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Employment Law Blog
Essential Resources for Employers Navigating Southern California Wildfires
Jan 17, 2025

Essential Resources for Employers Navigating Southern California Wildfires

Topics: Employee Leave, Legal Information, OSHA Issues, Personnel Policies and Procedures, Wage & Hour Issues

At this critical time, CDF wants California employers to know that we are here to support you. To assist, we have put together a list of resources from state, federal, and other key sources to help employers navigate these difficulties and for the well-being of their workforce.

State Resources

1. California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES)

  • Website: Cal OES Wildfire Resources
    • Cal OES provides real-time updates on wildfire incidents, evacuation orders, and disaster recovery resources. Employers can access information on state assistance programs, including grants and loans for disaster recovery.

2. California Employment Development Department (EDD)

  • Website: EDD Disaster Services
    • EDD offers resources for businesses and employees affected by wildfires, including unemployment insurance claims for displaced workers, tax relief for impacted employers, and support for temporary closures.

3. Cal/OSHA

  • Website: Cal/OSHA Wildfire Smoke Regulations
    • Cal/OSHA provides guidelines on implementing protections such as air quality monitoring, providing respirators, and modifying work schedules, including wildfire smoke regulations.

4. California Labor Commissioner’s Office

  • Website: Wage and Hour Compliance During Emergencies
    • Employers can access guidelines on wage and hour laws during emergencies, including how to handle employee pay during business closures, remote work policies, and compliance with meal and rest break requirements during emergencies.

5. California Wildfire Recovery Resources

  • Website: CA.gov Wildfire Recovery Resources
    • This resource hub provides information on disaster assistance, housing resources, financial aid, and public safety updates. Employers can use this platform to stay informed about ongoing recovery efforts and resources tailored to businesses affected by wildfires.

6. CA.gov LA Fires Resource Page

  • Website: CA.gov LA Fires Resources
    • This dedicated resource page provides updates on wildfires in the Los Angeles area, including real-time incident information, evacuation zones, and safety alerts. Employers can access guidance on protecting employees, business continuity strategies, and links to local aid programs to assist affected communities and workplaces.

Federal Resources

1. FLSA Compliance During Disasters and Recovery

  • Website: DOL Fact Sheet #72: FLSA Disasters and Recovery
    • This fact sheet from the U.S. Department of Labor provides guidance on Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) compliance during disasters and recovery periods. Employers can find critical information on compensating employees under Federal law, including overtime rules, exemptions, and handling pay for non-exempt and exempt employees during business closures or emergencies. It also covers key considerations for record-keeping and wage adjustments in disaster-affected areas under Federal law.

2. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

  • Website: FEMA Disaster Assistance
    • FEMA offers disaster assistance programs for businesses, including public assistance grants, hazard mitigation resources, and low-interest loans for recovery. Employers can also find guidance on creating business continuity plans.

3. Small Business Administration (SBA)

  • Website: SBA Disaster Assistance
    • The SBA provides low-interest disaster loans to businesses, nonprofits, and homeowners. Employers can use these loans to repair or replace property, equipment, and other assets damaged in wildfires.

4. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

  • Website: OSHA Wildfire Preparedness
    • OSHA offers a comprehensive guide to workplace safety during and after wildfires. Employers can access resources on hazard identification, emergency response planning, and post-fire cleanup safety protocols.

Other Key Resources

1. California Chamber of Commerce (CalChamber)

  • Website: CalChamber Wildfire Resources
    • CalChamber provides guidance on employer obligations during emergencies, including wage and hour considerations, leave laws, and workplace safety requirements.

2. Red Cross Ready Rating Program

  • Website: Red Cross Wildfire Preparedness
    • This program offers tools and resources for businesses to enhance disaster preparedness. Employers can access training materials, emergency planning templates, and recovery guides.

3. Ready.gov

  • Website: Ready.gov Wildfire Resources
    • Managed by the Department of Homeland Security, Ready.gov provides step-by-step guidance on wildfire preparation and response. Employers can find checklists, communication templates, and tips for protecting employees and assets.

4. Los Angeles Wildfires Resources by Economic & Workforce Development Department (EWDD)

  • Website: EWDD Los Angeles Wildfires Resources
    • This page provides resources tailored for businesses and workers in Los Angeles affected by wildfires. Employers can find information on workforce development services, grants, and emergency assistance programs. The platform also connects businesses with opportunities for financial relief, support for displaced employees, and guidance on rebuilding and recovery.

At CDF, we are here to support California employers and national employers with workforces in Southern California as you navigate the challenges posed by wildfires. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any CDF attorney with questions or concerns. Together, we can work toward ensuring the safety and stability of your business and employees during this difficult time.

About CDF

For over 25 years, CDF has distinguished itself as one of the top employment, labor and immigration firms in California, representing employers in single-plaintiff and class action lawsuits and advising employers on related legal compliance and risk avoidance. We cover the state, with five locations from Sacramento to San Diego.

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About the Editor in Chief

San Diego Associate Attorney. Taylor has experience defending employers of all sizes in employment-related claims regarding wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, COVID-19 compliance, and employment-related tort and contract claims. Taylor also has experience defending management in wage and hour class actions and PAGA representative actions. Taylor is a member of the Lawyers Club of San Diego and received her Juris Doctor from the University of San Diego School of Law, where she was a member of the Student Bar Association, Employment and Labor Law Society, Business Law Society, and Women’s Law Caucus.
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