Where To Get Help : A Guide To Coping With The Quake

Directory Editor’s note: All information subject to change. Call ahead whenever possible. * Disaster Hot Line

(800) 525-0321

(800) 660-8005 TDD

These numbers have been established by the Federal Emergency Management Agency for general information.

* FEMA 24-Hour Registration Line

(800) 462-9029

(800) 462-7585 TDD

Registrants can choose to apply over the phone or by visiting one of the disaster aid centers listed below. Be prepared to provide your name, address, Social Security number and those of other occupants in the house at the time of the earthquake. Several languages are spoken on both lines, including Spanish. Applicants may apply at any center.

* Permit Assistance Center

(818) 705-7920

For all state and local permits needed by employers and homeowners to repair damages and reopen businesses. The one-stop center is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

West Valley Municipal Building

Office of Building Safety and Permitting

19040 Vanowen St.

Reseda

* Los Angeles Housing Department

(213) 847-7368 and (800) 994-4444

For assistance with relocations and repairs.

* Structure Inspections

(800) 655-4095

The city of Los Angeles has set up this 24-hour hot line to arrange inspections of quake-related damage. The city has also established the following numbers in the 213 area code: 237-0920, 237-0921 and 237-1487, and 485-1936, 485-1937, 485-1938, 485-7091, 485-7092, 485-7093 and 485-8573. People living in the 818 and 310 area codes should also call these 213 numbers.

* Placard Information

For disputes about red, yellow or green placards on inspected buildings in the city of Los Angeles, call (800) 890-0223 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

* Possession Recovery Information

Los Angeles residents whose dwellings have been declared unsafe to occupy, as indicated by a red or yellow placard, can call (800) 664-2489 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

* Building inspections in other cities and unincorporated areas

City of Burbank building inspections: (818) 953-9541

City of Glendale building inspections: (818) 548-4830

City of San Fernando building inspections: (818) 898-1227

City of Santa Clarita building inspections: (805) 286-4105

Residents of unincorporated areas in western Los Angeles County, including Malibu, Topanga, Chatsworth, Agoura and Calabasas can call (818) 880-4150 for structure inspections.

Residents of unincorporated areas in the Santa Clarita Valley can call either (805) 253-7211 or (818) 984-0610 for structure inspections.

* Santa Clarita Valley Housing Help Hot Line

(805) 286-1441

The Santa Clarita Valley Assn. of Realtors has established this hot line for area residents who have lost a home and need a home to rent or for property owners who have rental units available. Information about temporary vouchers for short-term housing and about finding long-term housing is also available. Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

* California Office of Small Business

This office is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday to direct small businesses to financial resources in addition to management and technical assistance.

Northern Los Angeles County Small Business Development Center

14540 Victory Blvd., Suite 206

Van Nuys

(818) 373-7092

* Transportation Information

A transportation information center has been established at Glendale Galleria’s J.C. Penney Court to provide the public with information on the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Metrolink and Beeline. The center is open from 10 a.m. to 9 a.m. weekdays, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m to 7 p.m. Sunday.

Metropolitan Transportation Authority: (213) 626-4455 or (800) 2LA-RIDE

Metrolink: (800) 371-LINK

Beeline Downtown Shuttle in Glendale: (818) 548-3961

Santa Clarita Transit: (805) 294-1287

Antelope Valley Transit Authority: (805) 267-5900 or (805) 945-9445

* Los Angeles County of Department of Consumer Affairs

Residents living in the 818, 213 or 310 area codes can call (800) 897-6677.

Residents living in the 805 area code can call (800) 873-2233.

* Earthquake Fraud Hot Line

(800) 897-6677

To report price gouging, unlicensed contractors, charity scams or other fraud.

* City of Los Angeles Public Works

For information about earthquake debris pickup and structure demolition, call (213) 847-8811.

* Household Hazardous Waste Hot Line

(800) 98 TOXIC

The city of Los Angeles has established this number for information about household hazardous waste, trash pickup, illegal dumping, asbestos, oil recycling and to make appointments to dispose of hazardous waste.

* Social Security Checks

Social Security recipients and beneficiaries who have lost their homes to the earthquake can, with proper identification, pick up their February checks at their local post offices. The SSI (supplemental security income) checks became available Tuesday and the Social Security checks will be available today. Change of address forms are also available at all post offices for individuals who have moved to temporary addresses. People who need to notify the Social Security office of their change in address or want to arrange for direct deposit to their bank should call (800) 772-1213 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays.

