2023 Winter Storm Resources
Welcome to Congressman Jimmy Panetta’s Winter Storm Resources Page.
This page will be updated as more resources become available, so please check back frequently. Please subscribe to Rep. Panetta’s newsletter to receive updates about the Winter Storm and federal resources for recovery for both your families and your businesses. Please know CalTrans, CalOES, PG&E, and the local, state, and federal government are working together to keep communitites safe during the storm and will continue to work together to recover.
Deadline to Apply for FEMA Assistance Extended to September 1st
Renters and homeowners in Santa Cruz, San Luis Obispo and Monterey Counties impacted by the February and March storms and flooding will now have more time to sign up for federal disaster assistance. FEMA's registration period, due to end July 20, has been extended to Sept. 1, 2023.
The extended registration deadline will provide more time for survivors living in remote areas as well as for residents in counties recently designated for federal disaster assistance. President Biden declared the federal disaster April 3, 2023. It covers damage caused by severe winter storms, straight-line winds, flooding, landslides and mudslides between Feb. 21 and July 10, 2023.
FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program may provide disaster assistance for eligible costs of home repairs, rental assistance for temporary housing, essential personal property, disaster-related medical and dental care, funeral expenses, transportation and childcare.
There are three ways to apply for FEMA: Online at DisasterAssistance.gov, the FEMA mobile app or by calling FEMA at 800-621-3362.
If you use video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. Helpline operators are available from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. PT daily. Press 2 for Spanish. Press 3 for an interpreter who speaks your language. For an accessible video on how to apply, go to: youtube.com/watch?v=WZGpWI2RCNw.
If you have questions applying to federal disaster services or run into any issues please contact my office, I can help.
Assistance for Non-Citizens or Individuals With No Legal Status
FEMA is committed to helping all eligible disaster survivors recover from the effects of the severe winter storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides in California. Some may avoid seeking federal help because they are discouraged by false rumors or incorrect information. However, help may actually be available. Below is a guide for individuals to understand their eligibility and available assistance.
Disaster survivors who are U.S. citizens, qualified aliens and non-citizen nationals are eligible to apply for FEMA grant programs.
Anyone born in one of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam or the Northern Mariana Islands or a person born outside of the U.S. to at least one U.S. parent or a naturalized citizen.
If you have a child under 18 who is a U.S. citizen, you may apply on behalf of the child. The minor child who has legal status with a social security number and living in the same home may apply for assistance on behalf of the household that suffered damages or loss.
A qualified alien is:
- Anyone who has obtained legal residential status, or a “green card.”
- Non-citizens granted asylum
- Non-citizens whose deportation status is being withheld for at least one year
- Non-citizens paroled into the U.S. for at least one year for urgent humanitarian purposes or significant public benefit.
- Refugees
- Cuban/Haitian entrants
- Certain aliens subject to extreme cruelty or have been a victim of a severe form of human trafficking, including persons with a “T” or “U” visa
A non-citizen national is a person born in an outlying possession of the U.S. (i.e., American Samoa or Swain's Island) or a person whose parents are U.S. non-citizen nationals. All U.S. citizens are U.S. nationals, but not every U.S. national is a U.S. citizen.
Individuals should consult an immigration expert to verify if they meet the immigration status requirements for FEMA disaster assistance.
Voluntary organizations that offer sustaining resources such as shelter, food and hydration, crisis counseling, disaster case management and disaster legal services are available to disaster survivors regardless of citizenship and immigration status. Some include:
- The American Red Cross at 800-733-2767 or visit local American Red Cross chapter for information about your local Red Cross chapter.
- Dial 2-1-1 from any phone to find your local United Way or visit 211.org to find the phone number for the service in your area.
To learn about help available from other state and local volunteer agencies, visit California Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster at www.calvoad.org.
Agriculture Disaster Assistance
Local Farm Service Agency Offices:
Monterey County Farm Service Agency
744 LA Guardia St. Bldg. A
Salinas, CA 93905
Phone: 831-424-7377
San Benito County Farm Service Agency
2337 Technology Pkwy STE. C
Hollister, CA 95023
Phone: 831-637-4360 ext. 3
San Luis Obispo County Farm Service Agency
65 S Main St. STE 106
Templeton, CA 93465
Phone: 805-434-0396
Emergency Conservation Program (ECP): Helps farmers and ranchers repair damage to farmlands caused by natural disasters and put in place methods for water conservation during severe drought. The ECP does this through funding and technical assistance.
Tree Assistance Program (TAP): Provides financial assistance to qualifying orchardists and nursery tree growers to replant or rehabilitate eligible trees, bushes, and vines damaged by natural disasters.
