Where To Get Help : A Guide To Coping With The Quake

Directory Editor’s note: All information subject to change. Call ahead whenever possible. * Disaster Hot Line

(800) 525-0321

(800) 660-8005 TDD

These numbers have been set up by the Federal Emergency Management Agency for general information.

* FEMA 24-Hour Registration Line:

(800) 462-9029

(800) 462-7585 TDD

Registrants can choose to apply over the phone or by visiting one of the disaster aid centers listed below. Be prepared to provide your name, address, Social Security number and those of other occupants in the house at the time of the quake. Several languages are spoken on both these lines, including Spanish. Applicants may apply at any center.

* Permit Assistance Center

(818) 705-7920

For all state and local permits needed by employers and homeowners to repair damages and reopen businesses. The one-stop center is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

West Valley Municipal Building

Office of Building Safety and Permitting

19040 Vanowen St.

Reseda

* Los Angeles Housing Department

(213) 847-7368 and (800) 994-4444

For assistance on relocations and repairs.

* Structure inspections

The city of Los Angeles has set up a 24-hour hot line to call for inspections of quake-related damage: (800) 655-4095.

The city also has set up numbers in the 213 area code: 237-0920, 237-0921 and 237-1487, and 485-1936, 485-1937, 485-1938, 485-7091, 485-7092, 485-7093 and 485-8573. These numbers are good for those in the 818 and 310 area codes.

* Placard information

For questions or disputes about red, yellow or green placards on inspected buildings in the city of Los Angeles, call (800) 890-0223, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

* Possession recovery information

Residents of the city of Los Angeles whose dwellings have been evaluated as unsafe to occupy, as indicated by a red or yellow placard, can call (800) 664-2489, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

* Building inspections in other cities and unincorporated areas

City of Burbank building inspections: (818) 953-9541

City of Glendale building inspections: (818) 548-4830

City of San Fernando building inspections: (818) 898-1227

City of Santa Clarita building inspections: (805) 286-4105

Residents of unincorporated areas in western Los Angeles County, including Malibu, Topanga, Chatsworth, Agoura and Calabasas can call (818) 880-4150 for structure inspections.

Residents of unincorporated areas in the Santa Clarita Valley can call either (805) 253-7211 or (818) 984-0610 for structure inspections.

* Santa Clarita Valley Housing Help

The Santa Clarita Valley Assn. of Realtors has established a hot line for area residents who either have lost a home and need a home to rent, and for those who may have rentals available. The hot line number is (805) 286-1441 and will be answered from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Information about temporary vouchers for short-term housing and about finding long-term housing also will be available.

* California Office of Small Business

This office is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday to direct small businesses to financial resources in addition to management and technical assistance.

Northern Los Angeles County Small Business Development Center

14540 Victory Blvd.

Suite 206

Van Nuys

(818) 373-7092

* Earthquake Fraud Hot Line

(800) 897-6677

To report price gouging, unlicensed contractors, charity scams or other frauds:

* Household Hazardous Waste Hot Line

(800) 98 TOXIC

The city of Los Angeles has established this number for information about household hazardous waste, trash pickup, illegal dumping, asbestos, oil recycling and to make appointments to dispose of hazardous waste.

* Social Security checks

Social Security recipients and beneficiaries who have lost their homes in the earthquake can, with proper identification, pick up their February checks at their local post office. The SSI (supplemental security income) checks will be available today, and the Social Security checks will be available Thursday. Change of address forms are also available at all post offices. People who need to notify the Social Security office of their change in address or want to arrange for direct deposit to their bank should call (800) 772-1213 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays.

* Unemployment Assistance

Individuals whose work was interrupted by the quake can apply for federal disaster unemployment assistance. The program offers benefit ranging from $40 to $230 a week for up to 26 weeks. It is available to self-employed persons, persons ineligible for regular employment insurance, people whose routes to work have been disrupted by the quake, people scheduled to begin work on or after Jan. 17 who have been unable to do so, and people whose employment was interrupted as a result of quake-related injuries. For information, contact the nearest Employment Development Department office or FEMA disaster aid center. The claims deadline is Feb. 18.

* City volunteer help line

(213) 847-3125

For those who wish to volunteer their goods or services and for people needing the assistance of volunteers. There is a special need for Armenian interpreters and clerical workers for various city departments.

