Disaster Recovery Information for Events in Riverside County
Airport Fire Recovery Information
The Airport Fire began on September 9th, in Orange County, near the Trabuco Canyon RC Aircraft field. The fire entered Riverside County on September 10th, resulting in numerous Evacuation Orders and Warnings to mountain communities and those near the base of the Santa Ana Mountains.
The fire damaged or destroyed numerous structures. As a result, Riverside County is actively working with residents to connect them to services from local, state and federal agencies as well as Non-Governmental Organizations.
Riverside County residents looking for recovery information or resources can contact Inland SoCal 211 by dialing 2-1-1 within Riverside County or by calling (909) 751-1180.
For questions regarding removal of burned materials and potential hazardous materials, please Riverside County Waste at (951) 486-3200 or email [email protected].
Currently, there are two ways to donate: one is through Inland SoCal United Way Wildfire Fund and the other is through The Salvation Army. We are not accepting donation of food, water or clothing at this time.
For CalFresh recipients, get information by calling 1-877-410-8827 or at BenefitsCal.com.
Information About Recovering From Disasters
Disaster recovery is a broad process that includes, to the best extent possible, returning residents, businesses, cities, the county and special districts to their pre-disaster state. The process involves a variety of agencies working together to connect needs with resources.
Disasters are incredibly hard. We know there are a wide range of emotions and fears that come with a disaster. Riverside University Health System's Behavioral Health Department is available to help residents cope with loss. To get help, please call the CARES hotline at: (800) 499-3008.
Generally, there are a number of programs that a disaster may qualify to assist in recovery. Public Assistance (PA) provides assistance to state agencies, local governments, special districts and eligible private non-profit organizations impacted by a disaster. The following state and federally-funded disaster assistance programs available to state agencies, local governments, special districts and eligible private non-profit organizations are: California Disaster Assistance Act (CDAA), Federal Disaster Assistance (DR & EM), and the Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG). The recovery function of the Emergency Management Department works to ensure that all state and federal support available is extended to applicants in an efficient and timely manner to assist in recovery from a major disaster or emergency.
With any disaster, time is of the essence. Many of the recovery programs have deadlines requiring damages be reported within a specified time period following the event.
Survivors are always encouraged to file insurance claims for damage to their homes, personal property, businesses and vehicles before they apply for other assistance.
Residents and businesses receiving assistance such as Cal-Fresh, CalWORKS, etc. should contact their normal caseworker to determine the assistance available through those programs.
As people return to their homes in a disaster area, there are several steps they can take to protect themselves from the ash, soot and other airborne hazards that may be spread throughout some neighborhoods.
- We recommend that people wear a mask or respirator while outdoors to reduce exposure to smoke, dust, and debris. A properly fitting N95, KN95 or P100 respirator provides the highest level of protection against dust and smoke. For those without access to an N95, KN95 or P100 respirators, dust masks, surgical masks, and other face coverings are a good alternative and provide greater protection than not wearing a face covering, mask, or respirator.
- For those with medical concerns, such as asthma, heart disease or other respiratory illnesses, consult your doctor before engaging in any strenuous cleanup activities.
- Do not use water to hose down driveways and property. The dirty run-off may get into the drainage system.
- Do not use motorized air blowers to clear off driveways, lawns, and roofs. The blowing dust and dirt may contain caustic materials that could be breathed into the lungs.
- Wear gloves, long-sleeve shirts, and long pants during cleaning activities.
Damage Reporting
If your home or business was damaged or incurred losses during a disaster, please click this link and complete the Damage Reporting form. This form is NOT an application for assistance nor a guarantee of any benefits. The form assists the County Emergency Management Department in determining the extent of damages within the community. This information will help determine if Riverside County qualifies for any State or Federal disaster programs.
Clearing hazardous debris after a fire
After a fire there may be a number of hazardous conditions that need to be made safe before residents can return to their property. On most fires, your insurance company should be able to guide you on clean up.
On certain incidents, hazardous material mitigation assistance may be offered through various programs. Before experts can mitigate any hazards, a Right of Entry form must be completed and signed by the property owner. The forms and additional information can be found in the following documents.
Right of Entry forms
Helpful resources describing the process of removing hazardous materials after a fire
- CalOES Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0IjA53wyb0
- DTSC Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQhcT3iIKa0&t=1s
- CalOES Fact Sheet
- Cal EPA Fact Sheet
- County of Riverside Environmental Health guidance on swimming pools impacted by smoke and ash.
