State and federal officials announced on Dec. 18 that California homeowners, renters, and business owners who suffered damages in the November wildfires—including the Tea Fire—only have one month left to apply for disaster assistance.
According to a press release from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Jan. 20 is the last day applications will be accepted for the agency’s individual assistance program. Loan applications to the U.S. Small Business Administration for disaster-related losses to real and personal property must be submitted by Jan. 21.
People affected by the fire can apply for aid by calling the toll-free application and help number (1-800-621-3362) or by registering online at fema.gov. After the Jan. 20 deadline, FEMA’s toll-free phone lines will still be available to help people who have already registered.
—Amy Asman
This article appears in Dec 25, 2008 – Jan 1, 2009.