By Mary O’KEEFE

There are a number of issues facing those who have lost their homes or are dealing with damage due to the Eaton and Palisades fires. Some are easy to identify – reaching out to insurance, contacting FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) and contacting contractors for damage repair or building from the ground up. But then there are other issues, like canceling cable service. 

Not long after the fires some worried how they would return their cable equipment since it melted in the fire. Spectrum, a leading provider of cable service in the area, has worked to get information to those who have been affected by the fires. They are contacting customers through whatever system was set up prior to the fire, i.e. by phone or email, but some still use USPS as a way of contact. 

CVW reached out to Spectrum to get information about charges to those who do not return their equipment.

“Customers won’t be charged for equipment damaged in the fires. Anyone in the fire areas can contact us at this special number (833) 499-3306 to help with any questions about their situation. If a customer’s home is damaged or they can’t return to it, or if equipment was lost or damaged in the fires, they can call us at [that number] so we can provide them with options regarding billing concerns, service or other needs. We have been communicating this proactively to customers in the impacted areas,” said Dennis Johnson, senior director, west and northwest communications, with Spectrum. 

Johnson said the company has been working with people in the fire areas and that many Spectrum employees were also affected by the fires. 

“We also have employees who live and work in the fire-affected areas. This past weekend, we had more than 100 Spectrum employees volunteer to help with the fire relief efforts at four locations including at three Red Cross shelters and The Dream Center [in Altadena]” Johnson said. 

Spectrum has sent out messages to customers, too. One of the messages included Spectrum’s efforts in repairing lines in the area to get service restored to those customers without power. 

In the message Spectrum stated there may be some who have returned to their homes and have power but still have issues with their Spectrum service; they can contact (833) 499-3306 for support. 

Spectrum has been conducting repairs not just due to the fire but due to the recent flooding as well.