We all have so many questions, here are the right people to ask so you don’t spin your wheels
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EPA - Phase one Debris Removal
The EPA is responsible for removing hazardous material on your property. They are not the right resources for questions about insurance, air quality, debris removal, beaches, soil or re-entry. They can answer questions about how they are removing material, their timeline and anything to do with the removal of household hazardous material at a burn site.
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Army Corps of Engineers - Phase 2 Debris Removal
The Army Corps of Engingeers is responsible for Phase 2. They are not the right resource for questions about insurance, air quality or billing. They can answer questions about how they will conduct their work, what safety measures will be taken, how you as a homeowner can be a part of the debris removal process or how their teams will be proceeding.
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LA County
Department of Public Works is the government body responsible for processing your ROE and handing them to the Army so they may begin their job of Phase 2. They are also responsible (along with FEMA) for billing insurance providers should a resident have debris removal in their insurance coverage (if insurance at all). They will also be responsible for permitting and any mandates about the permitting process as we rebuild.
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Department Of Insurance
If you have questions regarding mandates set by the Insurance Commissioner or if your insurance provider is intimidating, ignoring or otherwise not complying with California law - the Department of Insurance can open a claim against your provider or call the provider on your behalf. See their site for updates on mandates set by the Commissioner.
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Your Congress Person
If you need FEMA assistance, they can help escalate delays that you may be facing. They can also answer questions about federal assistance for grants and shelters as well as rebuild grants.
Rep Chu for Altadena:
Rep Lieu for Palisades:
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South Coast Air Quality Management
If you have questions about how to best protect yourself when returning to a burn site, follow the safety practices as outlined by South Coast AQMD. Their site has lots of helpful information on how to navigate air quality and safety after wildfires.
https://www.aqmd.gov/home/air-quality/wildfire-health-info-smoke-tips