The state has issued emergency declarations to support the response to winter storms in 2024.

• January 23, 2024: Governor Newsom Issues Emergency Proclamation to Support Recovery from Winter Storms
• January 30, 2024: California Mobilizes Ahead of Next Round of Storms, Urges Communities to Prepare
• February 4, 2024: Governor Newsom Proclaims State of Emergency in Southern California As Powerful Storm Makes Landfall
• February 7, 2024: Governor Newsom Requests Presidential Major Disaster Declaration to Help San Diego Recover from January Storm
• February 19, 2024: Governor Newsom Secures Presidential Major Disaster Declaration to Support Storm Recovery Efforts in San Diego
• February 27, 2024: Tax Deadline Extended for San Diegans Following January Storms

For a complete list of virtual disaster recovery resources, see the Listos California Disaster Resource Recovery Guide.

• • Listos California evergreen recovery page
  • Listos California recovery guide
  • Listos California DRC outreach flyer
  • Listos California shelter palm card
  • Listos California flood clean up and mold flyer
  • Listos California social media toolkit

As recovery efforts continue in San Diego County following the January 2024 Storm, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) continues to proactively work with its partners to support, rebuild and aid in the recovery process. 

On February 19, at Governor Newsom’s request, the Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for San Diego County was approved. Federal disaster assistance is now available to affected California communities in San Diego County following the storms in late January 2024:  

• Individual assistance: Assistance to individuals and households to repair or replace damaged property and cover transportation, childcare, and medical and dental expenses. Through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), low-interest disaster loans are available to businesses (including private non-profit organizations), homeowners and renters with physical damage. 

HOW TO APPLY:  

In particular, people and business owners in San Diego County who sustained losses and are eligible, can apply for disaster assistance: 

• Online at Disasterassistance.gov 
• Calling 800-621-3362 
• By using the FEMA App on your smart phone: 

• Apple Devices 
• Android/ Google Devices 

If you need help in person, disaster recovery centers are a one-stop shop to provide survivors resources like printing lost documents and getting in person help to apply for federal disaster assistance. The centers will be open soon with a variety of state agencies to help individuals impacted by the storms.  

For additional information regarding assistance, click the links below: 

What Individuals Can Expect After Registering for Federal Assistance 

Be Alert to Fraud After a Disaster 

Online Disaster Recovery Resources  

Proactively working with its partners, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) continues to coordinate efforts to rebuild and aid in San Diego County’s recovery process following the late January 2024 storm. 

Under the direction of Governor Gavin Newsom, the state’s ongoing all-of-government effort is working to maximize federal aid to storm-impacted communities, including securing a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration from in response to late January storms that affected communities in San Diego County. 

It’s important for all affected Californians to know what to expect after they register for federal assistance. People living in San Diego County who sustained losses can register for federal assistance to help them repair or replace damaged property that was destroyed by the January 2024 storms. 

HOW TO REGISTER 

• Online at Disasterassistance.gov 
• Calling 800-621-3362 
• By using the FEMA App on your smart phone: 
• Apple Devices 
• Android/ Google Devices 

AFTER REGISTRATION  

Upon registering for assistance, individuals and families can expect a federal inspector from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to call them within 10 days to schedule an appointment to view any damages. It’s recommended that the individuals answer calls from out-of-state area codes or calls that may appear on their caller ID as “unavailable.” 

The federal inspector will attempt to call the individuals three times on different days and different times to reach the registrant. If the registrant is unreachable by phone call, a letter and/or email will be sent to the address provided by the individual who registered. 

DURING THE CALL, WRITE DOWN THE FOLLOWING:  

• Inspector’s name 
• Date of the call 
• Date and time of appointment 
• Inspector’s telephone number 

Individuals can call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 to notify them of any discrepancies like any missing or incorrect details on your federal disaster assistance application. 

HOME INSPECTION 

Registrants can then expect a home inspection on the agreed upon date and time from their initial phone call. Home inspections typically take 30 to 40 minutes to complete. Registrants or co-registrants will be required to present a photo ID when meeting with their federal inspector. A friend, household member or relative can attend the inspection to help communicate with the federal inspector, if necessary. 

If the registrant or co-registrant are unable to meet with the federal home inspector, it is recommended to write FEMA to designate another individual who will then be authorized to take the registrant’s place during the home inspection. If individuals need ADA accommodation or an American Sign Language interpreter to communicate, they may request one at the FEMA helpline by calling 800-621-3362. 

WARNING ABOUT SCAMS 

The inspector will have FEMA Identification in the form of a badge with a photo. Should an inspector refuse to offer their badge, do not proceed with the inspection. Federal inspections do not charge any fees and recommend refusing any individuals looking to charge for services rendered for home inspections. Registering for federal assistance is free of charge. 

