FACING NATURAL DISASTERS
The original post was created on Summer Solstice, June 2017 in the wake of Orlando, Syria, Nepal, Italy, Louisiana, Puerto Rico, Texas and so many other situations and natural disasters all over the world. In response to the ongoing fires in L.A., the disaster in Asheville, and the potential for more to come, we have updated this article. In this updated article you will find quick tips for the L.A. situation, a plan of action for those who have lost their homes, and a guide of resources for the future rebuild or community resilience preparation. More specific informational posts will be made within the next few days.
FOR L.A. UNDER CONTINUED THREAT OF FIRE
STAY AWARE AND BE PREPARED
We are suggesting saving either the LA2050 or the LA WORKS website as a go to references for resources and preparedness action. Their preparedness action includes preparing an emergency response plan, building a disaster preparedness kit. They also have resources on how to help volunteer, financial contribution recommendations, and staying informed.
Watch Duty is an app several of our members are recommending for additional alerts.
If you are close to an evacuation area or have ample time, you might want to get your contacts prepared and make a plan you can email to yourself and others. Visit Ready.gov for an easy to create planning guide.
MALAN Resource Guide -- With almost 400 listings, this may be the most comprehensive list you will find for all things "resilience" in L.A. Mutual Aid LA Network (MALAN) is a connector and information hub for mutual aid efforts, people, and resources across Los Angeles. The MALAN resource list features evacuation centers/shelter, animal boarding, donation drives, free items, distribution services, information, free meals, and more.
IMMEDIATE FINANCIAL RELIEF?
If you have been in the music industry for at least 3 years you may qualify for financial assistance through Musicares.
EDM COMMUNITY GIVING BACK
Both EDM.com and EDM Identity have compiled a list of artists publicly showing concern and action. EDM Identity has also created a list of shelters and evacuation centers, 10 of which (thanks to their research) welcome pets.
HELP PROMOTE
If you are a promoter or like to promote, LA Works has an MLK day disaster relief event you can help spread the word about on January 20th.
In general, we think sharing is caring but exercise discernment about how information is shared and when.
LA 2050 Safety and Support Recommendations (from their newsletter)
If you or a loved one has been affected by the wildfires, below are some emergency resources featured in the LA 2050 Safety and Support guide:
Financial Assistance & Relief Programs
- Apply for FEMA assistance (temporary housing, emergency needs, or repair grants) at DisasterAssistance.gov, via the FEMA app, or by calling (800) 621-3362.
- Contact your Congressional member’s office for help with forms or additional assistance.
Emergency Shelters & Housing
- Airbnb.org, in partnership with 211 LA, is offering free temporary housing to those displaced by the Los Angeles wildfires.
- Access LAHSA’s 24-hour emergency shelters through the Emergency Response Program by dialing 211.
- Safe Parking LA offers services for vehicular homelessness: Call/text (323) 210-3375 or email warmline@safeparkingla.com.
Mental Health Support
- SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline provides free, 24/7 multilingual crisis counseling at 1-800-985-5990.
- The NationalChild Traumatic Stress Network offers resources to help children and families cope with disasters (full list here).
Emergency Alerts & Updates
- Visit lacounty.gov/emergency for LA County evacuation updates.
- Sign up for LA City’s Emergency Alert System NotifyLA.
Evacuation Centers & Shelters
Locate evacuation centers: LA County centers and Red Cross hosted sites.
PLAN OF ACTION for those who have lost their home:
( from 2017 via advisor Michael Kaliski/a friend of his who lost their home)
The Small (& immediate) List:
1. LET PEOPLE DO THINGS FOR YOU
Do you have a friend that you can send to the store to buy you some basic clothes or comfort foods? Let them do it – they want to help and you don’t need to spend time doing these errands. (The ‘fun’ of shopping is gone…it quickly becomes a chore because you don’t want a new shirt, you want the one that you always liked to wear but now it’s gone and you are sad/mad.)
2. IMMEDIATE FINANCIAL OR HOUSING RELIEF?
MusiCares is a resource to the music community when confronted by disaster and serving those currently affected by the fires in the Los Angeles area. MusiCares provides short-term disaster relief, including $1,500 in financial assistance and a $500 grocery card, to music professionals impacted. MusiCares disaster relief is intended to cover short-term costs, should you incur costs from evacuating (hotel, food, supplies). MusiCares is also able to provide additional support for individuals with considerable impact, including medical issues, damaged music equipment or longer-term relocation needs.
