LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The U.S Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) encourages residents of Lake County affected by the Valley Fire to apply for assistance.

Individuals and families who suffered losses as a result of the Valley Fire may register by calling FEMA’s toll-free registration number at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Disaster assistance applicants who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY should call 1-800-462-7585 directly. For those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362.

Registration is also available online at http://www.DisasterAssistance.gov/ and via the FEMA smart phone app at m.fema.gov.

The forms of assistance available can include: Housing Assistance and Other Needs Assistance (including personal property and other items) for eligible applicants. The process begins by registering with FEMA.

Registering with FEMA is required to be considered for federal assistance, even if the person has registered with another disaster relief organization such as the American Red Cross, local officials or churches.

Registrants with FEMA must use the name that appears on their Social Security card and to expedite the process, should have readily available the following information:

– Social Security number;
– Address of the damaged home or apartment and proof the applicant lived there at the time of the disaster;
– Information about insurance coverage;
– A current contact telephone number;
– An address where you can get mail; and
– Bank account and routing numbers (if you want direct deposit of any financial assistance).

FEMA also encourages applicants to call their insurance agents to file a claim at the same time.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from and mitigate all hazards.

Robb Mayberry works for the California Office of Emergency Services.