Staying safe through California’s...

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“We find in these events that individuals, families, and households are impacted in ways they aren’t anticipating. In addition to all the great federal resources that have been mentioned, we do have the most robust safety net array of any other state across the country,” Johnson expressed, noting that there is support provided based on every individual’s need, such as food, cash, and even housing assistance.

While this time is stressful on the physical, Johnson emphasized how the state also acknowledges that this stress can also impact one mentally and emotionally, especially if they are navigating through the changes brought upon by the storms. One program that is in place with hopes to ease these stressful times is called CalHOPE. This program can be reached through the following phone number, 833-317-HOPE, and their website www.calhope. org.

The CalHOPE program also has a separate number that focuses on acting as a “friendship line” for those who are isolated, especially older adults. They can be reached at the following number, 888-6701360.

“We’re putting out these opportunities and resources for real connections for those impacted and disrupted in their living circumstances and situations,” Johnson emphasized, where the variety of resources that everyone has detailed ranges in how they help those who have been impacted, from their physical needs to being able to talk to someone.

California Department of Insurance

Tony Cignarale, Deputy Insurance Commissioner for Consumer Services & Market Conduct Branch at the California Department of Insurance, spoke on how to handle damages caused by the flood through insurance.

Cignarale detailed what can and cannot be covered by insurance during winter storms. He emphasized how it is all dependent upon what coverage one has.

“In order to get covered for a tree falling on your car or flood damage you would need what’s called comprehensive coverage on your vehicle,” he described, where “for homes, businesses, or renters” it would be covered under standard homeowners, renters, and commercial property insurance policies.

However, even so, the type of damage and the cause is also crucial to every case. “Flood damage, which could include mudflow and debris flow, wouldn’t be covered under the standard policies unless you have separate flood insurance,” Cignarale explained, where rather most flood insurance is based upon the FEMA sponsored flood insurance program, the National Flood Insurance Program.

If you don’t have this insurance purchased, flood damages on your home or business will not be covered.

“However, there is one exception. If you’re in an area that had a prior wildfire and if the cause of the flooding to your property was from the burn scar of the prior fire, then you could have coverage under your home, renters, or commercial policy,” Cignarale described, emphasizing how the person would just have to be able to prove their claim by showing that there was a direct relationship between the fire and flood.

Cignarale ended his section by providing the following link (https://www.insurance.ca.gov/) to access more details on insurance and coverage during these times, as well as a number to call the California Department of In- surance, 800-927-4357.

Final thoughts

The webinar ended with, once again, the emphasis on the safety of the public, where the information provided was encouraged to be spread through media outlets and of course in telling loved ones.

A webinar attendee asked one final question. The speakers were asked to address how we can help protect our loved ones, especially elders, during these times. This is significant for the Filipino community, as our elders are very much central to many of our family lives.

“If you are able to spread this information, about the right and wrong places to go, I think that will be a huge help,” Diana Crofts-Pelayo answered, showing how we, as community members, can do our part to really help others and spread the word that can possibly change or even save a life.

“I think a lot of it comes down to a support network. That we have to be willing to do a bit of handholding… keep in close contact with the whole community and make sure we support each other on that front,” Vance Taylor added, further encouraging people to use the resources talked about in the webinar and essentially guiding those who may not be able to utilize them on their own.

Therefore, you, as a community or family member, can do your part in spreading the information that was provided above. Help keep your loved ones safe as well as yourself. Be prepared and diligent as we know not what the future will hold. If you, or a loved one, is currently in need of assistance in recovery or if you have been impacted by the recent storms, please visit the following link: https://www.disasterassistance.gov. (Amrylois Ferido/AJPress)