* Volunteer Reception Center

(800) 908-5170

For those who wish to volunteer their services to nonprofit organizations or for such organizations needing help.

* Sign language interpreting

For deaf and hard-of-hearing people needing a sign language interpreter or other assistance:

Accommodating Ideas

5032 Lankershim Blvd., Suite 1

North Hollywood

(818) 752-3320 voice or TDD

(818) 752-3324 (after 5 p.m.) TDD answering machine

DISASTER Aid Centers

FEMA application centers are open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily until further notice. Those who have suffered losses may obtain local, state and federal assistance by visiting the center nearest them. Programs are being offered to cover earthquake losses to homes, personal property and businesses not covered by insurance or other aid programs. For more information, call (800) 462-9029 or (800) 462-7585 TDD.

* Calabasas

Calabasas High School

22855 Mulholland Highway

* Glendale

Glendale Civic Center Auditorium

1401 N. Verdugo Road

* Granada Hills

Coast Federal Bank

18000 Chatsworth St.

* Newhall

William S. Hart Park

2415 N. Newhall Ave.

* Northridge/Granada Hills

Winnetka Recreation Center

8401 Winnetka Ave., Winnetka

* Pacoima/Arleta

David Gonzalez Recreation Center

10943 Herrick Ave., Pacoima

* Panorama City/Sunland

Stonehurst Recreation Center

9901 Dronfield Ave., Sun Valley

* Reseda/Tarzana

Balboa Recreation Center

17015 Burbank Blvd., Tarzana

* San Fernando

Gage Wilson Building

1245 San Fernando Road

* Santa Clarita/Saugus

Canyon Country Park

17615 Soledad Canyon Road, Santa Clarita

* Sherman Oaks

Van Nuys/Sherman Oaks Park

14201 Huston St.

* Sherman Oaks/Van Nuys

Van Nuys Recreation Center

14301 Vanowen Ave.

* Simi Valley

Ronald Reagan Presidential Library

40 Presidential Drive

* Sylmar/San Fernando

Sylmar Recreation Center

13109 Borden Ave.

SHELTERS

* Red Cross hot line: (213) 739-4543

For receiving or offering assistance. Red Cross shelters can provide food, blankets, some medical care and cots for an overnight stay. The Salvation Army shelters also provide food and a place to stay.

* Red Cross emergency shelters:

The Red Cross has noted that shelter populations are diminishing and suggests that people seeking shelter and other relief services call ahead whenever possible.

* Birmingham High School

17000 Haynes St., Van Nuys

* Canoga Park High School

6850 Topanga Canyon Blvd.

* Canyon High School

19300 W. Nadal St., Santa Clarita

* Church on the Way

14218 Sherman Way, Van Nuys

* Fulton Junior High School

7477 Kester Ave., Van Nuys

* Glendale Armory

220 Colorado Blvd.

* Granada Hills High School

10535 Zelzah Ave.

* Maclay Junior High School

12540 Pierce St., Pacoima

* Mason Recreation Center

10400 Mason Ave., Chatsworth

* McCambridge Recreation Center

1515 Glenoaks Blvd., Burbank

* Newhall Park Center

Boys & Girls Club

24909 N. Newhall Ave., Santa Clarita

* Newhall Senior Center

22900 Market Ave., Santa Clarita

* North Hollywood High School

5231 Colfax Ave., North Hollywood

* San Fernando Recreation Center

208 Park Ave., San Fernando

* Saugus High School

21900 W. Centurion Way

* Sepulveda Recreation Center

8801 Kester Ave., North Hills

* Shepherd of the Hills Church

19700 Rinaldi St., Porter Ranch

* Sylmar High School

13050 Borden Ave.

* Van Nuys High School

6525 Cedros Ave.

Salvation Army 24-Hour Hot Lines:

* (800) 725-9005

This number is for general quake relief information and for credit card donations.

Salvation Army Community Services Centers

Various emergency services are available to quake victims at the following locations. Hours of operation will are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Information: (213) 627-5571.

