FEMA center opens in Sonoma Valley

One-stop shop for insurance claims, short-term lodging and more.|

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has opened a local assistance center at Hanna Boys Center at 17000 Arnold Drive.

FEMA representatives, at what’s being dubbed the Sonoma Local Assistance Center (LAC), will be able to help residents with a wide range of services when the immediate fire threat has passed. The center will help with services like insurance claims, short-term lodging, clothing, animal services, and clean-up information.

The LAC will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day, with the last entry at 6 p.m. so people have time to access all services available.

The LAC at the Press Democrat Building is also open and ready to assist. Visit 427 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa between 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Both sites are open daily.

All individuals are welcome at the LAC regardless of documented immigration status.

Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones is visiting local assistance centers in Napa and Sonoma to meet with wildfire victims and insurers working to expedite claims. Commissioner Jones declared an emergency situation, which allows insurers to expand their claims adjuster workforce by using out of state claims adjusters in order to respond more quickly to policyholder needs. Jones also obtained agreements from many of the largest insurers to expedite claims and offer flexibility with deadlines and documentation typically required for claim settlement.

Register with FEMA before arriving if possible using an application checklist available at: disasterassistance.gov/get-assistance/application-checklist.

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