The day the tag goes on the door, you have a hundred questions and no one to ask. This guide gives you the answers in order, so you don't lose days, money or paperwork. Every fact is linked to the official source it comes from.
Know where you stand in 5 minutes
A one-page decoder of the red, yellow and green tags: what each one lets you do (enter, take belongings, stay), and who has the power to remove it.
A first-72-hours checklist
What to photograph, what to keep, and who to call, in what order, before the cleanup starts.
The right phone number, not a call center
One page per city with the official building, planning and Coastal Commission contacts: Long Beach, Laguna Beach, Dana Point, San Clemente and Malibu.
Repairs without stepping on a permit
The Coastal Commission's emergency permit process in plain steps, so urgent work on a bluff or seawall doesn't turn into a violation.
Claims with the paperwork ready
Document checklists for FEMA, utility (SCE) and insurance claims, plus the questions to ask your insurer about what your policy includes. Information only, not legal or financial advice.
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