After the fires: Where to turn for help

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?

Photo: An aerial view shows streets of burned-out homes in Sylmar's Oakridge Mobile Home Park. "It was the Beverly Hills of mobile home parks.... We had a view, trees, a yard and neighbors," said one grief-stricken resident. Credit: Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times

Comments

[Modern Homes and Land Co]

Modern Homes and Land Co. wants to offer the residents of Oakridge Mobile Home Park a huge break on replacing your homes. We have talked to the factory and they can build up to 10 homes a week starting now. That is not as many as we wanted, but it is a good start. Our discounts can't be matched and we offer turn key services. Email your contact information so we can began the process. We will work with your insurance company to make the whole process go as smooth as possible. You have an opportunity to fix all the the things about your home that you would have done different if only you had the chance and now you do! So contact us today @
jerry.modernhomes@yahoo.com and we can start.