Los Angeles Wildfires: Resources and Steps for Business Recovery

• Altadena Chamber of Commerce
• American Indian Chamber of Commerce
• Glendale Chamber of Commerce
• Greater Los Angeles African American Chamber of Commerce
• Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce
• Malibu Pacific Palisades Chamber of Commerce
• Pasadena Chamber of Commerce
• Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce

• Governor Newsom provides ongoing support to help business owners and workers recover from LA firestorms
• Governor Newsom’s Executive Orders Related to Fire
• Presidential Major Disaster Declaration

• Asian Pacific Islander Small Business Program
• Los Angeles SBDC Locations
• New Economics for Women
• PACE Business Development Center
• Pasadena Women’s Business Centers
• Vermont Slauson Women’s Business Center

• Disaster Relief – The Los Angeles Fires: The Valley Economic Alliance
• Disaster Relief Loan Guarantees: IBank
• Economic Recovery After a Disaster: California Office of Emergency Services
• LA Regional Small Business Owners Legal Aid Program: Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity
• Los Angeles Fire Advisory for ABC Licensees: Alcoholic Beverage Control
• Permit and Regulatory Assistance: Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development
• Resources for California Fire Victims: State Treasurer’s Office
• Together for LA: Los Angeles Economic Development Corp.

• Southern California Edison Power Outage Map: Status of power outages in Southern California Edison service areas
• Economic Development Rate Program from Southern California Edison: Electric bill discounts for selected business customers.
• LADWP Power Outage Map: Real-time updates on power outages in Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) service areas

• Emergency Tax Relief: California Department of Tax and Fee Administration
• Extension of Business Tax Renewals: City of Los Angeles Office of Finance
• Emergency Tax Relief for Los Angeles County: Franchise Tax Board
• Property Tax Disaster Relief: Board of Equalization
• Reduction of Assessed Value: Board of Equalization
• Tax Assistance After a Disaster: California Office of Emergency Services
• Tax Relief for Wildfire-Impacted Taxpayers: Internal Revenue Service

• California Donations Portal
• California Volunteers Fund
• Emergency Network Los Angeles (ENLA)

• Disaster Unemployment Assistance: Employment Development Department
• Layoff Aversion: Employment Development Department
• Emergency Relief for Workers and Businesses: Employment Development Department
• Emergency and Disaster Assistance for Employers: Employment Development Department
• Rapid Employment Strategies Pilot on Natural Disasters (RESPOND): Employment Training Panel
• WorkSource Centers: City of Los Angeles Economic & Workforce Development Department

• Wait for Official Clearance: Return to your property only when local authorities confirm it is safe.
• Use Protective Gear: Wear gloves, masks, and sturdy shoes when inspecting the site.
• Inspect for Hazards: Look for structural damage, electrical hazards, gas leaks, and standing water.
• Document the Damage: Take detailed photos and videos of affected areas, including equipment, inventory, and structures, for insurance claims.

• Notify Your Insurer Immediately: Begin the claims process as soon as possible.
• Provide Documentation: Submit photos, videos, receipts, and an inventory of damaged items.
• Understand Your Policy: Review your coverage for property damage, business interruptions, and loss of income. Top Ten Tips For WildfireClaimants
• Work with the Adjuster: Facilitate inspections to expedite the claims process.
• Key Tips for Insurance Success:
  • Obtain a complete copy of your insurance policy.
  • Track all additional living expenses (ALE).
  • Keep records of conversations with your insurer/adjuster.
  • Avoid rushed decisions—if unsure, consult experts.

• Inform Employees: Share updates on your business’s status, temporary work arrangements, and reopening timelines.
• Notify Customers and Vendors: Use your website, social media, email, and signage to communicate closures, alternative services, or temporary locations.
• Maintain Transparency: Set realistic expectations while reassuring stakeholders of your recovery plans.

Find all available resources on Outsmart Disaster’s Wildfire Recovery Page.

• Apply for SBA Disaster Loans: Access low-interest loans to repair damages and cover working capital needs.
• Seek FEMA Assistance: File for federal or state disaster aid, if eligible.
• Connect with Local Resources: Reach out to your local Chamber of Commerce, Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs), or nonprofit organizations for support.
• Explore Tax Relief: Research federal, state, or local tax credits and deductions for disaster-related expenses.

• Relocate Operations: Identify temporary locations to resume services.
• Shift to Remote Work: Enable employees to work remotely to maintain operations.
• Focus on Core Services: Prioritize critical products or services during rebuilding.
• Leverage Partnerships: Collaborate with nearby businesses to share resources or temporarily co-locate.

• Conduct a Post-Event Review: Meet with your team to identify successes and challenges during the disaster.
• Update Your Business Continuity Plan (BCP): Apply lessons learned to strengthen future preparedness.
• Strengthen Infrastructure: Invest in fire-resistant materials, better data backup systems, and enhanced safety measures.
• Support Employee Well-Being: Provide counseling or other resources for employees impacted by the disaster.
• Rebuild Trust: Reconnect with the community through promotions, events, or partnerships to re-establish your presence.