* Unemployment Assistance

Individuals whose work was interrupted by the earthquake can apply for federal Disaster Unemployment Assistance. DUA is available to self-employed persons, persons ineligible for regular employment insurance, people whose routes to work have been disrupted by the quake, people scheduled to begin work on or after Jan. 17 who have been unable to do so, and people whose employment was interrupted as a result of quake-related injuries. For information, contact your nearest Employment Development Department office or FEMA Disaster Aid Center. The claims deadline is Feb. 18.

* Legal Referrals

The following organizations will waive lawyer referral fees for quake victims:

San Fernando Valley Bar Assn.

(818) 906-3200, for San Fernando Valley residents

(805) 257-7804, for Antelope and Santa Clarita Valley residents

(805) 523-7957, for Simi and Conejo Valley residents

Los Angeles County Bar Assn.

(213) 243-1500, for free recorded legal information in English and Spanish

(213) 243-1525, for lawyer referrals

* City Volunteer Help Line

(213) 847-3125

For those who wish to volunteer their goods or services and for people needing the assistance of volunteers. There is a special need for Armenian translators and clerical workers for various city departments.

* Volunteer Reception Center

(800) 908-5170

For those who wish to volunteer for a nonprofit organization or for nonprofit organizations needing help.

* Sign Language Interpreting

For deaf and hard-of-hearing people needing a sign language interpreter or other assistance:

Accommodating Ideas

5032 Lankershim Blvd., Suite 1

North Hollywood

(818) 752-3320 voice or TDD

(818) 752-3324 (after 5 p.m.) TDD answering machine

DISASTER Aid Centers

FEMA application centers are open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily until further notice. Those who have suffered losses may obtain local, state and federal assistance by visiting the center nearest them. Programs are being offered to cover earthquake losses to homes, personal property and businesses not covered by insurance or other aid programs. Information: (800) 462-9029 or (800) 462-7585 TDD.

* Calabasas

Calabasas High School

22855 Mulholland Highway, Calabasas

* Glendale

Glendale Civic Center Auditorium

1401 N. Verdugo Road, Glendale

* Granada Hills

Coast Federal Bank

18000 Chatsworth St., Granada Hills

* Newhall

William S. Hart Park

2415 N. Newhall Ave., Newhall

* Northridge/Granada Hills

Winnetka Recreation Center

8401 Winnetka Ave., Winnetka

* Pacoima/Arleta

David Gonzalez Recreation Center

10943 Herrick Ave., Pacoima

* Panorama City/Sunland

Stonehurst Recreation Center

9901 Dronfield Ave., Sun Valley

* Reseda/Tarzana

Balboa Recreation Center

17015 Burbank Blvd., Tarzana

* San Fernando

Gage Wilson Building

1245 San Fernando Road, San Fernando

* Santa Clarita/Saugus

Canyon Country Park

17615 Soledad Canyon Road, Santa Clarita

* Sherman Oaks

Van Nuys/Sherman Oaks Park

14201 Huston St., Sherman Oaks

* Sherman Oaks/Van Nuys

Van Nuys Recreation Center

14301 Vanowen Ave., Van Nuys

* Simi Valley

Ronald Reagan Presidential Library

40 Presidential Drive

Simi Valley

* Sylmar/San Fernando

Sylmar Recreation Center

13109 Borden Ave., Sylmar

SHELTERS

* Red Cross Hot Line: (213) 739-4543

For receiving or offering assistance. Red Cross shelters can provide food, blankets, some medical care and cots for an overnight stay. Salvation Army shelters also provide food and a place to stay.

* Red Cross Emergency Shelters

The Red Cross has noted that populations are diminishing and suggests that people seeking shelter and other relief services call ahead whenever possible.

