California Wildfire Disaster Recovery Resources

While the road to recovery from natural disasters like wildfires can be complex and overwhelming, EisnerAmper has experience responding to and supporting clients and communities in the wake of natural disasters.

To help your organization and community address immediate needs and potentially reduce some of the time it takes to initiate your response, we have compiled several resources and disaster recovery insights below. These resources are certainly not exhaustive, but many people struggle to decide which steps to take first in the early stages of responding to a disaster. We hope these resources will help you identify your initial steps.

If you have any questions about the information in this guide or need any assistance, please contact us below. We’re committed to supporting your recovery phase.

Key Steps to Consider After a Disaster

• Notify your insurance carrier of your pending claim immediately. Take photos of everything before you begin cleanup activities and add reference points or measurements for context. Consumer Hotline aims to help fire victims and those who are uninsured navigate the process. They can be reached at 1-800-927-4357.
• Check your eligibility for assistance. Several programs are designed to help after disasters, including the Small Business Administration, FEMA’s Public Assistance, and Individual Assistance programs. Check the program for your eligibility.
• Document everything. Documentation is critical for both insurance claims and FEMA assistance. Take photos, keep daily logs of activities, meetings, and decisions, pull records supporting the organization’s and structure’s prior state, and advise constituents to keep receipts for disaster-related purchases and repairs.
• Beware of scams and potential hacking. After a disaster, scammers often attempt to take advantage of both confusion and good intentions. Assess any wildfire-related emails, hyperlinks, social media pleas, and solicitations carefully and look for any potential red flags before engaging. Source information from official government websites, make charitable contributions to verified organizations, and confirm the identity of anyone claiming to be from the federal government before providing any information.
• Identify available help. When you hire a third party to help with your recovery, make sure the agreement is in writing and includes the specific services, the price you will pay, and any other details that will support the expense if you’re eligible for FEMA reimbursement. Keep any quotes you receive from vendors. If you anticipate FEMA reimbursement, the contracts must contain required federal clauses.

Disaster Recovery Resource Guide Learn More

Press Releases & Fact Sheets

• President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Major Disaster Declaration for California | FEMA.gov
  • FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance is available in California to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by wildfires and straight-line winds from Jan. 7, 2025, and continuing. 
• FEMA Assistance is Available for Individuals Affected by the Wildfires in California | FEMA.gov
  • Los Angeles County residents who have disaster-related needs due to the fires may be eligible for financial assistance. Damage assessments are continuing, and more counties and additional forms of assistance may be designated after the assessments are completed.
• FEMA, Federal Government Committed to Helping Californians During Historic Wildfire Response
  • The federal government will pay 100% of the initial disaster response costs for 180 days, covering everything from debris removal to first responder salaries.
  • Several state-run and nonprofit shelters are open, and partners like the American Red Cross are providing people with a safe place to stay, meals, and emotional comfort. To find a shelter, text SHELTER and your ZIP code to 43362, visit org/shelter, or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
• As Coordinated Wildfire Response Efforts Continue, FEMA Encourages Californians to Apply for Aid
  • If your primary home was affected by the fires, FEMA may help you cover certain costs – like paying for essential items, finding a place to stay, replacing personal property, or making basic repairs to your home. However, FEMA assistance is designed to help you if you do not have insurance or if your insurance policies don’t cover basic needs.
  • If you have insurance, you should file a claim as soon as possible and be ready to provide your coverage information when applying to FEMA. Certain homeowners policies may cover medical expenses if someone is injured in the evacuation process or while saving contents of the home.
• Moratorium on Cancellations and Non-Renewals and Grace Period for Premium Payments
  • California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara announced a one-year moratoriumon insurance companies canceling or non-renewing residential policies within the fire perimeter.
• California to provide tax relief to taxpayers and businesses impacted by Los Angeles Wildfires
  • Taxpayers and businesses in Los Angeles County will be granted a postponement to October 15, 2025, to file California tax returns on 2024 income and make any tax payments that would have been due January 7, 2025, through October 15, 2025.
  • In addition, the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration has automatically extended the tax filing deadline for three months for taxpayers in Los Angeles whose 2024 third quarter return was for less than $1 million in tax. This means the January 30 returns are now due April 30, 2025.
• Governor Newsom proclaims state of emergency
  • Governor Newsom declared a state of emergency in Los Angeles County, which establishes protections against price gouging.
• Governor Newsom signs executive order to help Los Angeles rebuild faster and stronger
  • Governor Newsom signed an executive order to suspend permitting and review requirements under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the California Coastal Act to allow victims of the recent fires to restore their homes and businesses faster.

