Recovery & Resources / AN ORANGE COUNTY GUIDE TO COPING WITH FIRE

HELP FROM THE FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

Fire victims may be eligible for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for temporary housing and financial help. Call (800) 462-9029 to register with FEMA. Before any benefits are received, people must give the following information:

* Date of fire.

* Social Security number.

* Family’s gross income before fire for the week, month, year.

* A telephone number where individuals can be reached or where a message can be left.

* Any insurance coverage, insurance company name, and name and telephone number of agent.

* Directions to their home from the nearest intersection.

WHERE TO SEND HELP

It is better to give to established organizations if donors are unsure about the legitimacy of some groups, according to officials at relief organizations. Some groups collecting money or serving as drop-off points.

* American Red Cross, at 601 North Golden Circle Drive in Santa Ana, needs bottled water donations. It also is accepting money, clothing, blankets, disposable diapers and personal hygiene items such as toothpaste and deodorant. Make checks payable to the American Red Cross. (714) 835-5381.

* Salvation Army, 1710 W. Edinger Ave., Santa Ana, is collecting food. Snack items, sandwich meats, juices and soda are needed. Emergency drop-off center is at 818 E. 3rd St., Santa Ana. (714) 546-7880.

* The Laguna Hills Mall located off Interstate 5 at the El Toro Road exit is accepting all donations for the Salvation Army and Red Cross through Wednesday near Sears. . (714) 586-8282. * Episcopal Service Alliance is collecting children’s clothing, underwear, socks, diapers, personal hygiene items such as razors, soap and toothbrushes, old towels and washcloths. Items can be taken to the Laguna Beach Community Service office at 31676 S. Coast Highway in Laguna Beach or offices at 1709 N. El Camino Real in San Clemente and 23421 South Point Drive 180 in Laguna Hills. (714) 588-7422.

* United Way of Orange County has established a special fund and is accepting monetary donations only. Make checks out to the United Way of Orange County--Orange County Fire Relief Fund, 18012 Mitchell Ave. Irvine, Calif. 92714. (714) 660-7600

* Irvine and Brea Improvisations are planning benefit nights Monday, Wednesday and Sunday. All donations will be turned over to the American Red Cross. (714) 854-5455 or (714) 529-7878.

* San Juan Capistrano Chamber of Commerce, 26832 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano, Calif. 92675. A relief fund has been set up at Farmers and Merchants Bank. Call the chamber office at (714) 493-4700 for information on how to contribute. Also being accepted are non-perishable food items, clothing and blankets which will be given to the Red Cross.

* Concordia University in Irvine is accepting food, blankets and clothing from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The address is 1530 Concordia West in Irvine. (714) 854-8002.

* The Church of Scientology of Orange County and Scientology Mission in Riverside will collect blankets, clean used clothing and non-perishable food. In Orange County, the drop-off spot is 1451 Irvine Blvd. In Riverside, items can be left at 1345 University, Suite F. (714) 544-5491.

BUSINESSES OFFERING ASSISTANCE

Partial list of businesses offering assistance:

Marriott Hotels

Residents whose homes have been damaged or destroyed will be offered a room at a discounted rate of $29 a night. The hotel is also offering rooms for $49 to residents who have been evacuated from their homes. The rate is available at any Marriott Courtyard, Fairfield Inn and some Residence Inns. Call (800) 321-2211.

Oakwood Apartments

A total of 50 units have been set aside for fire victims at the Newport Beach and Anaheim Oakwood Apartments. The fully furnished apartments are available free for 30 days to people whose houses were destroyed by the fire. Call: American Red Cross at (714) 835-5381.

Travelodge Hotel

13659 Beach Blvd., Westminster. Room with continental breakfast $45 a night. Call: (714) 373-3200.

California Palms Hotel

901 S. Harbor Blvd., Santa Ana. Rooms for $21 to $37 a night. Call: (714) 775-6768.

Doubletree Club Hotel

7 Hutton Centre Drive, Santa Ana. Room for $59 a night, includes breakfast. Call (714) 751-2400

Arnel Management Corp.

Manages 19 apartment complexes in the county. Has a list of furnished apartments ready for immediate occupancy, will waive security deposit for fire victims. Call: (714) 434-5100

Mobile Homes

The Salvation Army has been offered 60 mobile homes for residents who wish to stay on their own property. The mobile homes will be delivered free of charge, with rental rates to be negotiated. Call: Ian Robinson, (714) 546-7880

30-Minute Photos Etc.

92 Corporate Park Plaza, Irvine, corner of Jamboree and Barrance Parkway. Free reproduction from negatives, photos or photo albums for anyone whose photos were damaged by fire or water. Call: (714) 474-3942.

Orange County Optometric Assn.

Free eye exams, plus discounted and free glasses, contacts, contact cleaning supplies and eyedrops. (800) 994-7483.

South Coast Counseling Group

Free counseling for individuals, couples and children from a marriage, family and child counselor. Call: (714) 251-9630 or (714) 520-4894.

Veterinarian Centers of America

Free boarding of pets, excluding farm animals and horses. (714) 772-8220.

GTE and MCI

Free phone banks at the GTE Building, 295 Broadway, Laguna Beach; free local and toll calls to victims of the fire, free installation for residents forced to move due to the fire. Contact: Larry Cox, Dan Smith or Mike Murray at (800) 227-5556.

Sanwa Bank

One- to three-month deferral on existing loans; no fee, low-interest on new loans. Call: Sanwa Bank branches in Newport Beach at (714) 476-7000; Santa Ana at (714) 285-4570; or Mission Viejo at (714) 582-5641.

Orange County Teachers Federal Credit Union

Deferred payments on existing loans; interest-free loans for members. (714) 547-4141 Ext. 70

Irvine Co.

Housing assistance hot line for apartments in Newport Beach, Irvine and Tustin. (714) 720-2407.

Home Base

Free shovels, trash cans and work gloves for fire victims. Call: American Red Cross, (714) 835-5381.

Early Parenting Center

Diapers, formula, bottles and other baby supplies. Call: American Red Cross, (714) 835-5381

Marie Callendars Restaurant

Pies, baked goods, bottled water to be distributed to Red Cross shelters and to emergency operations stations.

Dorothy’s on Broadway Thrift Shop

355 Broadway, Laguna Beach. Free clothing, housing supplies and other items to local residents only. Must show proof of address. Doors open at 9 a.m. Donations of items can also be made at the Santa Ana store, 1401 N. Main St. Call: (714) 494-1911.

Fashion Island

Many merchants are offering discounts on clothing, shoes, household items and food. (714) 721-2000.

FHP Health Care

Will match employee contributions to the American Red Cross. (714) 378-5750.

The Irvine Co.

Will match employee donations to any fire relief organization. (714) 720-2407.