* Birmingham High School

17000 Haynes St., Van Nuys

* Canyon High School

19300 W. Nadal St., Santa Clarita

* Church on the Way

14218 Sherman Way, Van Nuys

* Fulton Junior High School

7477 Kester Ave., Van Nuys

* Glendale Armory

220 Colorado Blvd., Glendale

* Granada Hills High School *

10535 Zelzah Ave., Granada Hills

* Maclay Junior High School

12540 Pierce St., Pacoima

* Mason Recreation Center *

10400 Mason Ave., Chatsworth

* McCambridge Recreation Center

1515 Glenoaks Blvd., Burbank

* Newhall Park Center

Boys & Girls Club

24909 N. Newhall Ave., Santa Clarita

* Newhall Senior Center

22900 Market Ave., Santa Clarita

* North Hollywood High School

5231 Colfax Ave., North Hollywood

* San Fernando Recreation Center

208 Park Ave., San Fernando

* Saugus High School

21900 W. Centurion Way, Saugus

* Sepulveda Recreation Center

8801 Kester Ave., North Hills

* Shepherd of the Hills Church

19700 Rinaldi St., Porter Ranch

* Sylmar High School

13050 Borden Ave., Sylmar

* Van Nuys High School

6525 Cedros Ave., Van Nuys

* Salvation Army 24-Hour Hot Line: (800) 725-9005

For general earthquake relief information and for credit card donations.

* Salvation Army Shelter

Canoga Park High School

6850 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Canoga Park

* shower facilities available

QUAKE AID

* Red Cross Service Centers

Caseworkers can assess disaster-caused needs and provide vouchers for food, clothing, temporary housing/rental assistance, help with health/medical needs, urgent household items such as bedding or cookware, and some home repairs. Those who cannot be seen the same day will be given appointments and asked to return during the next day or two. Hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. until further notice. Information: (213) 739-4543.

* Northridge Fashion Center

Plummer Street between Tampa Avenue

and Shirley Street, Northridge

* Bethlehem Lutheran Church

27265 Luther Drive, Santa Clarita

* Epiphany Lutheran Church

7769 Topanga Canyon Blvd.,

Canoga Park

* Fillmore Senior Center

533 Santa Clara Ave., Fillmore

* First United Methodist Church

1525 Glenoaks Blvd., San Fernando

* Glendale Civic Auditorium

1401 Verdugo Road, Glendale

* Machinist Union Hall

2600 W. Victory Blvd., Burbank

* House of Fabrics

19255 Vanowen St., Sherman Oaks

* Our Lady of Perpetual Help

23233 Lyons Ave., Santa Clarita

* First Presbyterian Church

10400 Zelzah Ave., Granada Hills

* Studio City Recreation Center

12621 Rye St., Studio City

* Delano Park

15199 Erwin St., Van Nuys

* UAW Local 645

7915 Van Nuys Blvd., Van Nuys

* Woodland Hills Church of Christ

23363 Burbank Blvd., Woodland Hills

* Simi Service Center

1494 Madera Road, Suite B, Simi Valley

* Salvation Army Community Services Centers

Various emergency services are available to earthquake victims at the following locations. Hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Information: (213) 627-5571.

14917 Victory Blvd., Van Nuys

320 W. Windsor Ave., Glendale

1925 Royal Ave., Simi Valley

* Korean American Earthquake Assistance Center

10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Information: (818) 363-5334.

10408 Balboa Blvd., Granada Hills

UTILITIES & Other Services

* Department of Water and Power

Customers with electric or water service problems should call (818) DIAL DWP or (800) DIAL DWP outside the 818 area code.

* Southern California Edison Co.

Customers are asked to call (800) 643-0517 with service and billing questions.

* The Gas Co.

To request service restoration or to report suspected leaks, call (800) 427-2200.

* Pacific Bell

A variety of free services are available to quake victims. For general information, call (800) 379-0000. For telecommuting assistance, call (800) 303-0309.

* GTE

A variety of free services are available to quake victims. People can call the following numbers for information:

(800) 483-4000 (residential customers)

(800) 483-5000 (business customers)

(800) 483-7724 (Spanish)

(800) 483-3350 (telecommuting

assistance)

FOOD

* El Proyecto Del Barrio Inc. will distribute food, water and clothing from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. today and Saturday at the following location:

13643 Van Nuys Blvd.

Pacoima

(818) 896-1135

(818) 830-7080

* Vaughn Family Center will distribute food, water, firewood and disposable diapers to earthquake victims from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. today at the following location:

13330 Vaughn St.

Pacoima

(818) 834-1485

* Adventist Community Services is distributing water, food and clothing today to earthquake victims today at the following sites:

* Northridge Seventh-day Adventist Church

17700 Plummer St.

Northridge

noon to 6 p.m.

* Pacoima Seventh-day Adventist Church

11350 Glenoaks Blvd.

Pacoima

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

* Van Nuys Spanish Seventh-day Adventist Church

15059 Saticoy St.

Van Nuys

2 to 5 p.m.

