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Published on January 23, 2025
California Enhances Digital and Physical Support for Los Angeles Firestorm Survivors, Governor Newsom Announces Overhauled Aid WebsiteSource: Governor Gavin Newsom

In a move to streamline aid for those affected by the devastating Los Angeles firestorm, California has rolled out enhanced support mechanisms, both online and at local Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs). The state's official website used to disseminate crucial post-disaster information and resources, CA.gov/LAfires, has undergone a significant overhaul to become more user-oriented, announced Governor Gavin Newsom, according to a recent press statement.

The upgraded website now acts as a digital hub, connected intimately with the physical DRCs, and has been tailored based on feedback from survivors and front-line workers. These changes are meant to enable users to swiftly access the services and support they so desperately need. As the Governor's Office of Emergency Services works relentlessly, Newsom stated, "Our top priority is to help firestorm survivors recover and rebuild. Response teams across the state are working around the clock to provide survivors with the right resources at the right time. Whether in-person or online, we’re supporting Californians with unprecedented resources faster." This sentiment was mirrored in a statement made by the official California government website.

The initiative to revamp CA.gov/LAfires included the deployment of data and research teams from the California Government Operations Agency (GovOps), aimed at enhancing the Digital Disaster Recovery Center experience, thus making it more efficient for survivors to commence their recovery journey 24/7. Amy Tong, California Government Operations Secretary, told the official state website, "We brought together a wide group and used all of our tools to make the digital experience survivor-focused."

At the physical DRCs, individuals can find an array of services, including necessities like food, health advice, unemployment benefits, aid with insurance claims, tax relief, and federal assistance for housing, alongside other critical supports. Californians in need can locate their closest DRC by visiting CA.gov/LAfires. Governor Newsom has also signed a number of executive orders to further protect survivors from exploitation and accelerate the recovery process.

For those seeking immediate disaster assistance, multiple avenues remain open. This includes applying online at DisasterAssistance.gov, calling the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362, or using the FEMA smartphone application, all of which offer support in over 40 languages to accommodate a diverse range of survivors.