Recovery Update – Oregon Wildfires

Nov. 4, 2020 • DR-4562-OR • Update 002

Still Time to Apply for FEMA Assistance

The deadline for applying for FEMA assistance is Nov. 16. Those affected by wildfires in Clackamas, Douglas, Jackson, Klamath, Lane, Lincoln, Linn and Marion counties can still apply by visiting disasterassistance.gov, using the FEMA app or by calling 800-621-3362 or (TTY: 800-462-7585). The toll-free telephone lines operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. PST, seven days a week. Those who use a Relay service such as a videophone, InnoCaption or CapTel should update FEMA with their specific number assigned to that service. It is important that FEMA is able to make contact. Be aware that phone calls from FEMA may come from an unidentified number.

Read “Help After a Disaster”—translated into 27 languages—to better understand FEMA Individual Assistance.

Videos about FEMA Assistance with closed captioning and American Sign Language interpretation available here.

FEMA Approves Direct Temporary Housing for Jackson, Linn and Marion Counties

At the request of Gov. Kate Brown, FEMA has approved the use of Direct Temporary Housing for Jackson, Linn and Marion counties in Oregon. Direct Temporary Housing is a short-term solution to a long-term plan. The approval partially meets the need for temporary housing solutions following the disastrous wildfires that have raged through the state.

To be eligible, survivors must apply with FEMA and an applicant’s primary residence must be in one of the counties authorized for temporary direct housing. Pre-disaster homeowners whose residence had a FEMA inspection with a verified loss of $17,000 or more may be eligible. Pre-disaster renters whose residences have been determined by FEMA to have received major damage or have been destroyed may be eligible. Survivors do not apply for Direct Housing, rather FEMA makes a determination based on the criteria established for the program then contacts eligible applicants. FEMA offers the type of temporary housing solution based on the household’s needs. Applicants with access and functional needs are prioritized for accessible transportable temporary housing units.

Right of Entry is Required for Debris Pickup Assistance

Did You Know? For wildfire debris removal, property owners must sign a Right of Entry access agreement to allow cleanup crews to enter their private property. The Environmental Protection Agency began working on the cleanup Oct. 19. This is the first step in the cleanup process and must be completed before ash and debris removal.

For information on how to submit a Right of Entry form, visit your county government website or call 682-800-5737. To learn more about hazardous household waste and debris pickup, visit wildfire.oregon.gov/cleanup.

Resources for Wildfire Survivors

Free Crisis Counseling is Available

• Stress, anxiety and other depression-like symptoms are common reactions after a major disaster. Free crisis counseling is available through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Disaster Distress Helpline for both children and adults.
• For more information about the SAMSHA Disaster Distress Helpline, visit www.samhsa.gov/find-help/disaster-distress-helpline.
• For a list of mental health resources in Oregon visit the Oregon Health Authority website.
• To view an accessible video about crisis counseling with closed captioning and American Sign Language interpretation visit youtu.be/mrJN1CRBxfE.

External Outreach Sites Now Open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday

• These sites offer in-person assistance for survivors to get information about their application, ask questions about letters they receive from FEMA, and have their documents scanned to be part of their application. Representatives from FEMA’s Individual Assistance program are available at all sites.