To report any suspicion of fraud contact the Disaster Fraud Helpline at 866-720-5721.  

PRESENT THE FOLLOWING DURING THE HOME INSPECTION:  

• Photo ID 
• Proof of occupancy of damaged residence such as a utility bill, driver’s license, merchant statement (bank statement/credit card bill/medical bill/official mail), voter’s registration card, landlord statement (rent receipt/lease) 
• Proof of ownership of damaged residence such as homeowner’s insurance, tax bill, mortgage payment book, deed or title 
• Insurance documents: homeowner’s, mobile home, condominium or renter’s policy 
• List of people living in the residence at the time of the disaster 
• Disaster-caused damage and disaster-related losses to structural and personal property 

The federal inspector will look at disaster-damaged areas in the home and review the above records with the registrants. Inspectors can only verify damaged property and confirm disaster-recovery program purposes, they do not determine the outcome of the individual’s registration, nor do they condemn the property. 

If registrants have already begun repairs, it is recommended that the damage be documented through photos/videos and to retain any receipts from disaster-related purchases. 

HOMEOWNER’S INSURANCE 

If registrants carry homeowner’s insurance, FEMA may not send an inspector immediately. Homeowners will need to submit insurance documentation to confirm the existing coverage does not cover disaster-related needs or registrants will need to submit proof that they have exhausted the additional living expense the insurance company provides. 

If registrants already received funding from another source, such as from an insurance company, crowdfunding or financial assistance from voluntary agencies, then FEMA cannot give a grant for expenses already covered. 

Online Disaster Recovery Resources 

As recovery efforts continue in San Diego County following the January 2024 Storm, the state continues to proactively work with its partners to support, rebuild and aid in the recovery process. In particular, those living in San Diego may be eligible for repairs or replacement of damaged property and cover transportation, childcare, and medical and dental expenses (online disaster recovery resources).  

However, oftentimes after emergencies, unscrupulous actors take advantage of survivors. The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) would like to alert disaster survivors that con artists and criminals may try to obtain money or steal personal information through fraud or identity theft after a disaster.  

In some cases, thieves try to apply for federal assistance using names, addresses and Social Security numbers they have stolen from survivors. Through the federal disaster assistance program, impacted Californians can apply for aid for disaster-declared areas.  

Protect Yourself 

• Federal Disaster Survivor Assistance teams, housing inspectors and other officials are working in areas impacted by the storms. They carry official identification badges with photo IDs. Federal representatives never charge applicants for disaster assistance, inspections or help in filling out applications. If you suspect fraud, make sure to check their identification. 
• Don’t believe anyone who promises a disaster grant in return for payment. 
• Be wary of unexpected phone calls or visits to your home from people claiming to be federal housing inspectors or people claiming they work for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). FEMA representatives will have a photo-ID badge and your federal application number. 
• Don’t give your banking information to a person claiming to be a federal housing inspector. Federal inspectors are never authorized to collect your personal financial information. 

What to Know 

• If a federal inspector comes to your home and you did not submit an application for assistance, your information may have been used without your knowledge to create a federal disaster assistance application. 
• If so, please inform the inspector that you did not apply for federal assistance so they can submit a request to stop further processing of the application. 
• If you did not apply for assistance, but receive a letter from FEMA, please call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 to alert staff and/or the Disaster Fraud Helpline at 866-720-5721 to report the fraudulent incident. The helpline will submit a request to stop any further processing of that application. 
• If you do wish to apply for federal assistance after stopping an application made in your name without your knowledge, the Helpline will assist you in creating a new application. 

If You Suspect Fraud 

• If you suspect fraudulent activity involving FEMA, you can report it to the FEMA Fraud Branch at: StopFEMAFraud@fema.dhs.gov, fax: (202) 212-4926 or write to: FEMA Fraud and Internal Investigation Division, 400 C Street SW Mail Stop 3005, Washington, DC 20472 3005.  
• If you believe you are the victim of a scam, report it immediately to your local police or sheriff’s department. Or contact the California Attorney General’s Office here. 
• If you suspect identity theft, please visit Identity Theft | FTC Consumer Information or gov. 

Update – March 27, 2024

As California has weathered extreme weather the past few months resulting in rain, snow, wind and flooding and especially in San Diego County, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) has led the efforts to respond to and recover from these widespread storm impacts. Involving nearly every part of state government, the work now turns to recovery where Cal OES, state agency staff, federal and local partners work diligently to ensure communities in San Diego County can get back on the road to recovery following the storms in late January 2024. 

Cal OES, the County of San Diego and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), along with other state and local partners, has opened two Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) in San Diego County.  