* Valley United Seventh-day Adventist Church

4824 Tujunga Ave.

North Hollywood

noon to 5 p.m.

* Santa Clarita Seventh-day Adventist Church

24436 Valley St.

Newhall

noon to 7 p.m.

Donations of food, baby products, toiletries and blankets may also be dropped off at the churches during distribution hours. Clothing donations are not needed at this time.

Information: (818) 409-0114

* Lutheran Social Services will distribute food, water, clothing and blankets by appointment only from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. today at the following location:

15520 Sherman Way

Van Nuys

(818) 785-2114

* Northeast Valley Health Corp. (Women, Infants & Children Supplemental Food Program)

Offering emergency food vouchers for low-income pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers and their children up to 5 years old. All local WIC clinics are open. Established clients should check in with their clinic. For information, call (818) 373-0010.

* Food Stamp Application Centers

Applications for food stamps will be taken from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. today at the following local sites:

(Distribution of the coupons will be delayed for at least 72 hours while information is verified.)

14550 Lanark St., Panorama City

349-B Ave. K-6, Lancaster

12847 Arroyo St., Sylmar

27233 Camp Plenty Road, Canyon Country

9035 Canoga Ave., Canoga Park

MEDICAL

* El Proyecto Del Barrio Inc.

Offering free and low-cost medical services from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. today at the following location:

13643 Van Nuys Blvd.

Pacoima

(818) 896-1135

(818) 830-7080

* Northeast Valley Health Corp.

Offering primary health care services on a sliding fee scale at the following locations:

1600 San Fernando Road

San Fernando

(818) 365-8086

12756 Van Nuys Blvd.

Pacoima

(818) 896-0531

Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday.

COUNSELING

Groups providing counseling or referrals to counseling for earthquake victims:

* L.A. County Department of Mental Health

(800) 854-7771 has been set up as a toll-free information and referral hot line for people who have been emotionally affected by the earthquake. In addition, county centers are offering free counseling to victims.

* Valley Hospital Medical Center

(800) 345-2747 is a line for earthquake victims, staffed 24 hours a day. Other services include referrals and counseling sessions.

* Northridge Hospital Medical Center

18300 Roscoe Blvd.

Northridge

8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Friday

(818) 885-5348

* Glendale Adventist Medical Center

Offering a free support group 6 p.m. Mondays.

1509 Wilson Terrace

Glendale

(818) 409-8008

* UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute and Hospital

Offering free counseling and referrals for earthquake victims.

Call (800) 825-9989 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday.

* Family Service Agency of Burbank

Offering free counseling in English and Spanish.

2013 W. Magnolia Blvd.

Burbank

(818) 845-7671

* North Valley Family Counseling Center

Offering free counseling in English and Spanish.

670 San Fernando Mission Blvd., Suite D

San Fernando

(818) 365-8588

* Assistance League’s Family Service Agency

Offering free counseling in English, Spanish and Armenian.

5607 Fernwood Ave.

Hollywood

(213) 469-5893

* San Fernando Valley Child Guidance Clinic

Offering free drop-in counseling in English and Spanish for children, families and adults. A free brochure called “Dealing With Children’s Reactions to Disasters” is also available by calling the clinic at (818) 993-9311.

9650 Zelzah Ave.

Northridge

Call (818) 830-0200 for counseling schedules.

* Trauma Survivors Treatment, Training & Research Center

Offering free support groups for adults and children.

16633 Ventura Blvd., Suite 711

Encino

(818) 995-8700

* Friends of the Family

Offering free or low-cost support groups and counseling for children and adults:

14522 Kittridge St.

Van Nuys

(818) 988-4430

* New Directions for Youth

Offering free counseling and support groups.

7400 Van Nuys Blvd., Suite 203

Van Nuys

(818) 375-1000

* Valley Women’s Center

Offering free evaluation and support group for women seeking earthquake-related counseling. Individual therapy also available based on ability to pay.

5530 Corbin Ave., Suites 325 and 328

Tarzana

(818) 757-2188

* Valley Storefront, Jewish Family Service

Forming a support group to help senior citizens cope with the quake.

12821 Victory Blvd.

North Hollywood

(818) 984-1380

* Northridge Hospital Medical Center ElderMed

Offering a community outreach program for senior citizens. On request, a representative will visit local senior centers, senior housing complexes, churches or synagogues. Information: (818) 885-5476

* Encino Psychotherapy Center

Offering free and reduced-rate individual, couples and group counseling for earthquake victims. A free pamphlet called “Facts Not Food” is also available by calling the number below.

