California Sends Assistance to Lightning Fire Survivors

California Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner announced he is deploying Department of Insurance (CDI) consumer services staff to help residents and businesses recovering from the Central Coast lightning strike fires that occurred from June through August, 2008.

“The last thing fire survivors should have to worry about after losing their homes and belongings is a daunting recovery process,” Poizner said.

The Small Business Administration declared a disaster earlier this month, making SBA assistance available to those recovering from wildfire losses. The SBA is opening a Disaster Loan Outreach Center in Monterey County, Calif., on Monday, November 3, to issue loan applications, answer questions about the loan program, explain the loan process, and help individuals complete applications.

CDI staff will be available at the Outreach Center to respond to insurance-related questions, help fire survivors understand their coverage, provide advice for filing a claim and assist with filing a complaint if necessary.

The Disaster Loan Outreach Center will operate in Carmel on Monday, November 3. The operating hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (For more information, visit www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance.

Source: CDI