Mountain View Community Center 

641 South Boundary Street 

San Diego, CA 92113 

Hours: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. (daily) 

Spring Valley Library 

836 Kempton Street  

Spring Valley, CA 91977 

Hours: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. (daily) 

State Agencies available at both locations: 

• Employment Development Department (EDD) 
• California Department of Social Services (CDSS) 
• California Franchise Tax Board (FTB)

HOW TO APPLY FOR DISASTER ASSISTANCE 

Individuals, families and business owners in San Diego County covered in the Presidential Major Disaster Declaration who sustained losses can apply for disaster assistance: 

• Online at DisasterAssistance.gov  
• Calling 800-621-3362 
• By using the FEMA smartphone application 
• If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service 
• In person at a Disaster Recovery Center (locations above) 

DISASTER RECOVERY CENTERS 

Disaster recovery centers are a one-stop shop to provide survivors resources. 

At a disaster recovery center, residents and business owners can apply for federal assistance and access other available resources from local, state and non-profit agencies. These can include learning about disaster assistance programs, find housing and rental assistance information, meet with state agency representatives, and get help from non-profits. 

When visiting a disaster recovery center to apply for disaster assistance, it’s helpful to bring some important information with you. 

• Address of the damaged primary residence 

• Insurance coverage information 
• Current phone number and mailing address 
• Bank account information 

MAJOR DISASTER DECLARATION 

The state of California is committed to continuing our support to California communities in San Diego County and maximizing state and federal aid to those who have been adversely impacted by the late January 2024 storms 

On February 19, at Governor Newsom’s request, the Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for San Diego County was approved. Federal disaster assistance is now available to affected California communities in San Diego County following the storms in late January 2024. The President can declare a Major Disaster Declaration for any natural event that the President believes has caused damage of such severity that it is beyond the combined capabilities of state and local governments to respond. A Major Disaster Declaration provides a wide range of federal assistance programs for individuals and public infrastructure. To learn more about the federal assistance available from the late January 2024 storms, visit this page. 

The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) along with state, local and federal partners, continues to assist San Diego County individuals, families and business owners to recover from the late January 2024 storms. 

The Employment Development Department (EDD) announced that San Diego County workers whose employment or self-employment was impacted by the late January 2024 storms and flooding between January 21-23, 2024 are now able to apply for federal Disaster Unemployment Assistance benefits.  

HOW DOES DISASTER UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE WORK?  

The Disaster Unemployment Assistance benefits apply to losses beginning the week of January 28, 2024, for people impacted by the storms and flooding. Eligible full-time workers can receive between $183 and $450 per week in benefits for a maximum period of 30 weeks, provided they continue to meet all requirements for DUA eligibility. Part-time workers may also be eligible for benefits. Eligible individuals who were unemployed as of January 28 can have their benefits backdated to cover the entire period they were unemployed as a direct result of the disaster. The last payable week of this emergency benefit ends August 24, 2024. 

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?  

Disaster Unemployment Assistance benefits are offered to victims of a federally-declared disaster and are available to individuals who are not eligible for regular unemployment benefits and meet any of the following criteria: 

• Worked, or were a business owner or self-employed, or were scheduled to begin work or self-employment, in the disaster area. This includes, and is not limited to, those in the agricultural and fishing industries. 
• Cannot reach work because of the disaster or can no longer work or perform services because of physical damage or destruction to the place of employment as a direct result of the disaster. 
• Cannot perform work or self-employment because of an injury as a direct result of the disaster. 
• Became the head of their household because of a death caused by the disaster. 

HOW TO APPLY 

• Online at EDD’s UI Online application and available in 5 different languages 
• Local Job Centers 
• Or in person at a Disaster Recovery Centers 

PREPARING TO APPLY 

Before applying, individuals should make sure they have the correct documents or information on hand: 

• Most recent federal income tax form or check stubs 
• Any additional documents to support that the individual was working or self-employed* when the disaster occurred 

*Self-employed documents can be obtained from banks, government entities, or affidavits from other individuals having knowledge of their business.  

Disaster Unemployment Assistance benefit claims for individuals from San Diego County must be filed by April 2, 2024. 

EDD’s Disaster-Related Services webpage includes more information for individuals and businesses impacted by disasters, including tax filing extensions for affected employers. 

Updated – March 27, 2024. 

Disaster CalFresh is no longer offered in San Diego County – deadline has passed on March 22. 

The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) along with state, local and federal partners, continues to assist San Diego County individuals, families and business owners to recover from the late January 2024 storms.   

The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) announced that individuals and families affected by the recent severe winter storms in San Diego County may be eligible to receive Disaster CalFresh food benefits as part of continuing disaster recovery efforts. 

