Where the Help Is

L.A. Times Archives

Nov. 7, 1993 12 AM PT

* Public Firestorm Hot Line: (800) 525-0321

This number has been set up for information about crisis counseling, loans, taxes, federal and state disaster assistance and Red Cross emergency service centers.

* L.A. County Disaster Information Line: (800) 244-4766

This number also provides information about counseling, disaster aid, Red Cross shelters, insurance, road closures, donations, animal assistance, utilities and more.

* Malibu Information: (310) 456-CITY

This number has been set up for Malibu residents for general information as well as referrals for specific needs.

DISASTER AID CENTERS

State authorities and the Federal Emergency Management Agency have set up assistance centers to help victims.

* Hours: The centers are open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week, and can provide information on low-interest loans for residents and business owners who sustained losses. Victims can go to any of these centers, no matter where they live.

* Other programs: Crisis counseling; income tax assistance for filing casualty losses; advisory assistance on legal issues, veterans benefits and Social Security matters. Also, rental payments for temporary housing; grants for making minimal repairs to primary residences that are habitable, and unemployment payments for some workers who temporarily lost jobs.

* Phone program: You may apply for assistance over the telephone by calling (800) 462-9029, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, if you are prepared to provide basic information, details about your insurance coverage and other information to help substantiate your losses.

* Calabasas High School Gymnasium

22855 Mulholland Highway

* L.A. County Sheriff’s Station

23555 Civic Center Way

Malibu

* Arcadia Community Regional Park

405 S. Santa Anita Ave.

* Laguna Beach Recreation Center

505 Forest Ave.

* Ventura County Sheriff’s Training Facility

Camarillo Airport

273 E. Pleasant Valley Road