* 14917 Victory Blvd., Van Nuys

* 320 W. Windsor Ave., Glendale

* 1925 Royal Avenue, Simi Valley

Salvation Army shelter location:

* Canoga Park High School

6850 Topanga Canyon Blvd.

* The National Guard has established “tent cities� at the following locations under the direction of the Salvation Army. To verify shelter availability, please call (310) 795-2506.

* Winnetka Recreation Center

8401 Winnetka Ave., Winnetka

* Reseda Park

18411 Victory Blvd., Reseda

QUAKE AID

* Red Cross Service Centers

Red Cross caseworkers can assess disaster-caused needs and provide vouchers for food, clothing, temporary housing/rental assistance, help with health/medical needs, urgent household items such as bedding or cookware, and some home repairs. Those who cannot be seen the same day will be given appointments and asked to return during the next day or two. Hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. until further notice. Call (213) 739-4543 for further information.

* Bethlehem Lutheran Church

27265 Luther Drive, Santa Clarita

* Epiphany Lutheran Church

7769 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Canoga Park

* First United Methodist Church

1525 Glenoaks Blvd., San Fernando

* Glendale Civic Auditorium

1401 Verdugo Road

* Machinist Union Hall

2600 W. Victory Blvd., Burbank

* Masonic Temple

6701 Darby Ave., Reseda

* Our Lady of Perpetual Help

23233 Lyons Ave., Santa Clarita

* First Presbyterian Church of Granada Hills

10400 Zelzah Ave.

* Studio City Recreation Center

12621 Rye St.

* Delano Park

15199 Erwin St., Van Nuys

* UAW Local 645

7915 Van Nuys Blvd., Van Nuys

* Woodland Hills Church of Christ

23363 Burbank Blvd.

* Northridge Fashion Center

Plummer Street between Tampa Avenue and Shirley Street, Northridge

* 1494 Madera Road, Suite B, Simi Valley

* Korean American Earthquake Assistance Center

Open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday at 10408 Balboa Blvd., Granada Hills. For information, call (818) 363-5334.

UTILITIES & Other Services

* Department of Water and Power

Customers with electric or water service problems should call (818) DIAL DWP or (800) DIAL DWP outside the 818 area code.

* Southern California Edison Co.

Customers are asked to call (800) 643-0517 with service and billing questions.

* The Gas Co.

To request service restoration or to report suspected leaks, call (800) 427-2200.

* Pacific Bell

A variety of free services are available to quake victims. For general information, call (800) 379-0000.

* GTE

A variety of free services are available to quake victims. People can call the following numbers for information:

(800) 483-4000 (residential customers)

(800) 483-5000 (business customers)

(800) 483-7724 (Spanish)

(800) 483-3350 (telecommuting assistance)

FOOD

* Lutheran Social Services will distribute food, water, clothing and blankets from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today at the following location:

15520 Sherman Way

Van Nuys

(818) 785-2114

* Vaughn Family Center will distribute food, water, firewood, charcoal and disposable diapers to earthquake victims from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. today at the following location:

13330 Vaughn St.

San Fernando

(818) 834-1485

* El Proyecto Del Barrio Inc. will distribute food, water and clothing from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. today at the following location:

13643 Van Nuys Blvd.

Pacoima

(818) 896-1135

(818) 830-7080

* Adventist Community Services is distributing water, food and clothing today to earthquake victims today at the following sites:

* San Fernando Spanish Seventh-day Adventist Church

14646 Chatsworth St.

Mission Hills

3 to 7 p.m.

* Northridge Seventh-day Adventist Church

17700 Plummer St.

Northridge

noon to 6 p.m.

* Pacoima Seventh-day Adventist Church

11350 Glenoaks Blvd.

Pacoima

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

* Van Nuys Spanish Seventh-day Adventist Church

15059 Saticoy St.

Van Nuys

2 to 5 p.m.

* Valley United Seventh-day Adventist Church

4824 Tujunga Ave.

North Hollywood

noon to 5 p.m.

* Santa Clarita Seventh-day Adventist Church

24436 Valley St.

Newhall

noon to 7 p.m.

Donations of food, baby products, toiletries and blankets may also be dropped off at the churches during distribution hours. Clothing donations are not needed at this time. The San Fernando Spanish Seventh-day Adventist Church is accepting donations from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Information: (818) 409-0114

* Northeast Valley Health Corp.

