After the fires: Where to turn for help

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The American Red Cross has been urging people forced from their homes by the recent fires to register on their Safe and Well website. Officials have been expressing concern that few resident of Sylmar’s Oakridge Mobile Home Park, which was largely destroyed, have registered so far.

A number of agencies are available to help residents and homeowners displaced by the recent fires.

-- Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner says some expenses incurred during a mandatory evacuation, such as hotel stays and meals, are covered by some homeowner policies. Evacuees should check their policies and can contact the Department of Insurance: (800) 927-4357.

-- The city of Los Angeles has set up an information hot line on the Sayre fire: (800) 439-2909

-- Red Cross emergency assistance: (888) 737-4306

-- Dial 211 to connect with community services, such as child-care, counseling, food and shelter. The service is available in most counties.

-- The Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health said it would offer free crisis counseling for victims of the Sayre fire beginning today. For information, call (818) 832-2400 or (818) 598-6900. The department’s Access Center can also be reached 24 hours a day at (800) 854-7771.

-- For information on resources available for small businesses affected by the fire: (800) 659-2955

See these previous L.A. Land posts for information on dealing with your insurance company and contractors and dealing with insurance adjusters.

-- Lauren Beale

Thoughts? Comments?