State, Federal, and Tribal Resources

As affected communities face unprecedented challenges due to the wildfires, community members need to be aware of support options in their area. Below you can find our curated list of resources at the federal, state, and tribal levels to show support available in your area.

Federal Links

• California Wildfires and Straight-line Winds | FEMA.gov: Overview of FEMA’s resources for the disaster.
• SBA Disaster Loans: Loan assistance for businesses.
• Disaster Assistance Portal: Comprehensive federal assistance information.
• HUD Disaster Resources: Information and immediate assistance for individuals, families, housing providers, and industry partners.
• Wildfires | Ready.gov: The Ready.gov webpage provides essential information and resources to help individuals prepare for, stay safe during, and recover from wildfires.

California-Specific Links

• California Office of Emergency Services
• California Office of the Governor
• California State and Local Referrals
• CAL FIRE Incidents Page
• Los Angeles County Emergency Page
• Los Angeles County Disaster Recovery
• Los Angeles Fire Department
• Los Angeles Emergency Management Department
• LA County Recovers
• Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation
• Los Angeles County Decline-in-Value Tax Relief
• Outsmart Disaster: Recovery resources for small business.

Tribal Governments

• Tribal Affairs | FEMA
• How to Request a Federal Disaster Declaration for Tribal Nations
• Los Angeles City/County Native American Indian Commission

Community Resources

• Immediate Resources - After the Fire USA
• Get help recovering from a disaster | Fannie Mae
• 2025 California Wildfires - Insurance Claim and Recovery Help - United Policyholders
• Tips for managing your distress related to wildfires - American Psychological Association
• Wildfire Crisis Relief - Jewish Federation Los Angeles – Shares resources for shelter, community spaces; animal shelters; mental health resources; volunteer opportunities; local and federal government resources.

Avoiding Scams After a Natural Disaster

In the wake of the wildfires, many bad-faith actors will use fraudulent tactics to take advantage of the urgent situation. Some common scam methods can be persuasive and aim to access to money or personal information. Common scam tactics include:

• Insisting that you urgently sign a contract for a discount;
• Promising FEMA assistance with an application fee;
• Requiring payment by wire transfer, payment apps, cryptocurrency, or even cash;
• Recommending that you borrow money from a “lender” they know.

Recovery scams are to be expected after any disaster. The California Department of Insurance is already sharing tips to help wildfire survivors spot red flags.

Tips to Avoid Scams:

• Stay alert: Use caution when opening suspicious links and attachments especially when the email contains a wildfire-related subject line.
• Do your research: Know that FEMA does not require an application fee and familiarize yourself with other key details to spot a scammer easily.
• Be skeptical: Do not believe the first thing you hear. Talk to more than one contractor and ask for proof of license, insurance, and the contract. If they make excuses as to why that is not necessary - walk away.
• Keep sensitive information to yourself: Do not disclose personal information as bad-faith actors can contact you via calls or emails. Know that FEMA will only contact you if you have called FEMA first or if you have already applied for assistance.

Post-Disaster Scam Resources

• Charity Navigator: Verify legitimate charities using this website.
• FEMA's Rumor Control Page: Stay informed and report suspicious activity here.
  • Beware of Fraud and Scams: FEMA fact sheet to identify the warning and scam signs.
  • Beware of Post-Wildfire Scams: FEMA release detailing wildfire-specific fraud practices.
  • Frequently Asked Questions and Rumors: This FEMA page addresses common rumors and FAQs.
• National Center for Disaster Fraud: Organization dedicated to preventing, detecting, and investigating natural disaster fraud.
• How to Avoid Scams After Weather Emergencies and Natural Disasters: Key tips to protect yourself and your organization.
• Price Gouging FAQs | California Department of Justice: Report a complaint and learn more about price gouging here.

Immediate Actions for Business Owners

As organization owners work through clean-up and initial recovery efforts, you’ll need to review applicable insurance coverage and begin documenting and filing claims.

