Recovery & Resources: A GUIDE TO...

When President Clinton declared Southern California a disaster area Thursday, victims of the region’s devastating fires became eligible for federal aid programs that range from emergency housing assistance to loans that help ranchers restore damaged property.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency in the next few days will open at least one and possibly several disaster assistance centers where fire victims can apply for aid.

On Thursday, the agency established a toll-free information line--(800) 525-0321--to provide practical advice to the often dazed and weary victims who wonder what to do next. One hot-line worker said he had fielded 50 to 60 calls in the first few hours of operation.

“Most of the people are very composed. Their houses are gone and they’re wondering: ‘What’s the next step?’ ” said the worker, who said he was allowed to give only his first name, Pete.

Callers to the hot line can find out where evacuation centers are located, where to call for emergency food, clothing and shelter, and where to donate items such as blankets, food and other necessities, said Pete, who also staffed a disaster hot line during the 1992 riots and the Bay Area’s Loma Prieta earthquake in 1989.

The phone lines will be staffed from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week, said FEMA Regional Director Frank Kishton.

By late Wednesday, federal disaster workers from all over the country were streaming into FEMA’s Pasadena field office, which had been in the process of shutting down after managing a string of Southern California disasters, including the riots and the 1992 Landers earthquake, said spokeswoman Cory La Bianca.

Unlike the riots, which, for the most part, consumed businesses, the brush fires destroyed hundreds of homes. Owners and renters of residences that were damaged or destroyed will have access to a number of federal programs:

* Disaster loans: An individual may be eligible for Small Business Administration low-interest loans of up to $100,000 for uninsured losses on a home, up to $20,000 for losses of personal property and up to $1.5 million for business losses.

* Disaster housing assistance: Provides assistance to people whose homes are unlivable because of disaster-related damage.

* Mortgage and rental assistance: Helps people who lost their jobs or businesses as a result of the fires and face foreclosure or eviction from their homes.

* Individual family grant program: Grants of about $12,000 may be available for people unable to meet disaster-related expenses and who do not qualify for other assistance.

* Low-interest deferred payment loans: Loans are available for homeowners and rental property owners for repair or rebuilding of property. Applicants must have exhausted insurance and other federal and state disaster assistance to apply.

* Disaster unemployment insurance: Provides weekly payments to people out of work due to the disaster, including those who are self-employed. The program, administered by the California Employment Development Department, also provides job training and help in finding employment.

* Low-interest loans, administered by the Farmers Home Administration, are available to restore damaged farm property and for low-income owner occupants in rural areas.

* FEMA also can provide referrals and numbers for fire victims who need assistance with income taxes, contractors, insurance requirements, Social Security benefits and veterans affairs.

Fire victims can apply for disaster assistance over the telephone by calling (800) 462-9029.