Disaster recovery funds approved by the federal government for victims of the Valley and Butte fires topped $8 million on Friday.
That figure is likely to rise over the next few days, as residents continue to register through the Federal Emergency Management Agency for assistance.
The deadline for individuals to register with FEMA is Nov. 23. An additional 30 Lake County residents submitted information since the middle of this week, bringing the total to 2,316.
FEMA authorities have inspected 96 percent of all registrations related to the disaster declaration.
While funds approved by the government reached $8.16 million, a few residents have received denials. Steven Solomon, a FEMA external affairs specialist, reminds people to communicate with the agency, especially in such cases.
“If you get a letter from FEMA denying benefits, it’s not the last word,” he said.
Sometimes an inadvertently unanswered question or another minor matter leads to the decision, and these can be addressed. At least one Lake County resident had a denial reversed after speaking with FEMA.
“We can only help when people work with us,” Solomon added.
The federal government has set up additional hotlines to help those affected by the Valley Fire.
There is now a Disability/Functional Needs hotline at 916-381-0330.
A legal aid hotline is now available, as well, at 844-657-0479.
This service, which allows callers to request the assistance of a lawyer, is a partnership between the State Bar of California, the American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division , and FEMA.
Residents may also visit the Disaster Recovery Centers in Middletown or Clearlake.
The type of legal aid available includes assistance with securing FEMA and other government benefits available to disaster victims, assistance with life, medical and property insurance claims, help with home repair contracts and contractors, replacement of wills and other important legal documents destroyed in the disaster
Lawyers will also provide counseling on mortgage/foreclosure problems or landlord-tenant problems.
Victims should be aware that there are some limitation on disaster legal services.
Although current inspections are at 96 percent complete, FEMA anticipates an ongoing effort as the county recovers and rebuilds. As local agencies and organizations develop long term plans, the agency will provide a liaison to work with community leaders.
“At every disaster there comes a point where the local community rallies together in a more formal way,” Solomon observed.
