400 fire survivors have registered at FEMA center
OROVILLE » Before the Federal Emergency Management Agency could open its mobile registration intake center, a line of people waiting for assistance had already formed.
FEMA has set up its registration tent at the Tractor Supply Co., 2000 Feather River Blvd, in Oroville. It’s been open since Tuesday and over 400 people have registered at the location, FEMA spokesperson Troy York said. Throughout Butte County, 1,300 people total have registered online and through the FEMA app.
“It’s been pretty good participation,” York said. The FEMAcenter is currently openfrom9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays. The deadline to register is Oct. 21. FEMA officials said the hours could adjust based on need.
When arriving to the FEMA center, people can walk up and be seated with a member of FEMA where they’ll ask a series of questions about their home and situation. If the tables are full, people should wait in their cars until a member from FEMA is available. The process is to help abide by COVID-19 restrictions, York said.
“We realize that people might not have everything that we’re asking for. We understand that,” York said. “We’ll get asmuch information on them as we can and get information moving.”
When victims register with FEMA, York said it’s best to consistently stay in touchwith FEMA if any living situation changes. For instance, if someone is currently living with a friend but then finds permanent housing elsewhere, they should contact FEMA regarding the address change.
“FEMA grants and payments come out to people electronically or if people elect — you can get a check mailed,” York said. “So it’s very important to keep in touch with FEMA.”
Victims of the North
Complex West Zone fires can qualify for FEMA assistance through grants or through a loan from the U. S. Small Business Administration. York said the loans are typically low interest and easy to qualify for .
“(The SBA) will look at your situation and try to design a loan package that will fit with your income and your abilities to pay,” York said.
Assistance is also available to renters and to those who are insured, uninsured or underinsured, York said.
York cautioned that in disaster situations there is a potential for fraud. FEMA will not charge anyone for registration or services.
“We caution folks because unfortunately during these things there’s always some fraud that tries to show up. People will come out and try to charge a fee to expedite the FEMA application,” York said. “Anybody that approaches you and says they’re from FEMA should be in FEMA gear and have an issued FEMA identification.”
Fraudulent general contractors have also preyed on disaster victims, York said. York mentioned that victims should be aware that contractors from outside the area could ask for advance payment to begin work on rebuilding.
“Don’t do that,” York said. “If someone offers contracting services, take a picture of the truck, the logo and get the licensing number.”
The center will be open until it is no longer needed.
“They’ll stay here as long as traffic keeps coming and people keep showing up,” York said. “The state and FEMA work together to decide how long these locations will remain open.”