Thirty Nine local people have registered for assistance

Monday morning, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s office confirmed that thirty nine Santa Clarita Valley residents have registered with FEMA to receive assistance.

Money has already been dispersed to some of those residents.

However, a question remains as to whether or not all affected residents have registered. Any person with damage can register with FEMA, not just those who lost their home outright. FEMA may also help financially with  auto damage and other property damage that occurred as a result of the wildfires that burned through Santa Clarita one week ago.

"California stands ready to provide fire victims all the assistance they need to get their lives back on track.  Even after the fires are extinguished, we will still be here to help fire victims in need," said Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

While FEMA should be the starting place for any resident affected by the fires, the state plays a big role in financial recuperation. The most recent addition is a promise that grants of up to $10,000 will be administered by the California Department of Social Services as a supplemental program to FEMA-administered assistance. 

Currently, there are two local assistance centers that are helping residents who have received damage.

One is set up at the Santa Clarita Sports Complex located at 20880 Centre Pointe Parkway, Santa Clarita, CA91350.

The other is Castaic Regional Sports Complex, located at 31230 North Castaic Road in Castaic, CA 91384.

The most important first step in filing any claim is to register with FEMA, either by calling (800) 621-FEMA (3362) or TTY (800) 462-7585 or online at fema.gov.

The governor has also provided extra help to protect residents against scams and insurance fraud. Click here to view that article.