California Governor Schwarzenegger Applauds Efforts to Assist Victims in Recovery

10/24/2007 -- California Governor Schwarzenegger today applauded action taken today by Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner to assist fire victims in their recovery efforts by declaring an insurance emergency.

“I applaud Insurance Commissioner Poizner for taking action to assist the victims of these devastating wildfires in their recovery efforts. This is another example of government working together. We need to help the people of southern California rebuild as quickly as possible and this action will help them do so,” said Gov. Schwarzenegger.

Consumers who have an insurance policy and are at an evacuation center should contact their insurance company. The insurer may pay for consumers to stay at a hotel at no cost to the consumer. The insurer may also provide coverage for clothes and other necessities.

This insurance emergency declaration allows out-of-state insurance adjusters into California to process claims and helps expedite insurance claims and cut through red tape so people and businesses can get back on their feet more quickly. It will also help people get paid for daily incidentals while they are still in shelters.

The Governor today announced the opening of five local assistance centers in coordination with the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services and local governments. The local assistance centers will serve as efficient one-stop sources for disaster relief services including information on how to replace records lost in the fires, file insurance claims and apply for assistance and housing.

Following a letter the Governor sent to President Bush requesting a Major Disaster Declaration for the State of California, the President announced a Major Disaster Declaration this morning. The declaration will give assistance to individuals, families and businesses such as low interest loans from the Small Business Administration, grants for temporary housing, home repairs and disaster unemployment assistance. The declaration also includes funding for restoring damaged or replacing destroyed governmental infrastructure, such as roads, utilities and essential public buildings. It also includes reimbursement for a significant amount of emergency response costs and debris removal.

Source: California Governor

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