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September 30, 2026
State and Local Officials Encourage Residents to Prepare
for Earthquakes and Storms
Closing out September, which is National Preparedness Month, officials are strongly encouraging residents to prepare for disasters and large-scale emergencies, especially heavy storms and major earthquakes.
The stark reality is that even has residents and businesses are in the process of recovering from the devastating fires of January 2025, all Los Angeles County residents face the potential for a range of possible incidents.
The risks of major earthquakes persist.
A new short video promotes earthquake safety. Los Angeles County also has an updated page detailing how to prepare for earthquakes.
To help everyone practice immediate earthquake response, the Great California Shakeout 2026 is taking place on Thursday, October 15.
The public got a chance to experience the jolting impact of a magnitude 7.0 earthquake in a simulator set up in downtown's Grand Park yesterday.
El Niño conditions are also present, which provide the potential of more rainfall, and more intense rainfall, over the coming months. That would not only delay or extend construction timelines, but it would also put burn scar areas at risk for flooding, rockslides, mudslides, and debris flows.
Los Angeles County will mark the official start of storm season TOMORROW, Thursday, October 1, 2026, with a live-streamed event at 11 a.m. This event will highlight countywide preparedness efforts and share tips and resources for residents.
This follows the "Know Before The Storm: El Niño Town Hall" that took place this past Monday evening, a recording of which can be watched at the link below.
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To access the presentation shared during the town hall, visit this link (PDF).
Since El Niño conditions could bring heavier rain and increase the risk of flooding, landslides, and debris flows across Los Angeles County, with burn scar areas at higher risk for certain hazards, here’s what residents can do now:
• Sign up for emergency alerts: Go to alert.lacounty.gov to receive emergency notifications, including evacuation warnings and orders.
• Know the risks where you live: If you are near a hillside, canyon, recent burn area, or area that can flood, learn your flood and mudflow risk before a storm.
• Make an evacuation plan: Know where you will go and how you will get there if you need to leave quickly.
• Have supplies ready: Keep enough food, water, medications, and other essentials for up to 10 days.
• Prepare your home: Clear gutters, downspouts, and storm drains, fix roof leaks, and get sandbags before heavy rain is in the forecast.
• Consider flood insurance: Standard homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. Flood insurance is separate and can take at least 30 days to go into effect.
• Need help with mud or debris flow risk? Call LA County Public Works at 1-800-933-0930 to speak with an engineer.
• Know someone experiencing homelessness who needs help? Visit homeless.lacounty.gov/get-help/
🔵 There's a newsletter specifically about El Niño preparedness.
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🟢 Subscribe to the El Niño Preparedness Newsletter
🟢 El Nino Fact Sheet (PDF)
FEMA Announces Additional Funds for Disaster Case Management
Today, FEMA announced an additional $11 million in funding for Disaster Case Management services to support Californians affected by disasters, including the 2025 Los Angeles County wildfires.
The grants announced today include more than $6.6 million for Disaster Case Management services provided for more than 3,000 survivors as a result of the 2025 California wildfires and straight-line winds that affected Los Angeles County.
The Disaster Case Management Program is a state-managed, FEMA-funded program that connects survivors with case managers, resources and services to support their long-term recovery. Case managers work directly with survivors to identify disaster-related needs, develop and carry out recovery plans, and make referrals for available assistance.
This support can address unmet financial, physical, emotional and spiritual needs and may include referrals for materials, volunteer labor and other recovery resources. The program helps survivors navigate recovery and work toward greater independence.
Sandbag Distribution Ahead of Storms
The County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works and partner agencies recently distributed more than 4,000 sandbags to residents of Altadena as the region braces for storm season.
In addition to traditional supplies stocked at fire stations, two supplemental sites are open to the public during the 2026-2027 storm season to allow residents within the Eaton and Palisades areas to secure up to 25 filled sandbags (or more, upon approval):
📍 Los Angeles County Public Works Fleet Maintenance Yard
252 Mountain View St., Altadena, CA 91001
📅 Open now through 4/15/2027
📍 Malibu Equestrian Park
6225 Merritt Dr, Malibu, CA 90265
📅 Open from 10/5/2026 through 4/15/2027
Sites will be self-service during dry periods, with staffing on-site two days prior to a forecasted rain event. Ready-to-Fill sandbags will be available at both sites, subject to change based on inventory.
Note to City of Los Angeles Residents:
The Los Angeles Fire Department provides free sandbags to homeowners at neighborhood fire stations. Residents can receive up to 25 ready-to-fill sandbags per household.
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The LA County Recovers website is always online and updated with new information and resources.
Check the sections below for featured resources related to:
-finding a job
-business recovery
-housing
-rebuilding
-health
-more
Additional City of LA wildfire recovery resources can be found here.
