THE 6.6 QUAKE : On the Rebound: A Guide to Recovery and Resources

The glass is being swept up, many supermarkets are restocking their shelves, ATM machines are working again and the lights are on in all but the most grievously savaged neighborhoods. But the thousands of Southern Californians jolted out of their daily routines by the Northridge quake still face formidable obstacles to normalcy. Those who suffered property damage find themselves in a bewildering maze of insurance forms, loan applications, demolition and building permits. Scores of decimated classrooms spell continuing upheaval for thousands of students and their families. The rupture of a number of freeways is forcing commuters to find new routes to work, and creating a new dependence on buses and trains. Long after safe waters flows again throughout the San Fernando Valley, after the streets are patched and detours posted, after the wounded are healed and the dead are buried, the complicated business of recovery and readjustment will continue. At the same time, prudent Southern Californians will be dusting off their earthquake preparation plans and taking inventory of batteries, water and first-aid supplies. Today’s special report provides a comprehensive guide to resources and offers step-by-step help not only in coping with this quake but also in girding for the next one.