April 29, 2023 - Continuing to work shoulder to shoulder with local, state, and federal partners to keep communities state in response to flooding in the Tulare Basin, Cal OES is working across state government to continue proactive preparedness and response efforts.
As the state’s lead emergency management agency, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) remains committed to supporting our communities and leveraging both state and federal aid to assist those who have been negatively impacted by the ongoing floods.
Governor Newsom declared a State of Emergency in 47 counties impacted by the February and March storms and subsequent flooding.
Following the state’s initial response, a Major Disaster declaration from President Joe R. Biden continues providing Californians with eligibility for federal relief programs and funding for disaster recovery centers and tactical recovery efforts.
Outlined below is a general overview of the approved aid and the subsequent steps that will be taken to support affected California communities.
MAJOR DISASTER DECLARATION
Governor Gavin Newsom requested a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration on March 28, 2023 in response to the February and March storms, which was approved by President Joe R. Biden on April 3, 2023. The disaster is declared as California Severe Winter Storms, Straight-line Winds, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides (DR-4699-CA).
The President has the authority to declare a Major Disaster Declaration for any natural event that is deemed to have caused damage beyond the capacity of state and local governments to manage. This declaration offers a broad range of federal assistance programs to support public infrastructure and individuals affected by the disaster.
CURRENT ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE FOR THIS FEDERAL MAJOR DISASTER DECLARATION
Please note that this Major Disaster Declaration is specific to the impacts of the February and March storms. To find information on the ongoing impacts of the January storms visit: 2023 Winter Storms Recovery.
Additional areas may be requested and added following further damage assessments for counties not presently covered by FEMA’s Major Disaster Declaration.
| Individual Assistance | Public Assistance | Hazard Mitigation Assistance | |
| Counties Designated | Kern, Mariposa, Monterey, San Benito, San Bernardino, Santa Cruz, Tulare, Tuolumne | Alpine, Calaveras, Fresno, Kern, Kings, Los Angeles, Mariposa, Merced, Monterey, San Benito, Sierra, Trinity, Tulare, Tuolumne | All 58 counties. |
| What it means | Individuals and households in these designated counties are eligible to apply for financial and direct services. Apply for assistance, or learn more about the Individual Assistance program. | State, local, tribal, and territorial governments and certain private-non-profit organizations in these designated counties are eligible for assistance for emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities. Learn more about the Public Assistance program. | Assistance to state and local governments and certain private non-profit organizations for actions taken to prevent or reduce long-term risk to life and property from natural hazards. |
WHERE TO GO FOR HELP
Resource Centers
Disaster recovery centers are activated following a major disaster to aid individuals and businesses that have suffered losses or damages as a result of the disaster. These centers are locally driven and vary in structure, drawing support from local, state, federal, and non-profit organizations. Find active disaster recovery centers here: Disaster Recovery Centers Now Open | Cal OES News
Federal Assistance
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
- California Secures Presidential Major Disaster Declaration to Support Storm Response and Recovery | Cal OES News
- Federal Assistance Now Available in Affected Counties Following February & March Storms | Cal OES News
Small Business Administration (SBA)
Individuals and business owners who sustained losses in the designated areas can apply for disaster assistance:
- Online at DisasterAssistance.gov
- Calling 800-621-3362
- By using the FEMA smartphone application
- If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service.
State Assistance
Franchise Tax Board
California Department of Social Services
Employment Development Department
- Seven previously-announced California counties also eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance benefits
- New Disaster Unemployment Assistance benefits declared for workers impacted by winter storms in seven California counties
Department of Justice
SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL
- California Continues its All-In Mission to Recover from the 2023 February and March Storms | Cal OES News
- State to Mobilize Flood Outreach Effort to One Million Californians | Cal OES News
- California Storm Response and Recovery Update | Cal OES News
- Governor Newsom Expands Storm State of Emergency to Four Additional Counties | Cal OES News
- Be Alert to Fraud After a Disaster | Cal OES News
- Central Valley Recovery Efforts: The Return of Tulare Lake | Cal OES News
- More California Counties Added to Presidential Major Disaster Declaration | Cal OES News
- Accessible Evacuations: How All Californians Can Prepare for Emergencies | Cal OES News
Source: Cal OES