Survivors of the Eaton and Palisades Fires can access state services at this website.
The State of California also has the State Supplemental Grant Program and the Disaster Case Management Program.
To contact FEMA, visit DisasterAssistance.gov. To speak with a FEMA specialist directly call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use a video relay service, captioned telephone service, or other communication services, please provide FEMA the specific number assigned for that service. Lines are open daily from 4 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week.
Business and Job Assistance
Whether you're looking for a job or you're running a business, there are programs for Eaton Fire and Palisades Fire survivors that may be the right help for you.
🟢 “Shop Local. Dine Local. Recover Local”
The "Shop Local. Dine Local. Recover Local" campaign is making a difference in fire recovery, as this video illustrates. 📺
Local businesses in or near impacted areas can sign up to be included in the Recover Local Business Directory.
Shoppers and gift-givers can get Shop Local gift cards.
🟢 Financial Clinic for Small Businesses
The Los Angeles County Financial Clinic, is a no-cost program designed to help entrepreneurs and small businesses strengthen their financial health, pursue pathways to capital, reduce debt, improve credit, and build long-term financial resilience.
Program components include financial assessments, educational workshops, and in-depth one-on-one counseling.
🟢 Altadena Commercial Concierge Program
Small businesses and commercial property owners in Altadena can enroll in the Altadena Commercial Concierge Program with the County of Los Angeles Department of Economic Opportunity.
Get hands-on help securing required permits and licenses, one-on-one technical assistance, and access to essential resources to expedite your recovery and growth, including a 25% faster permit application submission to approval timeline.
✔ Altadena Commercial Recovery Partnership Survey
🟢 Small Business Administration Disaster Loan Outreach Centers
The application filing deadline for the January 2025 disaster has passed. These centers are focused on assisting survivors who have already applied and require additional guidance to complete or move their application forward.
Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance.
For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
Disaster Loan Outreach Center
📍 The Pali Hub
15239 La Cruz Dr., Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Disaster Loan Outreach Center
📍 Eaton Fire Collaborative – The Collaboratory
540 W. Woodbury Rd., Altadena, CA 91001
Mondays – Friday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Walk-ins are accepted, but in-person appointments can be scheduled in advance.
🟢 Recruitment Pop-Ups for Jobseekers
The LA County Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) and its AJCCs are hosting weekly recruitment popups for workers and job seekers impacted by the January 2025 wildfires and windstorms. These are every Thursday, 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
What to bring:
-Valid Photo ID (e.g., U.S. Driver’s License, other government-issued ID, or passport)
-Work authorization documents, such as: Social Security Card, US Birth Certificate, Permanent Resident Card or Alien Registration Card (Form I-551), or Employment Authorization Document (Form1-700). A full list of acceptable documents available here.
-Resume (if available)
-Create a profile on CalJOBS in advance here, if possible.
For individuals using TTY: 909-865-2835
🟢 Fire Recovery and Resilience Workforce Program
The Fire Recovery and Resilience Workforce Program provides immediate hiring and training support for impacted and dislocated workers from the January 2025 windstorms and wildfires in partnership with LA County Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) and the region’s America’s Job Centers of California.
Check eligibility and fill out an interest form here.
Los Angeles County Counsel is Taking Action Regarding Insurance
County Counsel is empowered by statute to investigate and prosecute violations of the Unfair Competition Law on behalf of the People of the State of California and seek restitution, civil penalties, and injunctive relief for any violations.
Affirmative Litigation & Consumer Protection - Office of the County Counsel
County Counsel's letter to Farmers seeking information and documentation on its business practices is available here (PDF).
County Counsel's State Farm Complaint (PDF)
A fact sheet regarding the lawsuit against State Farm is linked here: Fact Sheet (PDF)
Programs for Renters and Homeowners
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Whether you rent or own, there are programs which may help. Both homeowners and renters have options.
🟢 Mortgage Assistance for Primary Residences
The CalAssist Mortgage Fund program makes available up to a full year of mortgage assistance up to $100,000 that does not need to be repaid.
Eligible homeowners may receive 12 months of mortgage payments, paid directly to their mortgage servicers.
Homeowners are encouraged to apply for free as soon as possible. Go to the CalAssist website or call 800-501-0019.
🟢 California Department of Insurance Wildfire Recovery Resources
The California Department of Insurance has wildfire resources available here.
You'll find tips, guides, contact lists, reports, and more.
🟢 Continued Temporary Housing Assistance
If you registered with FEMA prior to March 31, 2025, and have not found permanent housing, received any FEMA funding for Rental Assistance (RA), or insurance coverage has run out for a rental, you could be eligible for Rental Assistance.
Registered households are encouraged to call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 or make updates to your FEMA application on www.DisasterAssistance.gov to request Rental Assistance.