Individuals are eligible for MusiCares disaster relief support after 3 years employment in music in any capacity OR credit on 6 commercially-released recordings. If you would like to request support from MusiCares, please reach out to musicaresrelief@musicares.org.
This spreadsheet is the most comprehensive we have seen so far. The first tab on top of the spreadsheet is to help those affected, the second tab covers organizations providing relief of various kinds and shelters.
3. WHEN YOU BUY, SHARE YOUR STORY
As you buy things, tell the store owner your situation. Stores sometimes give you some level of discount as their way of helping you.
4. BOOTS, GLOVES, SHOVELS
Get some sturdy boots and gloves. Get some shovels.
5. SAVE RECEIPTS
Save all receipts because loss of use insurance might cover incidentals too – hairbrush, phone chargers, etc.
6. PERSONAL PROPERTY LIST
Start working on the personal property list. Write down the moment you remember – keep list on phone or pad of paper with you at all times.
The Big (& longer term strategy) List
1. REGISTRATIONS
Register at the shelters with Red Cross and any other agency there.
a. Most of the aid coming in will use these lists as a point of contact and will help to ensure that you don't get left out of anything.
2. CALL HOMEOWNERS/ RENTAL INSURANCE TO TRIGGER "LOSS OF USE"
This typically will allow you to be in a "Like" property for x number of years and sometimes has a dollar limit attached and sometimes not, this is dependent on your policy.
a. This coverage should also give you some immediate access to funds for essentials, clothes, toothbrushes, food, etc.
b. This will also get the ball rolling for the insurance claim on your home and rebuilding/personal property Dollars.
3. GET A P.O. BOX AND FORWARD ALL MAIL TO THE BOX
Use this PO Box as the mailing address on all forms you begin to fill out.
4. RE: LONG TERM RENTALS
Coordinate with your insurance company so that payments can be made directly from them using your “Loss of Use” money.
a. Plan on renting 1-2 years, but do not necessarily sign a lease for a full two years as circumstances can change.
5. CONTINUE ITEMIZED LIST OF BELONGINGS
Organize by room and list everything that was there with a replacement cost.
a. Replacement Cost should be what it would cost to replace not on sale from pottery barn, it should not be the price you paid for it with that 50% off coupon.
b. Make sure you list everything, even if it is above and beyond your policy limit. This is very important because everything above and beyond the policy limit might be considered a Loss and can possibly be claimed (check with your accountant).
6. CALL ALL UTILITIES
Call all of your utilities ( electric, gas, TV, satellite, land line phone, etc.) and either freeze or cancel service.
a. Newspaper or magazine delivery, either cancel or update to PO Box.
7. CALL ALL INSURANCE
Call as needed, car insurance or any specialty insurance for unique items.
8. PERMITS
Permits may be required for:
a. Debris Removal - as things wind down it will be necessary to remove the debris, this may require a permit. (This may be covered by your insurance, ask repeatedly.)
b. Erosion Control - If you are on any kind of hill or have sloped property erosion control measures are very important but may require a permit.
c. Temporary Power Pole/Trailer on site permit - Getting this earlier on can prove helpful in both the rebuilding process.
9. TAXES
We are not CPA's and cannot give advice but you can call your accountant or research to find out if you will be able to claim the monetary loss of the value of all your items (minus what you receive from your insurance company).
10. NETWORK WITH OTHERS
Much learning will come from others as you go through the rebuilding process. We all have our strengths so share yours and consider opening up to accepting the help of others with discernment. The amount of time that you will spend on the rebuild, insurance, recovery process is staggering - use all your resources.
A GUIDE OF RESOURCES FOR COMMUNITY RESILIENCE & REBUILDING
Click on the image above for a great resource list from Shareable. This is an older document as well so not all the links are still working but those that are have some great ideas for those feeling inspired to step up in any capacity for their communities.
Volunteer
Some Angelenos are reporting that playing if fwd/ giving back is helping them with uncomfortable feelings. If you would like to find hands-on volunteering opportunities, we suggest using the LA Works website. Or, just pay attention to the local groups you are already part of on various platforms.
Living somewhere else? Never too soon to be prepared now. We really like the Defy Disaster website and the Shareable resource guide (listed above).
Expect to see an EMA call to action soon regarding the creation of local permaculture and resilience guides.
LOVE - SELF CARE
Our current final thoughts as this article may continue to be updated.
- Take care
- Take breaks
- Ask for help (yes it was said above but always a good reminder).
We are here for you, many are here for you. LA Strong! We love you Los Angeles. - EMA