Disaster Help Center

Visit www.ca.gov/lafires for information and resources for Californians impacted by the Los Angeles Fires.

Resources from the California Department of Consumer Affairs


Contractors State License Board (CSLB)

As a consumer protection agency and in its role regulating California's construction industry, the Contractor's State License Board (CSLB) is responsible for protecting those whose homes and property are directly affected by wildfires, as well as other catastrophic events like floods, mudflows, earthquakes, and pipeline explosions.

CSLB's post-disaster mission is to help ensure that survivors are not victimized by unlicensed or unscrupulous contractors who may try to take advantage of them during the recovery and rebuilding process. It is a felony to contract without a license in a declared disaster area. Consumers can protect themselves by using CSLB's resources to check a contractor's license status and history.

Resources from CSLB:


Web: www.cslb.ca.gov/media_room/disaster_help_center
Facebook: @CSLB.CA | X: @CSLB | Instagram: @cacontractorsboard

Check a license: http://cslb.ca.gov/OnlineServices/CheckLicenseII/CheckLicense.aspx
File a complaint: http://cslb.ca.gov/Consumers/Filing_a_Complaint/

California Board of Pharmacy

Consumers: During a disaster evacuation, the Board stresses the importance of staying on a prescribed medication treatment plan. Take steps to ensure that medications are not exposed to water or extreme temperatures. Consumers can find an open pharmacy in areas impacted by disaster at: www.healthcareready.org/rxopen.

The Emergency Prescription Assistance Program (EPAP) helps people in a federally-identified disaster area who do not have health insurance get the prescription drugs, vaccinations, medical supplies, and equipment that they need. To determine eligibility for EPAP, call (855) 793-7470.

Pharmacists: During a declared state of emergency, the Board reminds pharmacies of information and state laws intended to help pharmacists provide prescription drugs— including controlled substances— for residents displaced because of emergency evacuation.


Web: www.pharmacy.ca.gov/ | X: @CAPharmboard
Preparing for an emergency evacuation: www.pharmacy.ca.gov/consumers/disaster_planning_tips.pdf

California Architects Board

The Board's Disaster Preparedness page advises consumers to be aware that illegal operations often try to take advantage of a disaster situation. The Board has two publications to assist consumers: The Homeowner's Rebuilding Bulletin and the Consumer's Guide to Hiring an Architect. These publications can help consumers understand how to hire an architect, their rights in obtaining copies of plans, the steps to take in negotiating a contract, and general suggestions to assist in the planning and rebuilding process.

Web: www.cab.ca.gov/cons/disaster_prep.shtml
Facebook: @CaliforniaArchitectsBoard | X: @CAArchitectsBd | Instagram: @caarchitectsboard

Bureau of Household Goods and Services (BHGS)

The Bureau of Household Goods and Services (BHGS), under the Department of Consumer Affairs, protects California consumers through enforcement and licensing of professions in household moving, electronic and appliance repair, service contracts, upholstered furniture and bedding, and thermal insulation. 

Resources from BHGS:

Web:  https://bhgs.dca.ca.gov/
Facebook: @CalBHGS | X: @CalBHGS | Instagram: @calbhgs

Check a license: https://bhgs.dca.ca.gov/enforcement/lookup.shtml
File a complaint: https://bhgs.dca.ca.gov/webapplications/apps/complaint/index.shtml

California Department of Consumer Affairs

Email: cafires@dca.ca.gov

Phone Number: (800) 952-5210

Web: www.dca.ca.gov

Facebook: @CaliforniaDCA | X: @CaliforniaDCA | Instagram: @CaliforniaDCA

State Agency Resources


California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES)

Cal OES is responsible for overseeing and coordinating emergency preparedness, response, recovery, and homeland security activities within the state of California. Cal OES regularly dispatches team members to join first responders, emergency leaders, and those affected by disasters that threaten public safety, to tell their stories and provide information essential to the public.

Web: www.caloes.ca.gov
Facebook: @CaliforniaOES | X: @cal_oes | Instagram: @cal_oes

Listos California

Every Californian, regardless of age, ability, income, or language, deserves culturally competent education to prepare for wildfire, flood, earthquake, drought, heatwave and other disasters. Listos California engages a statewide network of community-based organizations, Tribal Governments, and Community Emergency Response Teams across the state to boost resiliency, provide accessible in-language information and advance a new culture of disaster preparedness.

Web: https://listoscalifornia.org
Facebook: @ListosCalifornia | X: @ListosCA

California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE)

CAL FIRE is dedicated to the fire protection and stewardship of over 31 million acres of California's privately-owned wildlands. In addition, the CAL FIRE provides varied emergency services in 36 of the State's 58 counties via contracts with local governments. CAL FIRE provides regular updates about fire incidents and detailed maps of fire areas.

Web: www.fire.ca.gov/ | Facebook: @CALFIRE | X: @CAL_FIRE | Instagram: @CALFIRE

California Department of Insurance

In an effort to assist victims of these devastating fires, DOI works closely with other federal, state and local agencies to assist in recovery issues related to insurance. Californians should work with their agent, insurer claims adjuster, and insurer with a goal of achieving a settlement that they believe is fair and consistent with their coverage. For questions about insurance or a dispute with an insurer, please contact DOI at 1-800-927-4357.

Web: www.insurance.ca.gov/01-consumers/140-catastrophes/WildfireResources.cfm
Facebook: @insurancecagov | X: @CDInews

Watch CSLB’s video to see the process of developing a rebuilding plan, hiring a contractor, financing, contracts, and actual project work. It also reviews some of the perils that homeowners can face and how to avoid them.

Watch DCA’s video on the role architects play in rebuilding after a disaster.

Image of an article from the Fall 2019 edition of the Consumer Connection magazine

From the fall 2019 edition: Learn how to prepare for a Public Safety Power Shutoff and what to expect.

PDF | Text

Image of the Spring 2019 edition of the Consumer Connection magazine

From the spring 2019 edition: California is counting on you in the war on wildfires. Learn about the state’s efforts in wildfire prevention, suppression, and emergency response; and how to clear defensible space around a home to decrease wildfire risk.

PDF | Text