If you remain displaced from your home following the initial RA grant and you can show documentation that RA was used for temporary housing, you may request Continued Temporary Housing Assistance (CTHA).
If you are a FEMA registered homeowner or renter who remains displaced from your home and you have exhausted insurance benefits or all other your rental resources, you should contact FEMA to determine your eligibility for RA or the CTHA program.
More information on rental assistance is here.
🟢 USDA Section 504 Single Family Housing Repair Program
Homeowners affected by the Eaton Fire may be eligible for grants of up to $32,420 per household for essential home repairs, including disaster-related damage, restoring habitability, and supporting necessary site preparation and cleanup activities.
For more information on these programs, contact Rural Development California State Director Bryan Anguiano at Bryan.Anguiano@USDA.gov.
To learn more about how to apply for these funds, and whom to contact, refer to this online fact sheet (PDF).
🟢 Rental Housing Habitability Program
This program aims to ensure rental units in unincorporated areas meet habitability standards, support property values, and provide safe living conditions.
Don't Go Homeless - Help is Available
Los Angeles County renters, homeowners, older adults, families, and fire survivors can access free homeless prevention programs and services including rental assistance, mortgage relief, utility assistance, legal aid, and housing navigation.
🟢 Get started by browsing available programs here.
📱 Calling 2-1-1 is an additional way to get information about available assistance.
Charitable Organization Provides A Sense of Home
A Sense of Home is an organization that provides fire survivors what's needed in their home to go about daily life: essential furniture and home goods donated by companies and individuals, based on each family’s needs, taste, and current inventory.
This can include beds, sofas, dining tables, chairs, dressers, etc. Depending on inventory, they might be able to provide kitchenware and small appliances; bedding, towels, and cleaning supplies; décor and personalized touches to bring comfort and dignity.
If you, or someone you know might benefit from connecting with A Sense of Home, contact them.
Rebuilding Options
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Depending on the location of your property, there are multiple options designed to address the difficulties of rebuilding. Information is gathered for the Palisades Fire properties here and the Eaton Fire properties here.
🟢 Here's a step-by-step guide for rebuilding.
🟢 Like-for-Like Rebuilds: And Why It Matters - Recorded Webinar
📺 Video 🖼 Slides (PDF)
To learn more about the benefits of a like-for-like rebuild visit the Like-For-Like Rebuild page.
🟢 Preapproved Plans: A Headstart for Homeowners - Recorded Webinar
📺 Video 🖼 Slides (PDF)
To learn more about the benefits of using pre-approved plans visit the County's Pre-Approved Plans page.
The City of Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) implemented a Pre-Approved Standard Plan Pilot Program to support homeowners in the Palisades to rebuild faster, more affordably, and with greater resilience.
🟢 The eCheck AI Pilot is one way residents can accelerate the approval process, along with opting for a pre-approved plans and a Like-for-Like Rebuild.
Here’s how residents can participate:
• Sign up for a free account:
➡ LA County (Altadena and other unincorporated areas)
➡ City of LA
➡ City of Malibu
• Look up your property address.
• Upload your architectural drawings in PDF format.
• Residents can choose between Like-for-Like and Non-Like-for-Like rebuild projects.
When results are ready, participants can review them on the eCheck platform and include the downloadable report in their permit application.
This is a completely voluntary pilot; it is not required as part of the existing Plan Check application process.
🟢 Resilient Rebuild Resources Guide - Recorded Webinar
📺 Video 🖼 Slides (PDF)
The County of Los Angeles has an introductory resource guide for planning, designing, and constructing healthy, fire resilient, and efficient buildings and properties.
🟢 Rebuilding Together Virtual Workshops
Recordings are available of over a dozen Rebuilding Together Virtual Workshops. Discover insights from experts on topics like addressing funding gaps, finding and working with design professionals and licensed contractors, navigating manufactured and factory-built home submittals, and more.
🟢 Fee Waivers and Refunds
The LA County Board of Supervisors approved a motion to waive and refund fees for qualifying property owners rebuilding single-family homes in unincorporated Los Angeles County following the Eaton and Palisades wildfires. Residents can check their eligibility on this Fee Waivers & Refunds page.
The City of Malibu has a Fee Waiver Program to help property owners affected by the recent fires. The program eliminates City planning and building permit fees for like-for-like, owner-occupied homes and duplexes.
The County of Los Angeles Board of Supervisors approved deferring and refunding specified permit fees for qualified City of Malibu homeowners who submit applications for County permits for rebuilding single-family homes impacted by Palisades Fire.
🟢 RISE Homes (Rebuilding Incentives for Sustainable Electric Homes) is a program to help customers rebuild their homes after a wildfire or other natural disaster by providing incentives to rebuild all-electric.