| RESOURCE | CONTACT INFORMATION | DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES |
Contractors State License Board (CLSB)
|
Phone: (800) 321-2752 | Provides assistance to those impacted by the fire and looking for licensed contractors with verifications of contractor licenses. |
| Department of Insurance (CDI) | http://www.insurance.ca.gov/01-consumers/140-catastrophes/WildfireResources.cfm
Phone: (800) 927-4357 | Provides assistance on handling delays, additional living expenses, under insurance disputes, etc. |
| Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) |
Phone: (800) 777-0133 | Provides assistance on replacing DMV documents, such as driver’s licenses, identification cards, vehicle registration certificates and certificates of title. |
| California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) |
Phone: (800) 400-7115 | Provides disaster relief to taxpayers, fee payers, and business owners who live in or own businesses in counties where a state of emergency exists. |
| County Assessor-County Clerk Recorder- Disaster Relief | www.rivcoacr.org/disaster-relief Phone: (951) 955-6200 | Provides tax relief for damaged or destroyed property due to fire or flooding and will reappraise the property to reflect its damaged condition. |
| Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) – Riverside County |
Phone: (877) 410-8827 | Provides access to food, housing cash, childcare, employment and health coverage assistance. Programs include CalFresh, CalWORKs, Child Care, Employment Services, Homeless Programs, Medi-Cal, and Community Outreach. |
| Department of Animal Services – Riverside County | Phone:
Shelter locations: Western Riverside County/City Animal Shelter
Coachella Valley Animal Campus
| Provides equine, large animal, and small pet assistance. If in need of pet food, please visit one of our animal shelter locations. May be able to assist with some basic veterinary care including vaccinations. |
| Office on Aging – Riverside County |
Phone: (877) 932-4100 | Provides access to nutrition services, transportation services Care management, limited material aid, and behavioral/mental health services. |
| Riverside University Health System Behavioral Health Department | CARES Hotline: (800) 499-3008 | Provides access to behavioral and mental health services. |
| Inland SoCal United Way | www.inlandsocaluw.org/fire-fund Phone: (909)751-1180 | Offers financial assistance to those affected by a fire (*based on funding availability). |
| American Red Cross | Phone: 1-800-RED-CROSS | Offers a variety of services during and after disasters. |
| United Policyholders | www.uphelp.org/2022cawildfires Phone: (415) 393-9990 Email: [email protected] | Helps homeowners and renters navigate the insurance claim process after disasters. |
| Salvation Army | https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/help-disaster-survivors Phone: 1-800-SAL-ARMY
Hemet Location:
| Provides disaster relief services to individuals affected by disasters, including fires. |
| Community Action Partnership of Riverside County |
Hemet Service Center:
| Provides utility payment assistance, assisted living resources, and senior housing and care resources. |
| Transportation and Land Management Agency – Riverside County |
Phone: (951) 955-1800 | May provide assistance with building permits to build back better, plan checks, and property taxes. |
| Department of Waste Resources – Riverside County |
Phone: (951) 486-3200
Right of Entry forms can be submitted to: | Assists with asbestos survey(s) on residential structures; however, a completed Right of Entry form must be submitted to Riverside County Department of Waste Resources prior to the assessment. |
| Emergency Management Department – Riverside County | https://rivcoready.org/active-events/disaster-recovery
| Links to disaster recovery resources and guidelines for returning home after the fire. |
| Housing and Workforce Solutions – Riverside County |
Phone: (951) 351-0700 | Provides housing services for individuals that have been displaced. |
| Department of Environmental Health – Riverside County |
Phone: (951) 358-5055 / (951) 766-6524 | Assists with information on hazardous materials removal and disposal, food and water safety, septic systems, private well systems, pool/spa maintenance. |
| Southern California Edison (SCE) | SCE Disaster Support | SCE works with customers affected by major disasters to help ease them through recovery by providing payment arrangements as necessary, assisting with establishing service at temporary locations, ensuring income-eligible SCE customers receive necessary support information and expediting rebuilding with a dedicated Service Planning team. |
PAST DISASTERS
TROPICAL STORM HILARY
Tropical Storm Hilary began in August 2023. The damages from the storm resulted in the County of Riverside proclaiming a local emergency .
SBA DISASTER ASSISTANCE CLOSED FOR STORMS ON OR AFTER FEBRUARY 21, 2023
The US Small Business Administration programs to assist survivors who suffered from the February 21 and continuing severe storms, flooding, landslides, and mudslides CLOSED on January 3, 2024.
SBA offered disaster assistance by way of low-interest Federal loans to those affected by severe storms, tornadoes and flooding. For Economic Injury Disaster Loan, the deadline was January 3, 2024.
Economic Injury: for businesses and private non-profit organizations suffering adverse financial impacts of the disaster (with or without property loss), up to $2,000,000 for working capital to help pay obligations until normal operations resume.
Please see the information below for additional information and assistance that was previously made available from the Small Business Administration (SBA)
Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email [email protected] for more information on SBA disaster assistance. Individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing may call 7-1-1.
HIGHLAND FIRE
The Highland Fire began on October 30, 2023, in the unincorporated community of Aguanga.
2023 STORMS
A Local Emergency was declared on March 30th due to storms that occurred on March 21 and 22.