From: DISASTER ASSISTANCE FROM FEMA
1-800-621-FEMA
www.fema.gov

• Be sure to have the following information when you call FEMA or apply online.
• Social Security number
• Daytime telephone number where you may be reached
• Current mailing address where you are staying.
• Address and zip code of the damaged property.
• Directions to the damaged property.
• Include gate access codes if required.
• Private insurance information, if available.

Government disaster assistance covers basic needs only. Some disaster aid does not have to be paid back, while other assistance may come in the form of loans.

GENERAL POST DISASTER CONSIDERATIONS;

Unscrupulous Lenders:

• Avoid quick home equity loans without knowing who you are doing business with.
• Avoid verbal promises; get everything in writing.

Moving Companies:

• Before singing an agreement with a moving company, call the California Public Utilities Commission at 1-800-877-8867 to make sure the company is licensed.

Debris Clearing & Demolition:

• Be sure you know where the debris will be taken and dumped at. You may be responsible for debris illegally dumped.
• Down payments for work by licensed contractors may not exceed $1,000.00 or 10% of the total contract amount –which ever is less. In other words you should never give a contractor more than $1,000.00 to start any project.
• Your progress payments should not be more than the percentage of the project completed by the contractor. For example; when the contractor is 50% finished he or she may collect 50% of the contract amount.

Price Gouging:

• After the Governor declares a state of emergency, it is illegal for businesses to increase prices of essential goods and services by more than 10% unless they can prove it was due to an increase in their supplier’s prices.
• It is a misdemeanor during the 30 days following the state emergency proclamation for a hotel or motel to increase regular rates.
• Report price gouging to the Attorney General’s Office at 1-800-952-5225

Charity Scams:

• Give to charities you are familiar with.
• Beware of telephone solicitors who are unwilling to give their name and call back number or who will not send written materials.
• Never give money to anyone sent to pick it up.
• Never give out personal information such as credit card numbers or social security numbers over the telephone or unless you clearly know who you are doing business with.

Contractors:

• Contractors must be licensed.
• Contracting without a license during a declared state of emergency is a felony crime.
• Ask to see their pocket license and a second photo ID.
• Down payments for work by licensed contractors may not exceed $1,000.00 or 10% of the total contract amount –which ever is less. In other words you should never give a contractor more than $1,000.00 to start any project.
• Your progress payments should not be more than the percentage of the project completed by the contractor. For example; when the contractor is 50% finished he or she may collect 50% of the contract amount.
• The final payment should not be paid until the work is fully completed and all subcontractors’ and suppliers’ liens have been released.
• Make sure your contractor carries Workers Compensation Insurance and Liability Insurance. If in doubt obtain a certificate of insurance from your contractor and verify with his/her carrier.
• Remember you may be liable for accidents and damages.
• Make sure all agreements and change orders are in writing and agreed to before work begins.
• Make sure your contractor obtains all necessary permits from the local Department of Building and Safety before work begins.

Note:

Each and every loss has its own set of unique circumstances and thus will require an equally unique approach to a successful resolution.

The above information has been gathered from a variety of different sources. Including not but limited to FEMA, State of California Department of Insurance, Southern California Edison, Office Of The District Attorney County of San Diego, and this contractors own knowledge and experience.

This information has been supplied for information purposes only and should not be relied upon when making decisions about the proper course of action to take in any specific instance. Please consult with a qualified expert before making any decisions that directly affect you.