After Joining FEMA Administrator in Briefing and Touring Eaton Fire Destruction, Rep. Chu Releases Resource Guide for Community

PHOTOS: Rep. Chu receiving briefing with FEMA Administration, touring Eaton Fire Central Command & impacted areas

PASADENA, CA - Following a briefing from frontline firefighters and touring the Altadena and Pasadena neighborhoods destroyed by the Eaton Fire with FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28) released a comprehensive resource guidetoday for constituents and Angelenos impacted by the devastating wildfires this week.

"I was absolutely heartbroken touring the destruction and devastation across communities impacted by the Eaton Fire in my congressional district," said Rep. Chu. "Across Altadena and northern Pasadena, a deadly blazing wall of fire took our neighbors' lives and destroyed the structures that provided stability to countless families' hopes, dreams, and memories. Institutions including the Altadena Community Church, Mariposa Junction, Elliot Arts Magnet Academy, Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center, Masjib Al-Taqwa mosque and home after home - where community was built in the San Gabriel Valley - are unrecognizable and potentially unsalvageable. I was insistent Administrator Criswell visit our neighborhoods yesterday to make certain we secure all the available federal relief available to begin process of rebuilding."

During briefings, officials estimated that approximately 5,000 structures are destroyed, with 20,000 people in the area now likely homeless. Winds are expected to slow down over the weekend, which will aid suppression efforts significantly, but there is expectation of the return to significant windy conditions again on Monday. In the event that another fire does start, the Major Disaster Declarationby President Biden was crafted so that it will cover any wind-driven fire that meets the threshold of severity in terms of conditions in LA County.

"Given the scale of suffering and the calls and questions I've received from constituents, my team and I prepared an Eaton Fire Resource Guide we're releasing today," Rep. Chu announced. "Within the guide, we provide: safety information; ways to address short-term shelter, pet, and food needs; and instructions for how to apply for immediate and long-term federal relief already available to us thanks to President Biden's major disaster declaration on Wednesday."

In briefings, FEMA Administrator and federal officials underscored the availability already for disaster relief. President Biden's disaster declaration unlocked immediate and long-term relief for residents and businesses impacted by the ongoing wildfires. These residents and business owners can begin applying for that assistance at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362), or by using the FEMA App.

This relief includes: displacement assistance for up to 14 days to help cover hotel costs for those forced to evacuate, $770 for essential items, and larger direct grants to cover essential costs, medical bills, cars, and more. Small Business Administration low-interest loans are available for impacted small business owners and residents. Officials from California Office of Emergency Services (CalOES) and FEMA will be opening local assistance centers and assembling disaster survivor assistance teams to help people apply for relief and get connected to local support services.

"It's my hope wildfire and extreme wind conditions will not worsen to the extent that they threaten the round-the-clock heroic work protecting residential and business areas," continued Rep. Chu. "With winds expected to pick up Monday again, Angelenos around the county cannot let their guards down: monitor local officials' evacuation orders, have a to-go bag at the ready, and flee if and when evacuation orders come down."

"My office and I will continue assisting in whatever way we can in response and recovery efforts," concluded Rep. Chu. "To politicians and agents of chaos around the country peddling lies and misinformation about our crisis: Do better. Our priority should be people's safety, not scoring cheap political points on the backs of so much suffering."

For a PDF file of the Eaton Fire Resource Guide and other information, please visit: http://www.chu.house.gov/EatonFire