Tools and Support for Those Affected by California Wildfires

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LA County Resources

In light of the recent wildfires in Southern California, several organizations and businesses are offering support to those affected. Here are some resources available to assist evacuees, first responders, and communities impacted by the fires:

Emergency Alerts and Evacuation Information

  • LA County Emergency Services: Stay updated with official emergency alerts and resources for residents. Visit LA County Emergency Services
  • Map of Active Evacuation/Warning Zones: Check evacuation and warning zones based on your location. Access the map

Fire and Weather Updates

  • California Governor Proclamation: Governor Newsom’s emergency proclamation outlines state efforts and resources. Read the proclamation
  • The Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire): View updated fire maps and incident details. Check fire maps

Air Quality and Road Closures

  • Get Air Quality Data Where You Live: Stay informed about air quality levels in your area. Access AirNow
  • Road Closures in LA County: Find updated information on road closures to plan safe routes. View road closures

Preparedness and Safety

  • CalFire Preparedness Guide: Learn how to prepare for wildfires, including evacuation planning. Explore the guide
  • CalFire Emergency Supply/“Go Bag” Checklist: Ensure you have the essentials ready for evacuation. View the checklist

Disaster Assistance

  • FEMA: Apply for disaster assistance, including temporary housing and financial aid. Visit FEMA
  • California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES): Access housing assistance, debris removal, and recovery programs. Visit Cal OES

Community Support

  • California Fire Foundation: Provides immediate financial relief to fire victims. Learn more
  • California Community Foundation’s Wildfire Recovery Fund: Focuses on long-term recovery, including housing and case management. View details

Animal Care

  • Pasadena Humane Society: Offers shelter and care for displaced pets. Visit Pasadena Humane
  • Los Angeles Equestrian Center: Provides refuge for horses and other large animals. Learn more

Housing and Shelter:

  • American Red Cross: Find open shelters, food, and other emergency aid. Locate shelters
  • Airbnb: In partnership with 211 LA, offers free temporary housing for displaced individuals. More information can be found here.
  • Queen Mary Hotel, Long Beach: Offers discounted rooms at $189 for evacuees, including breakfast vouchers and waived pet fees.
  • Big Bear: Provides a collection of vacation homes and hotels for evacuees seeking rest and recovery. Details are available here.
  • Visit Anaheim: Offers special hotel rates and assistance for those affected by the wildfires. More information can be found here.
  • Westwood Recreation Center: 1350 S. Sepulveda, Los Angeles
  • Pasadena Civic Auditorium: 300 E. Green St, Pasadena
  • El Camino Real Charter High School: 5440 Valley Circle Blvd., Woodland Hills
  • Ritchie Valens Recreation Center: 10736 Laurel Canyon Blvd, Pacoima
  • Sepulveda Recreation Center: Address: 8825 Kester Avenue, Panorama City

Transportation Assistance:

  • Uber: Provides a $40 credit for rides to active shelters for Los Angeles County residents under evacuation orders. Use the code WILDFIRE25.
  • Lyft: Offers two rides up to $25 each for evacuees. Use the code CAFIRERELIEF25, valid through January 15.

Food Assistance:

  • Los Angeles Regional Food Bank: Collaborates with over 600 partner agencies to provide food assistance. Find nearby food resources here.

Mental Health Support:

  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Available for individuals experiencing mental health crises. Call or text 988, or use the online chat.
  • Los Angeles County ACCESS Center: Provides mental health services, information, and referrals. Call 1-800-854-7771.
  • Student Assistance Program/Resources for Living – Offered by West Coast University – Contact Student Affairs

Utilities and Communication:

  • AT&T: Offers unlimited data, talk, and text for customers in wildfire-affected areas through February 6. Check eligible ZIP codes here.
  • Verizon: Waives call, text, and data charges for customers in the hardest-hit areas and has deployed free Wi-Fi and charging stations at select shelters. More information is available here

Health and Wellness:

  • Planet Fitness: Grants free access to facilities, including showers, locker rooms, and Wi-Fi, for evacuees and first responders until January 15. Contact your nearest location for details.

Additional Community Resources:

  • Mutual Aid LA Network (MALAN): Maintains an up-to-date list of locations offering assistance, including shelters and resource centers. Access the spreadsheet here.

WCU Associate Resources

  • West Coast University Associates Organizational Support, click here.
  • Employee Assistance Program, click here
  • WCU Global Security Operations Center (GSOC): Call 855-955-9911 and the GSOC team can assist in making connections and getting a message to your manager, Human Resources, and/or other company associates.

Please refer to the provided links for the most current information and additional resources and contact the organizations directly. Community support is vital during this challenging time, and these resources are here to assist those in need.

WCU provides career guidance and assistance but cannot guarantee employment. The views and opinions expressed are those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs or position of the school or of any instructor or student.