Noninsured Disaster Assistance Program (NAP): Pays covered producers of covered noninsurable crops when low yields, loss of inventory, or prevented planting occur due to natural disasters (includes native grass for grazing). Eligible producers must have purchased NAP coverage for the current crop year.
Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish (ELAP): Provides emergency assistance to eligible producers of livestock, honeybees and farm-raised fish for losses due to disease (including cattle tick fever), adverse weather, or other conditions, such as blizzards and wildfires, not covered by LFP and LIP
Emergency Loan Program: Provides loans to help producers recover from production and physical losses due to drought, flooding, other natural disasters, or quarantine by animal quarantine laws or imposed by the Secretary under the Plant Protection Act.
Disaster Set-Aside Program: Provides producers who have existing direct loans with FSA who are unable to make the scheduled payments to move up to one full year’s payment to the end of the loan. Assistance is available in counties, or contiguous counties, who have been designated as emergencies by the President, Secretary or FSA Administrator.
TIPS:
- Call your local FSA office ASAP to get an FSA inspector to assess your damages.
- Do not move any damages until an FSA inspector assesses your damages.
- If you need to clean-up your operation be sure to take as many pictures of damages as you can.
More Time to File State Taxes for Californians Impacted by December and January Winter Storms
California is extending the tax filing deadline for Californians impacted by December and January winter storms to October 16, 2023 – aligning with the IRS.
The following counties are eligible for this extended tax relief, per the IRS announcements here and here:
Residents and businesses in Alameda, Alpine, Amador, Butte, Calaveras, Colusa, Contra Costa, Del Norte, El Dorado, Fresno, Glenn, Humboldt, Inyo, Kings, Lake, Los Angeles, Madera, Marin, Mariposa, Mendocino, Merced, Mono, Monterey, Napa, Nevada, Orange, Placer, Riverside, Sacramento, San Benito, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Francisco, San Joaquin, San Luis Obispo, San Mateo, Santa Barbara, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Siskiyou, Solano, Sonoma, Stanislaus, Sutter, Tehama, Trinity, Tulare, Tuolumne, Ventura, Yolo, and Yuba counties who have been affected by severe winter storms, flooding, landslides, and mudslides are eligible for tax relief.
This relief applies to deadlines falling on or after January 8, 2023, and before October 16, 2023, including the 2022 individual income tax returns due on April 18 and the quarterly estimated tax payments, typically due on January 17, 2023 and April 18, 2023. Those payments were previously extended to May 15, 2023 for those impacted by winter storms.
The IRS announced tax relief for Californians affected by these winter storms. Taxpayers affected by these storms qualify for an extension to October 16, 2023 to file individual and business tax returns and make certain tax payments. This includes:
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Individuals whose tax returns and payments are due on April 18, 2023.
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Quarterly estimated tax payments due January 17, 2023, April 18, 2023, June 15, 2023, and September 15, 2023.
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Business entities whose tax returns are normally due on March 15 and April 18.
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PTE Elective Tax payments due on June 15, 2023.
CLAIMING DISASTER LOSSES
Taxpayers affected by a presidentially declared disaster may claim a deduction for a disaster loss. Taxpayers may claim a disaster loss when filing either an original or amended tax year 2022 tax return.
When filing their return, taxpayers should write the name of the disaster in blue or black ink at the top of their tax return to alert FTB. If filing electronically, taxpayers should follow the software instructions to enter disaster information. If a taxpayer receives a late filing or payment penalty notice related to the postponement period, they should call the number on the notice to have the penalty abated.
Additional information and instructions are available in FTB Publication 1034, 2022 Disaster Loss: How to Claim a State Tax Deduction.
Disaster victims can receive free copies of their state returns to replace those lost or damaged. To do so, they should use form FTB 3516 and write the name of the disaster in blue or black ink at the top of the request.
For a complete list of all disasters declared in California, see the chart on FTB’s disaster loss webpage.
Disaster Unemployment
This program is in the process of opening and constituents should go to EDD.ca.gov to pre-register for benefits.
FEDERAL FEMA DISASTER ASSISTANCE:
When a major disaster is declared, visit www.disasterassistance.gov to check your eligibility for disaster assistance.
When a disaster declaration is declared, you can sign up for individual disaster assistance.
FEMA's Individuals and Households Program (IHP) provides financial and direct services to eligible individuals and households affected by a disaster, who have uninsured or underinsured necessary expenses and serious need. IHP Assistance may include:
- Funds for temporary housing while you are unable to live in your home, such as rental assistance, or reimbursement for hotel costs
- A temporary housing unit, if approved for the disaster, when you are not able to use rental assistance due to a lack of available housing resources
- Funds to support the repair or replacement of owner-occupied homes that serve as the household's primary residence, including privately-owned access routes, such as driveways, roads, or bridges
- Funds for other uninsured or under-insured disaster-caused expenses and serious needs, such as repair or replacement of personal property and vehicles, or funds for moving and storage, medical, dental, child care, funeral, and other miscellaneous items approved by your state, territory, or tribal government
- Funds for hazard mitigation assistance to help eligible homeowners repair or rebuild stronger, more durable homes.