A family of four with a monthly income up to $3,380 per month may be eligible to receive up to $973 in food benefits through this program, which is available to those who lived or worked in San Diego County on January 21, 2024. 

The Disaster CalFresh program will be operated by phone, online, and in person. Please call your local county social services office for in-person hours or in-person assistance. 

WHO CAN APPLY? 

To be eligible for Disaster CalFresh benefits, a household must have lived or worked in a disaster-impacted county on the date that the disaster began. Any individuals and families who lived or worked in San Diego County on January 21, 2024, may be eligible for Disaster CalFresh food benefits if the household experienced at least one of the following as a direct result of the severe winter storms: 

• At least one person in the household was not getting regular CalFresh food benefits, 
• Money was spent because of the storms or related power outage, 
• Money was lost from work because of the severe winter storms, 
• Money was spent because of damage to a home or business, or 
• Food loss alone. 

Those who already receive regular CalFresh food benefits will not be eligible for Disaster CalFresh, but may be eligible to receive supplemental benefits, which bring the household up to the maximum allotment level based on their household size.  Households already participating in CalFresh may contact their local agency to request supplemental benefits by phone, online or in person. 

HOW TO APPLY 

Households may apply until March 22, 2024, by calling their local county social services office, submitting a paper application, or submitting a preregistration application online at BenefitsCal. In most cases, Disaster CalFresh food benefits will be available within three days of the date of a qualifying interview. 

You can also apply for Disaster CalFresh food benefits and many other disaster recovery services in-person at a Disaster Recovery Center.

Disaster CalFresh food benefits will be provided via an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, which is like a debit card that can be used to purchase food items at grocery stores and other authorized retailers. If applicants are approved, their county will tell them when and where to pick up their EBT card. 

On March 1, 2024, the United States Department of Agriculture approved California’s request for Disaster CalFresh food benefits to enhance recovery efforts in San Diego County. The program is known nationally as the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or D-SNAP. 

Additional information is available at: CalFresh Disaster Response. 

QUESTIONS? 

Clients may reach their local county social services office by calling 877-847-3663 (FOOD) for more information.  For more information about Disaster CalFresh for impacted counties, call your local county social services office: 

• San Diego:  866-262-9881 

DATE: April 3, 2024

San Diego, Calif. — The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), along with other federal, state and local partners, have undertaken a whole community effort to support residents of San Diego County in their recovery from the Jan. 21-23, 2024 severe storm and flooding disaster. To date, state, local and federal partners have distributed over $20 million in disaster recovery assistance for survivors.

• More than 2,427 households have been approved for FEMA grants, including:
  • $15.1million in housing grants, including short-term rental assistance and home repair costs.
  • Nearly$3.4 million approved for other essential disaster-related needs, such as expenses related to medical expenses and lost personal possessions.
• FEMA’s door-to-door crews have visited 13,316 households to help survivors apply for assistance.
• Over 78% of homeowners who applied for assistance received some additional funds for mitigation efforts.
• The U.S. Small Business Administration has approved 65 loans for $1.7 million.
  • There Is Still Time to Apply

San Diego County residents have until April 19, 2024 to apply for federal disaster assistance

• Online: gov.
• By phone: call 800-621-3362, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
• Mobile App: download and use the FEMA app.
• At a Disaster Recovery Center, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., Tuesday – Saturday at:
  • Mountain View Community Center located, 641 South Boundary Street, San Diego CA 92113
  • Spring Valley Library, 836 Kempton Street, Spring Valley CA 91977

Each Disaster Recovery Center is accessible to people with disabilities. Assistive technology equipment is available to help disaster survivors interact with staff. Video Remote Interpreting is also available, and the centers have accessible parking, ramps and restrooms. If you need accommodations to communicate, please notify staff at the center immediately.

If you need American Sign Language support at a Disaster Recovery Center, please contact Aaron Kubey aaron.kubey@fema.dhs.gov in advance to schedule a date and time for an ASL interpreter to meet you there.

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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.

All FEMA disaster assistance will be provided without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment), sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, limited English proficiency, or economic status.

Disaster Recovery Centers are protected areas designated to provide emergency response and relief for disaster survivors. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Customs and Border Protection do not conduct enforcement operations at or near these locations, except in limited circumstances such as an imminent risk of death, violence, or physical harm. Additionally, FEMA will not proactively share the personal information of flood survivors with immigration or law enforcement agencies.

If you believe your civil rights are being violated, you can call the Civil Rights Resource line at 833-285-7448 (TTY 800-462-7585). Those who use a relay service such as a videophone, InnoCaption or CapTel should update FEMA with their specific number assigned to that service. Multilingual operators are available (press 2 for Spanish).