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New Jersey is dispatching a team to assist California in the aftermath of devastating wildfires that have destroyed numerous structures. Five personnel from the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management are heading to California to support the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Public Assistance Program. They will conduct site damage assessments, provide technical guidance to officials working on public assistance projects, and help residents in need. The team is expected to remain in California for two months, with a New Jersey State Police lieutenant overseeing the operations.
According to Lakewood Alerts, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell is on the ground in Southern California to assess damage, speak with survivors, and meet with community officials. President Biden has approved a Major Disaster Declaration to aid recovery efforts, allowing Los Angeles County residents affected by the fires to apply for financial assistance. Damage assessments are ongoing, and more counties may receive assistance as evaluations continue.
FEMA's disaster assistance aims to meet the basic needs of households for uninsured or underinsured necessary expenses and serious needs. Eligible survivors may receive money for essential items, housing needs, rental assistance, basic home repairs, and personal property losses. Residents are encouraged to file a claim with their insurance provider before applying for FEMA assistance.