Offering emergency food for low-income women and their children up to 5 years old. For information, call (818) 373-0010.

* Food stamp application centers

Applications for food stamps will be taken from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. today at the following local sites:

(Distribution of the coupons will be delayed for at least 72 hours while information is verified.)

* East Valley, 14550 Lanark St., Panorama City

* Lancaster, 349-B Ave. K-6

* San Fernando, 12847 Arroyo St., Sylmar

* Santa Clarita Valley, 27233 Camp Plenty Road, Canyon Country

* West Valley, 9035 Canoga Ave., Canoga Park

MEDICAL

* El Proyecto Del Barrio Inc.

Offering free and low-cost medical services from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. today at the following location:

13643 Van Nuys Blvd.

Pacoima

(818) 896-1135

(818) 830-7080

* Northeast Valley Health Corp.

Offering primary health care services on a sliding fee scale at the following locations:

* 1600 San Fernando Road

San Fernando

(818) 365-8086

* 12756 Van Nuys Blvd.

Pacoima

(818) 896-0531

Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday.

DONATIONS

* Blood donations:

Donating blood takes about an hour. People wishing to donate should be at least 18 years old, weigh more than 110 pounds and be in good health. For blood donation sites, call the American Red Cross at (800) 974-2113.

* Red Cross

The American Red Cross is accepting monetary donations only. Make check to “Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund.� Mail donations to:

Los Angeles Chapter

American Red Cross

2700 Wilshire Blvd.

Los Angeles 90057

* Salvation Army

Assistance and credit card donations: (800) 725-9005. Mail monetary donations to:

Los Angeles Salvation Army Central

900 W. 9th St.

Los Angeles 90015

* Catholic Charities

Earthquake Disaster Fund

1400 W. 9th St.

Los Angeles 90015

(213) 251-3400

The charity is also gathering information on homebound senior citizens. Contact:

Catholic Charities Aging Department

(213) 251-3480

* Rotary International

Accepting cash donations for its earthquake relief fund.

Send donations to:

Rotary District 5260 Earthquake Relief Fund

c/o Highland Federal Savings & Loan

5939 Canoga Ave.

Woodland Hills CA 91367

Attn: Sheila Cook

* San Fernando Valley Interfaith Council

Accepting donations of food and household goods, as well as offers of building repair and counseling services for earthquake victims.

Checks may be made out to SFVIC Earthquake Response Project and mailed to:

10824 Topanga Canyon Blvd.

Chatsworth, CA 91311

Information: (818) 718-6460

* Harmony Coalition

Accepting donations of food, toiletries and cash donations for earthquake victims:

9810 Owensmouth Ave., Suite 4

Chatsworth, CA 91311

(818) 727-1648

* Southern Area Fostercare Effort

Accepting donations for its fund to meet special needs of foster children. Social workers who supervise foster children may submit requests to SAFE. Send donations to:

SAFE

1915 W. Orangewood Ave., Suite 224

Orange 92668

(714) 939-3090

* Los Angeles Women’s Foundation

Reactivating its emergency relief fund to provide emergency grants to nonprofit agencies serving low-income women and their families who are victims of the quake. Send donations to:

Los Angeles Women’s Foundation

6030 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 303

Los Angeles 90036

(213) 938-9828

* Seventh-day Adventist Church donated goods hot line, (800) 253-3000

* United Way of Greater Los Angeles

Make checks out to United Way Earthquake Relief Fund

621 S. Virgil Ave.

Los Angeles 90005

(818) 445-6300

* Jewish Federation Council of Greater Los Angeles

6505 Wilshire Blvd.

Los Angeles 90048

(800) 385-9065

* American Jewish World Service

c/o Larry Wiener

Richards, Watson & Gershon

333 S. Hope St., 38th floor

Los Angeles 90071

* California Community Foundation

Donations will be directed to nonprofit organizations working in the areas of community health, counseling and transitional living. Make checks payable to:

L. A. Earthquake Recovery Fund

606 S. Olive St., Suite 2400

Los Angeles 90014

SCHOOLS

Los Angeles Unified School District

Counselors will be available to speak with parents and/or students at the following hot lines:

* San Fernando Valley area: (818) 997-2640, (818) 997-2398 or (818) 997-2545

* Central/South Central L.A. area: (213) 754-2856 or (213) 753-4551

* South and Harbor area: (310) 832-7545

* West: (310) 444-9913

* East: (213) 625-6190

* Middle school and senior high school students: (213) 742-7551 or (213) 625-6335

* Homework Hotline, broadcast Monday through Thursday on KLCS-TV (Channel 58), will have mental health professionals available to take callers’ questions from 3:30 to 6 p.m. Call (800) LA STUDY.

