BEEEP BEEEP BEEEP, it was 6 am, Wednesday morning, and I woke up to an unfamiliar chime and buzz from my cellphone. “Emergency Alert: Evacuation Warning has been issued in your area” was flashing on the screen and the power was still down since the night before. In the darkness, I woke up my wife and daughter and told them to start packing. We scrambled because we were not sure what to pack and eventually decided to pack only the essential items like clothing and supplies instead of family photos and my daughter’s cherished trophies and medal collection from Speech and Debate. Although we ultimately chose not to evacuate until the order was issued, the packed luggages was laying around the living room floor, ready to go at a moment’s notice. We wore the same clothes and piled up dishes for several days after receiving a call from Crescenta Valley Water District to limit usage of water due to potential shortage of water supply to fight Eaton Fire.
Southern California Edison turned off the power at my house as a part of Public Safety Power Shutoff to prevent spread of wild fire in the area and will be turned off for the next several days. So the next morning, I decided to go into my office in Monterey Park to recharge cellphones and portable batteries. However, what should have been my usual commute to the office was nothing but usual. The smoke and ashes covered the sky in grayish orange color and every exit on 210 freeway to La Canada, Altadena and Pasadena areas were closed because the residents of those areas had been evacuated and not allowed to return. Night made everything more eerie. As I drove through the local streets in Pasadena on my way home, several streets were blocked off due to downed trees and power lines forcing drivers into a maze of detours. The emergency back-up power must have failed in this area because none of the traffic signals and street lights were working, making the streets pitch black. After I got on the 210 freeway West, I witnessed the burning flames in Altadena around Eaton Canyon and followed by complete darkness in the La Canada where I grew up. As a member of the Foothill community for more than 30 years, I have personally experienced several wild fires but this was different. Our community has never seen such a level of destruction, devastation and displacement from a disaster.
I also learned that several of my friends, family members and clients were forced to evacuate within minutes of the issuance of the order. They were not even given much time to think what to pack but simply had to gather their loved ones to seek safety. Many of them have not been allowed to return and some no longer have a home to return to. My daughter has not been able to return to school for weeks because it has been closed due to smoke and ashes in La Canada but many kids in Altadena cannot return to school even after the fire subsides because their schools were burned down. For those families who need assistance and guidance to rebuild and recover, the path may seem intimidating and daunting. So the following is a summary of available information regarding the recovery process, including how to hold those responsible for causing such catastrophic damages.
As California grapples with the aftermath of the devastating Eaton Fire, affected residents are navigating a complex web of recovery options and potential legal recourse. This comprehensive guide outlines the steps for filing insurance claims, accessing federal assistance, and explores the ongoing legal action against Southern California Edison (SCE).
## Filing Insurance Claims
For homeowners impacted by the Eaton Fire, initiating the insurance claim process should be a top priority. Begin by documenting all damage thoroughly with photos and videos, then create a detailed inventory of lost or damaged items. It’s crucial to take measures to prevent further property damage before contacting your insurance provider to start the claims process. Throughout this process, maintain meticulous records of all communications with your insurer. In California, insurance companies are required to send a “notice of intentions” within 30 days of receiving your claim, ensuring prompt handling of the process.
## Applying for FEMA Assistance
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is offering aid to Eaton Fire victims. Affected residents can apply through DisasterAssistance.gov, the FEMA mobile app, or by calling the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362 (4 AM to 10 PM PST). When applying, applicants should have their Social Security number, insurance information, description of damages, annual household income, contact information, and bank account details for direct deposit ready. FEMA assistance can cover temporary housing, home repairs, and other disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance.
## Additional Recovery Options
Beyond insurance claims and FEMA assistance, several other recovery options are available to fire victims. The Small Business Administration (SBA) offers low-interest disaster loans for businesses, homeowners, and renters. The IRS may provide tax relief options, including filing extensions and expedited refunds. Local Assistance Centers offer in-person help for aid applications and accessing various services. Free legal assistance may be available for disaster-related issues, and those who lost jobs due to the fire might be eligible for disaster unemployment benefits. For immediate food needs, programs like CalFresh and local food banks are accessible.
## Legal Action Against Southern California Edison
In the wake of the Eaton Fire, multiple lawsuits have been filed against SCE, alleging the utility company’s negligence contributed to the fire’s ignition and spread.
The lawsuits allege that SCE failed to comply with essential electrical and fire safety standards, including proper maintenance of power lines and vegetation management. Key allegations against SCE include failure to de-energize power lines despite warnings of extreme fire weather conditions, negligence in maintaining power lines and managing vegetation near electrical equipment, using outdated equipment that increased fire risk, and ignoring fire risks while failing to take appropriate preventive measures.
SCE has responded to these lawsuits by denying responsibility for the Eaton Fire. However, the company has filed Electric Safety Incident Reports (ESIRs) due to media coverage and regulatory requirements. SCE maintains that its equipment was operational and no anomalies were detected in the hours leading up to the fire. The company has stated it will review the complaints once received and that the cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Legal proceedings are underway, with multiple lawsuits filed in Los Angeles Superior Court. Attorneys are holding informational meetings for fire victims to discuss potential claims. The legal process is expected to be lengthy, as investigations into the fire’s cause are ongoing. California law offers ways to consolidate claims against SCE through either a mass tort or class action lawsuit, aiming to streamline the legal process for multiple plaintiffs with similar claims.
As the community begins to rebuild, it’s crucial for affected residents to explore all available recovery options and stay informed about ongoing developments. Whether pursuing insurance claims, applying for federal assistance, or considering legal action, seeking professional help can be invaluable in navigating this challenging process. The road to recovery may be long, but with the right resources and support, those affected by the Eaton Fire can begin to rebuild their lives and communities.
Sidney Sohn
ssohn@venerablelaw.com
(213) 894-9780