Resources for Impacted Businesses

• Review your business interruption insurance coverage: Look to your business insurance policies for funds to help rebuild and cover losses, including business interruption resulting from damage to owned property.
• File a business interruption claim: An interruption occurs when an organization experiences an economic loss due to an insurable event. Learn about key documentation needed after a natural disaster and consider designating a response team to manage this process.
• Address business continuity: Understand the elements of an effective business continuity plan.
• Consider IRS implications: Determine if your county is part of a major disaster declaration issued by the President. Taxpayers in areas covered by the disaster declaration may have an extended timeline to file federal tax returns and make tax payments. Reach out to a trusted tax advisor to determine how to proceed.

Immediate Actions for Government Entities

Government entities need to access and utilize available federal funding efficiently to quickly facilitate recovery within communities impacted by wildfires. Immediately, your agency should consider the following steps:

• Initiate emergency procurement. Make sure contracts include required federal clauses, avoid cost-plus-percentage-of-cost terms, seek multiple quotes, when possible, tailor procurement to your specific needs, and shift to competitive procurement as soon as possible.
• Activate your pre-positioned contracts. If you have pre-positioned contracts in place, activate them immediately. Document all actions and amendments. Make sure the work performed is within the scope of the contract, and if you need additional support, follow emergency procurement guidelines.
• Start your damage assessment and thoroughly document. FEMA might take several months to complete in-person site assessments, and by then, you may have already started repairs. Because detailed damage reports are crucial for FEMA funding, they now accept applicant-provided documentation, which can speed up the process and make sure all damage is accurately shown.
• Apply for assistance. Apply for assistance as soon as possible by submitting a Request for Public Assistance through your state’s application portal.

Resources for Impacted Governmental & Tribal Entities

• Navigating FEMA Public Assistance and cost share: When a disaster strikes, individuals and organizations often donate resources to assist with response activities. These donations are a key component to meeting the federal match requirement.
• Effective grant management: Federal grant programs can provide much-needed financial relief to state and local governmental entities and not-for-profit organizations. However, grant recipients must navigate complex compliance requirements, Uniform Guidance provisions, and logistical challenges.
• Utilizing pre-positioned contracts during a disaster: FEMA prepositioned contracts are agreements entered into by local governmental entities, state agencies, and some nonprofits that makes sure essential goods and services are availability in advance of a disaster, enabling a swift response when urgent demands arise.
• Public Assistance and Policy Guide | FEMA: is guide serves as a comprehensive manual for FEMA disaster relief efforts that covers every element in the process while addressing common concerns and questions.

Immediate Actions for Nonprofit Organizations

Nonprofit organizations are often uniquely positioned to be impacted by a disaster and support their community in the aftermath. Although you may be focused on providing services to others, getting your organization back to full operations as quickly as possible is crucial. Below, we offer important initial steps your organization should consider.

• Assess your team and resources. Evaluate your organization’s capacity to resume operations and community support.
• Update your website to reflect recovery and support. Communicate any efforts related to the wildfires and continuously update as your efforts progress through the recovery phase.
• Determine if your organization is eligible for FEMA Public Assistance. Generally, you must have an IRS ruling letter under 501(c), (d), or (e) and provide critical services under FEMA rules, such as education, emergency, or medical service, or provide essential social service to the general public. Apply for assistance as soon as possible but before the deadline by submitting a Request for Public Assistance through your state’s application portal.
• Document everything. Take steps to secure the maximum reimbursement, including proper documentation of damages and procurement and saving all receipts. Quickly engage with third-party contractors to support your efforts. File any insurance claims immediately.
• Implement controls to mitigate fraud. If you are establishing a recovery program and will be distributing benefits, including financial payments, confirm that the proper controls are in place to prevent fraud or duplication of benefits.

Resources for Impacted Nonprofit Organizations

• FEMA Public Assistance Fact Sheet: Check if your nonprofit organization is eligible for FEMA Public Assistance.
• FEMA Public Assistance process: FEMA outlines the eligibility criteria for Public Assistance grant funding.
• Assistance for Governments and Private Non-Profits After a Disaster: Learn how to get started on your Public Assistance grant application.
• Disaster Recovery – What Donors & Nonprofits Need to Know: Review this guide for donors and nonprofits on effective disaster recovery.

Help Is Available

If you need more information on the above resources and practices, please contact our team members below. EisnerAmper professionals have led and contributed to disaster management projects for more than two decades, and we are ready to assist you in navigating the complex disaster recovery landscape. Our priority is helping your organization leverage the recovery resources available during this challenging time.