* Burbank Adult School

(818) 558-4611

The start of the spring semester has been delayed until Monday.

* Los Angeles Roman Catholic Archdiocese

Parents should call the school site for information. If no answer, call (213) 251-3300.

* Alemany High School in Mission Hills: Classes will resume today in temporary quarters on the grounds of Our Lady Queen of Angels seminary, 15101 San Fernando Mission Blvd., Mission Hills.

* Mary Immaculate School in Pacoima: Classes are scheduled to resume Monday at St. Ferdinand School, 1012 Coronel St., San Fernando.

* Nativity School in Los Angeles: Classes are rescheduled to resume Monday at St. John the Evangelist School, 6130 Crenshaw Blvd., Los Angeles.

COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES

* Cal State Northridge

(818) 885-1200

(818) 885-4900 TDD

(818) 885-3700, for recorded information

(818) 885-4700, faculty hot line

(818) 885-2082, staff hot line

The start of the spring semester has been delayed until Feb. 14. Telephone registration will resume Thursday.

* Glendale Community College District

(818) 240-1000, Ext. 5910

Registration for the spring semester has been extended for all students. Applications for admission will be accepted through Friday.

* Santa Monica College

(310) 450-5150 for taped information

The start of the spring semester has been delayed until Feb. 22.

* University of Judaism

(310) 476-9777

Daytime academic classes have resumed. Classes in the department of continuing education will resume Feb. 27.

COUNSELING

Among the groups providing counseling or referrals to counseling for earthquake victims:

* L.A. County Department of Mental Health

(800) 854-7771 has been set up as a toll-free information and referral hot line for people who have been emotionally affected by the earthquake. In addition, county centers are offering free counseling to victims.

* Valley Hospital Medical Center

(800) 345-2747 is a line for earthquake victims, staffed 24 hours a day. Other services include referrals and counseling sessions.

* Northridge Hospital Medical Center

18300 Roscoe Blvd.

Northridge

8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Friday

(818) 885-5348

* Glendale Adventist Medical Center

Offering a free support group at 6 p.m. Mondays at the hospital, 1509 Wilson Terrace, Glendale.

(818) 409-8008

* UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute and Hospital

Offering free counseling and referrals for earthquake victims.

(800) 825-9989, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday

* Family Service Agency of Burbank

Offering free counseling in English and Spanish.

2013 W. Magnolia Blvd.

Burbank

(818) 845-7671

* North Valley Family Counseling Center

Offering free counseling in English and Spanish.

670 San Fernando Mission Blvd., Suite D

San Fernando

(818) 365-8588

* Assistance League’s Family Service Agency

Offering free counseling in English, Spanish and Armenian.

5607 Fernwood Ave.

Hollywood

(213) 469-5893

* San Fernando Valley Child Guidance Clinic

Offering free counseling in English and Spanish for adults and children. A free pamphlet called “Dealing With Children’s Reactions to Disasters� is also available by calling the clinic at (818) 993-9311.

15157 Roscoe Blvd.

Panorama City

Call (818) 830-0200 for counseling

* Trauma Survivors Treatment, Training & Research Center

Offering free support groups for adults and children.

16633 Ventura Blvd.

Suite 711

Encino

(818) 995-8700

* Friends of the Family

Offering free or low-cost support groups and counseling for children and adults:

14522 Kittridge St.

Van Nuys

(818) 988-4430

* New Directions for Youth

Offering free counseling and support groups.

7400 Van Nuys Blvd., Suite 203

Van Nuys

(818) 375-1000

* Valley Women’s Center

Offering free evaluation and support group for women seeking earthquake-related counseling. Individual therapy also available based on ability to pay.