5435 Balboa Blvd., Suite 204

Encino

(818) 990-2070

* Los Angeles Center for Therapy and Education

Offering free counseling and support groups for earthquake victims.

13130 Burbank Blvd.

Sherman Oaks

(818) 779-5287

* Everywoman’s Village

Offering free support groups.

5650 Sepulveda Blvd.

Van Nuys

(818) 787-5100

* EEG Spectrum

Offering free biofeedback training and support groups in Encino and Pasadena for earthquake victims.

(818) 789-3456

* Mental Health Referral Service of Southern California

Offering referrals for private practice health professionals who work on a sliding scale.

(800) THERAPIST or (310) 478-1986

* San Fernando Valley chapter of the California Assn. of Marriage and Family Therapists

Offering crisis phone counseling and referrals for earthquake victims.

(818) 789-3257, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily

* Catholic Charities

For counseling and referrals; 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays.

(213) 251-3400

* Lutheran Social Services

Offering free walk-in counseling from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

15520 Sherman Way

Van Nuys

(818) 785-2114

* Encino Community Church

Offering a free earthquake counseling seminar from 3 to 5 p.m. Mondays and from 10 a.m. to noon Saturdays.

5955 Lindley Ave.

Tarzana

(818) 345-8085

* Burbank Church of Religious Science

Offering a free support group for earthquake victims from 7 to 9 p.m. Mondays at 260 N. Pass Ave., Burbank.

(818) 848-4158

* Jewish Family Service of Greater Los Angeles

Providing crisis counseling or referrals on a non-sectarian basis.

(818) 984-1380

* Temple Judea Community Outreach

Offering walk-in counseling from 1 to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and support groups for free or with a small donation.

5429 Lindley Ave.

Tarzana

(818) 780-4994

DONATIONS

* Blood Donations

Donating blood takes about an hour. People wishing to donate should be at least 18 years old, weigh more than 110 pounds and be in good health. For donation sites, call the American Red Cross at (800) 974-2113.

* Red Cross

The American Red Cross is accepting monetary donations only. Make check to “Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund.” Mail donations to:

Los Angeles Chapter

American Red Cross

2700 Wilshire Blvd.

Los Angeles 90057

* Salvation Army

Monetary donations are urgently requested to support Operation We Care. Checks payable to “Earthquake Relief” should be sent to:

The Salvation Army

900 W. 9th St.

Los Angeles 90015

Also needed are blankets, cots, sleeping bags, diapers, packaged non-perishable food, canned food, baby formula and food, flashlights and batteries. For assistance and credit card donations, call (800) 725-9005.

* Catholic Charities

Earthquake Disaster Fund

1400 W. 9th St.

Los Angeles 90015

(213) 251-3400

The charity is also gathering information on homebound senior citizens. Contact the Catholic Charities Aging Department at (213) 251-3480.

* Rotary International

Send monetary donations to:

Rotary District 5260 Earthquake Relief Fund

c/o Highland Federal Savings and Loan

5939 Canoga Ave.

Woodland Hills 91367

Attn: Sheila Cook

* San Fernando Valley Interfaith Council

Accepting donations of food and household goods, as well as offers of building repair and counseling services for earthquake victims.

Checks may be made out to “SFVIC Earthquake Response Project” and mailed to:

10824 Topanga Canyon Blvd.

Chatsworth 91311

Information: (818) 718-6460

* Harmony Coalition

Accepting donations of food, toiletries and money for earthquake victims. Send donations to:

9810 Owensmouth Ave., Suite 4

Chatsworth 91311

(818) 727-1648

* El Proyecto Del Barrio Inc.

Accepting monetary donations to provide medical aid and emergency supplies for earthquake victims. Send donations to:

8902 Woodman Ave.

Arleta 91331

(818) 830-7080

TimesLink Help

TimesLink provides helpful earthquake-related information 24 hours a day. From the 213, 310, 714, 818 or 909 area codes, dial 808-8463, then press the * (asterisk) key and a four-digit category code. TimesLink is a free service of The Times.

For current freeway closures and alternate routes, press *8210.

For phone numbers of earthquake-assistance organizations, press *8230.

For a list of school closures, press *8240.

For earthquake safety tips, press *8250.