Disaster and Emergency Services Commission
Commissioners
Disaster Preparedness
Resources
Southern California Fires
- VA can help during a natural disaster. Visit va.gov/resources/disaster-help/ or call 1-800-MYVA411
- Federal Assistance – Individuals or households that have suffered damage in a Presidentially-declared disaster can register for assistance online at disasterassistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-3362
- Mutual Aid Network Los Angeles has put together a mass list of resources all throughout the area – View Resource List
- More Resources
- Airbnb.org is providing free, temporary housing for people who have been displaced by the Los Angeles wildfires – More Information
- Primm Valley Casino Resorts is offering rooms at a very discounted rate for those displaced by the fires – More Information
- Discounted Hotels
- YMCA is offering free childcare – More Information
- The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced the implementation of federal disaster assistance for the state of California – More Information
How You Can Help
Southern California Fires
- We are currently accepting donations for the California Disaster Relief Fund – Donate Today | View Flyer
- Hollywood Post 43 is accepting donations of supplies and funds – View Flyer
- Palisades Post 283 is accepting donations for victims in the Palisades fires – Donate Today | More Information
An American Flag flies where American Legion Indian Valley Post 568 once stood.
CALIFORNIA VETERANS MOBILIZE FOR DIXIE FIRE SUPPORT
As fires rage in the north of California, an outpouring of support for its survivors continues. Shortly after Indian Valley Post 568 reported its building had been destroyed in the Dixie Fire, The American Legion’s Department of California rallied to support.
“We know that our post in Greenville was destroyed by fire, but more importantly the community of Greenville was destroyed,” said Department Commander Autrey James. “Members and non-members lost homes, veterans and non-veterans lost homes. We had to follow through on our mission to help veterans, families and our communities, so for me it was just matter of ‘how can we help?’”
If you would like more information on how to donate to support the survivors of the Dixie Fire, visit https://calegion.org/fire-relief-fund/
The Dixie Fire is currently the largest active fire in the country and the second-largest in California’s history, with the blaze having devastated more than 635,000 acres of land and an estimated 630 homes, according to Cal Fire.
Eligibility
- Eligibility open to Legionnaires and Sons of The American Legion members (up to $3,000) Legion Posts (up to $10,000).
- Applicant must have been displaced from their primary residence due damage sustained during a declared natural disaster.
- Not meant to replace or repair items, only to meet most immediate needs (i.e., temporary housing, food, water, clothing, diapers, etc.) during the period immediately following the disaster.
- Does not cover insurance compensation or monetary losses from a business, structures on your property (barns, tool sheds, etc.,) equipment or vehicles.
- Membership must be active at time of disaster and the time of application.
Application Requirements
- Application must be submitted to the Department Headquarters within 90 days of disaster.
- Disaster must be a “declared” natural disaster for Legion Family members.
- Supporting data (photos, receipts, repair estimates, etc.) should be included if at all possible or statements (testimony) from post/district/department officers attesting to damages to residence requiring displacement.
- Only one grant per household per disaster.
- Post grants must derive from a declared natural disaster and substantiating documentation must provide that The American Legion post will cease to perform the duties and activities in the community due to losses sustained.
Department ByLaws
DISASTER AND EMERGENCY SERVICES: To organize the membership of the department into a cohesive unit and to facilitate and improve cooperation with all law enforcement agencies concerning disaster relief.