Flood Insurance Claims via the National Flood Insurance Program: https://www.floodsmart.gov/how-do-i-start-my-flood-claim
General Warnings and Resources:
Stay Safe During a Flood:
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Evacuate immediately, if told to evacuate. Never drive around barricades. Local responders use them to safely direct traffic out of flooded areas.
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Contact your healthcare provider If you are sick and need medical attention. Wait for further care instructions and shelter in place, if possible. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 9-1-1.
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Listen to EAS, NOAA Weather Radio or local alerting systems for current emergency information and instructions regarding flooding.
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Do not walk, swim or drive through flood waters. Turn Around. Don't Drown!
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Stay off bridges over fast-moving water. Fast-moving water can wash bridges away without warning.
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Stay inside your car if it is trapped in rapidly moving water. Get on the roof if water is rising inside the car.
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Get to the highest level if trapped in a building. Only get on the roof if necessary and once there signal for help. Do not climb into a closed attic to avoid getting trapped by rising floodwater.
Power Outage Safety:
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Monitor alerts: Check local weather reports and any notifications by phone, television or radio. Utility officials may come to your door to alert you of a planned power outage.
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Keep food cold and when in doubt, throw it out: Eat your fresh, perishable foods first. Avoid opening your refrigerator and freezer to preserve cool temperatures. An unopened refrigerator will keep foods cold for about 4 hours. Throw out food that has been warmer than 40 degrees F.
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Prevent power overloads and fire hazards: Unplug appliances and electronics to avoid power overloads or damage from power surges. Use flashlights, not candles. If any circuit breakers have been tripped, contact an electrician to inspect them before turning them on.
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Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning: Don't use a gas stove to heat your home and do not use outdoor stoves indoors for heating or cooking. If using a generator, keep it outside in a well ventilated area away from windows.
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Decide if you need to stay or go: Evacuate if your home is too hot or too cold, or if you have medical devices that need power. Communities often provide warming or cooling centers and power charging stations.
American Red Cross:
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The American Red Cross (Red Cross) provides emergency food, shelter, and disaster health and mental health services to individuals and families that have been affected by a disaster.
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Immediate Assistance:
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American Red Cross of the Central Coast: (831) 624-6921
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American Red Cross of San Jose: (877) 727-6771
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Find Open Shelters by clicking here.
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Visit the Regional Information Page by clicking here.
United Way:
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Call 2-1-1 for local United Way Emergency Services
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The United Way provides on-the-ground disaster response, including raising funds; providing resources like food, water and shelter; mobilizing volunteers; and engaging local partners to ensure community stability.
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They also serve as a convener for social service providers to assess needs and ensure the delivery of ongoing support.
Evacuation Map: https://aware.zonehaven.com/search
Latest Weather Updates at National Weather Service: https://www.weather.gov/
PG&E Outage Center: https://pgealerts.alerts.pge.com/outagecenter/
PG&E is working to restore power to its customers, but comtinued strong winds and heavy rain may delay restoration operations due to unsafe conditions. Customers can sign up for outage notification and view real-time outage information at the above website.
MONTEREY COUNTY: To visit the listed website, please click on the hyperlink.
Monterey County Disaster Website: This website includes information on open shelters, sandbag stockpiles, evacuation orders, evacuation points.
Emergency Services Disaster Resource Directory
Transportation Services: This website includes information about transportation to shelters during emergencies (English and Español).
Shelter Information and Locations
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY: To visit the listed website, please click on the hyperlink.
Santa Cruz County Disaster Website
Shelter Information and Locations
Donations and Volunteers
CalFresh Disaster Response: You may be elilgible for reimbursement for foods purchased that were spoiled because of power outages. The loss of food reporting requirement has been extended until Jan 30, 2023.
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY: To visit the listed website, please click on the hyperlink.
San Luis Obispo County Disaster Website: Includes evacuation orders, shelter information and locations.
SANTA CLARA COUNTY: To visit the listed website, please click on the hyperlink.
Santa Clara County Disaster Website: Includes evacuation orders, shelter information and locations.
HomeFirst Homeless Helpline: Call (408) 539-2105 or e-mail Home First Helpline to access the City of San Jose's Overnight Warming Location (OWL) program. HomeFirst's Outreach team provides access to emergency shelter, showers, laundry, meals, medical services, case management, employment training, and more.