“It’s all a waiting game right now,” Sylvia Valenzuela said as she opened the front door to the couple’s Santiago Estates home, where the smell of smoke clung to the walls, to allow the insurance adjuster to assess the damage.
Some help for residents like the Valenzuelas will be available the rest of this week at a local assistance center scheduled to open Tuesday at noon at the Lake View Terrace Recreation Center (11075 Foothill Blvd, Lake View Terrace). Hours are noon to 8 p.m. each day through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
Run by Los Angeles city and county, the center is described as a “one-stop shop” for residents and business operators seeking information on services and assistance from government agencies, utility companies and non-profit organizations in dealing with the effects of the Creek, Skirball and Rye fires.
The work of rebuilding homes and lives begins for most residents and businesses with filing insurance claims.
The California Department of Insurance website has an extensive section for wildfire victims, including tips for claimants about documenting fire-related expenses, dealing with contractors, and deciding whether to use an attorney.
To read more of Susan Abram's article, please click here.
Comments (0)