California is a state fractured by faults, rich with thick, combustible vegetation and vulnerable to violent storms.  Millions of Californians are exposed to natural hazards which may have disastrous consequences.

Following a disaster, federal recovery relief may be available to victims.

WHEN DOES A DISASTER BECOME A DISASTER?
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) follows guidelines to determine whether or not a current hazard or event is worthy of an emergency declaration, also referred to as a Presidential emergency declaration. Once a federal emergency is declared, federal funds become available to assist emergency responders in the area of the catastrophe.  

ASSISTANCE FOR INDIVIDUALS
Catastrophes can mercilessly devastate people and property.  Suffering a loss following a catastrophe is very traumatic yet in the days and months following, you need to regroup to put your life back together.  To do this, many victims may seek federal assistance.

Housing Needs
FEMA can provide assistance in a variety of areas.  These include:

	Temporary housing.  Money is available to rent a home or an apartment with assistance available for up to 18 months free of charge. Additionally, FEMA may provide temporary government housing when local rental properties aren’t available.
	Repair grants. Available to homeowners to repair damage that is not covered by insurance to the primary structure.  The maximum grant is $5,400.
	Replacement grants. Money available to homeowners to replace items of their home that are not covered by insurance.  The maximum grant is $11,000.
	Permanent housing construction.  Direct assistance or money for the construction of a home.

All FEMA grants together total $28,500.  It is important to understand that a victim may not qualify for the entire grant money available, but rather just those elements and amounts that FEMA authorizes on a case-by-case basis.

Insurance Assistance
For victims with insurance, assistance may also be available.  The first step in this process is to file a claim with your insurer.  Once a claim is filed, FEMA may be able to provide assistance in some situations, which include:

	Insurance settlement delays.  If it takes longer than 30 days to reach a settlement with an insurer, FEMA may provide a cash advance until a settlement is reached.  Once a settlement is reached the advance must be repaid.
	Underinsurance.  If there are still unmet disaster related needs following the settlement from an insurer, it is possible to send documentation to FEMA identifying the shortfall.  FEMA will then determine the amount of monetary assistance warranted.
	Exhausting additional living expenses.  Following a disaster, some victims may use their complete allotment of additional living expenses provided by their insurer.  Should this occur, the victim should send a letter and documentation to FEMA pointing out the continued need for temporary housing and monetary assistance.
	Rental assistance.  If after a disaster it is not possible to find temporary rental housing in the area, FEMA can provide a list of rental options in the neighboring communities.

By law, FEMA cannot provide any money to homeowners for any losses covered by insurance.

Miscellaneous Needs
FEMA funds are available to cover necessary expenses and serious needs to catastrophe victims.  These include disaster-related medical and dental costs; clothing and household items; tools and equipment required for work; purchase of clean-up items such as vacuums; and moving and storage expenses required as a result of the disaster.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Disaster Declaration Guidelines