunteers have been a great asset in helping the victims of these terrible fires begin the recovery process," said Secretary of Service and Volunteering Karen Baker. "Californians have given their time and donated to their communities and I am sure that this will continue as neighborhoods in these affected areas are rebuilt."
There are currently 81 volunteers registered to help in Los Angeles County and approximately 100 trained volunteers on site. These volunteers, which consist of Community Emergency Response Team and Volunteers in Police Service, are on rotation helping at the command center and in other roles in an effort to assist the response effort.
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