🟢 Rebuilding Permit Centers
LA County Rebuilding Permit Centers are open for guidance through the rebuilding process for residents affected by the Palisades and Eaton fires. These permit centers connect you with the departments responsible for rebuilding in your area.
City of LA - One Stop Permit Center
City of Malibu Rebuild Center
City of Pasadena Permit Center
Sheriff's Construction Check Program Available From Altadena Station
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Altadena Station has a free Construction Check Program, to provide regular courtesy checks to help prevent theft, vandalism, and trespassing during the rebuilding process.
What the checks include:
• Increased patrols in construction areas
• Inspections for unlocked doors or windows
• Checks for signs of forced entry or suspicious activity
• Immediate follow-up if concerns are found
How to sign up:
📧 Email altadenahomecheck@lasd.org with your name, address, and a valid callback number. Please include whether construction is active, as well as the construction company name/phone number.
Disaster Recovery District for Unincorporated Santa Monica Mountains
Los Angeles County is creating a Disaster Recovery District for unincorporated Santa Monica Mountains communities to help fund critical infrastructure projects.
The district can repair damaged or destroyed structures and improvements, support economic recovery, and mitigate the risk of future disaster. It also allows for an expedited adoption process.
For more information, including about public meetings, see this page of the LA County Recovers website.
Resource Hub Available
The County of Los Angeles has a resource hub to help you stay informed of federal and state budget cuts, eligibility changes, deadlines and news.
Seperately, disaster recovery resources continue to be available here.
Assistance Available for Food, Housing, and Other Needs
Please know that there are local resources and community efforts to support you. Whether the assistance needed is temporary or long-term, do not hesitate on locating assistance as soon as possible.
LA County has a network of 940 food pantries in place across the County coordinated by the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank.
For food assistance, people can visit their local food pantry or find one near them by checking here or visiting www.211la.org or calling 2-1-1.
211 is also helpful for finding assistance with housing and other needs.
Altadena’s Village Post Office
A Village Post Office is available at Webster’s Pharmacy in Altadena. The postal counter at Webster's accepts mail and package drop-offs, has pre-paid box services, flat-rate mailing supplies, and sells forever stamps.
📍 Location: Webster’s Community Pharmacy at Chase Plaza 2333 Lake Avenue, Altadena, CA 91001
Mental Health Help Continues to Be Available
If you or your loved ones are experiencing mental health distress related to the wildfires, do not hesitate to ask for help.
24/7 support and resources are available through the Los Angeles County Help Line for Mental Health & Substance Use Services at 800-854-7771 and through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (LACDMH) continues to support those impacted by the wildfires, and has provided services at evacuation centers, recovery hubs, schools, and within communities.
Staff is available to provide in-person mental health services (including counseling, support groups, crisis stabilization, and resource linkage) at two walk-in centers:
🕘 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday
📍 Eaton Fire Collaborative
540 W. Woodbury Road, Altadena, CA 91001
📍 Palisades Fire Collaborative
15247 La Cruz Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90272
📞 Services are also available through the LACDMH-run fire support line at 833-659-0600.
Addressing the Overdose Crisis
By LA For LA is an evidence-based strategy to address the overdose crisis by collaborating with an alliance of community-based partners to provide health and social services across LA County.
Take that first step in healing.
Watch a short video highlighting the program.
Environmental Assessment Results Available
on Post-Fire Dashboard
The Los Angeles County Post-Fire Environmental Data Dashboard is updated continually as new assessment results are made available. Residents are encouraged to check the dashboard regularly for updates. Changes are highlighted in the “Latest Updates” section on the homepage.
The Dashboard has results for soil lead testing, blood lead level monitoring, and more.
Soil Testing
For soil lead testing services, visit the USC CLEAN Program website
To view soil lead testing results, visit the Eaton/Palisades Post-Fire Dashboard – Surface Monitoring website.
Free Testing for Lead
Residents who were near wildfires or burn areas are able to receive free blood lead testing through December 2025 by the following two options:
1. Visit Your Medical Provider.
Ask your doctor for a blood lead test. Testing is covered by most insurance plans, including Medi-Cal.
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2. Schedule a Free Blood Lead Test at a Quest Lab.
Call 1-800-LA-4-LEAD (1-800-524-5323) to request a free appointment. Testing is simple, confidential, and convenient.
For more post-fire information from County of Los Angeles Public Health, click here.
Free Medical and Mental Health Clinic in Pasadena
Mondays and Wednesdays, from Noon to 5 p.m.
In person, hosted by the Eaton Health Village, in partnership with the Department of Mental Health
For free medical and mental health care, including medical consultations, medical refills, mental health services and case management, vision care, and dental care.
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Location: Pasadena Seventh-Day Adventist Church (1280 E. Washington Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91104)
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More information: 951-595-7032 or click here
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