5530 Corbin Ave.

Suites 325 and 328

Tarzana

(818) 757-2188

* Valley Storefront, Jewish Family Service

Forming a support group to help senior citizens cope with the quake.

12821 Victory Blvd.

North Hollywood

(818) 984-1380

* Northridge Hospital Medical Center ElderMed

Offering a community outreach program for senior citizens. On request, a representative will visit local senior centers, senior housing complexes, churches or synagogues.

Information: (818) 885-5476

* Encino Psychotherapy Center

Offering free and reduced-rate counseling for individuals, couples and groups who are earthquake victims. A free pamphlet called “Facts Not Food� is also available by calling the number below.

5435 Balboa Blvd.

Suite 204

Encino

(818) 990-2070

* Everywoman’s Village

Offering free support groups.

5650 Sepulveda Blvd.

Van Nuys

(818) 787-5100

* EEG Spectrum

Offering free biofeedback training and support groups in Encino and Pasadena for earthquake victims.

(818) 789-3456

* Mental Health Referral Service of Southern California

1-(800)-THERAPIST or (310) 478-1986

Offering referrals for private health professionals who work on a sliding scale.

* San Fernando Valley chapter of the California Assn. of Marriage and Family Therapists

Offering crisis phone counseling and referrals for earthquake victims.

(818) 789-3257 (8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily)

* Catholic Charities

For counseling and referrals; 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays.

(213) 251-3400

* Lutheran Social Services

Offering free walk-in counseling from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

15520 Sherman Way

Van Nuys

(818) 785-2114

* Encino Community Church

Offering a free earthquake counseling seminar from 3 to 5 p.m. Mondays and from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturdays.

5955 Lindley Ave.

Tarzana

(818) 345-8085

* Burbank Church of Religious Science

Offering a free support group for earthquake victims from 7 to 9 p.m. Mondays at 260 N. Pass Ave., Burbank.

(818) 848-4158

* Jewish Family Service of Greater Los Angeles

Providing crisis counseling or referrals on a non-sectarian basis.

(818) 984-1380

* Temple Judea Community Outreach

Offering walk-in counseling from 1 to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and support groups for free or a small donation.

5429 Lindley Ave.

Tarzana

(818) 780-4994

COURTS

* San Fernando Court, 900 3rd St.

Superior Court: The courthouse is closed for Superior Court matters. All criminal matters have been transferred to the Van Nuys Courthouse, 6230 Sylmar Ave. For information, call (818) 365-5813.

Municipal Court: All Municipal Court felony and misdemeanor custody cases have been transferred to the Van Nuys Courthouse, 14400 Erwin St. Mall. Other Municipal Court matters will be heard at the 919 First St. courthouse in San Fernando. For information, call (818) 374-2628.

* Van Nuys Superior Court, 6230 Sylmar Ave.

Floors one through six are open. The seventh floor is expected to open Monday.

* Calabasas Municipal Court: Will remain closed. All matters will be handled at the Malibu Courthouse, 23525 Civic Center Way. For information, call (310) 317-1337.

* Newhall Municipal Court: Open for misdemeanor and felony criminal matters only. Traffic citation holders will automatically be given 30-day extensions.

LIBRARIES

Los Angeles County Libraries

* Newhall Library, 22704 W. Ninth St., Santa Clarita: minor damage, closed until further notice.

* San Fernando Library, 1050 Library St., San Fernando: minor damage, closed until further notice.

* Valencia Library, 23743 W. Valencia Blvd., Santa Clarita: heavily damaged, closed for three or four months.

* Canyon Country Library, 18536 Soledad Canyon Road, Santa Clarita: open extended hours to serve patrons of closed Newhall and Valencia libraries. Hours: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays, 1 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays. Information: (805) 251-2720.

Los Angeles City Libraries

Several branches are closed until further notice. For recorded information about which libraries are open, call (213) 228-7000.

TimesLink Help

TimesLink provides helpful earthquake-related information 24 hours a day. From the 213, 310, 714, 818 or 909 area codes, dial 808-8463, then press the * (asterisk) key and a four-digit category code. TimesLink is a free service of The Times.

For current freeway closures and alternate routes, press *8210.

For phone numbers of earthquake-assistance organizations, press *8230.

For a list of school closures, press *8240.

For earthquake safety tips, press *8250.