As the wildfires are being contained across Southern California, it’s crucial to stay informed and take necessary precautions to ensure your safety and the safety of your loved ones. Here are some important updates and resources to help you navigate this challenging time.
Information and Updates
Stay updated on the latest information about the Southern California wildfires and power outages through the following resources:
- Cal Fire Website: Visit the Cal Fire website for real-time updates on ongoing emergency responses, including wildfire containment status, evacuation orders, and more.
- Watch Duty App: Download the Watch Duty App for real-time wildfire maps and alerts. The app monitors fire-related developments by listening to radio scanners, reviewing wildlife cameras and satellite data, and tracking official updates from law enforcement, fire services, and other public sources.
- Genasys Protect: Download the app https://protect.genasys.com/download to follow a zone or turn on your location to get notified about danger wherever you are.
- Other Emergency Alerts: Sign up for alerts at Emergency Alerts | Ready.gov.
- California Public Utilities Commission: Visit Power Outage Maps.
Safety Tips
- Evacuation Plans: Have an evacuation plan in place and know the locations of emergency exits. Keep an emergency kit ready.
- Stay Informed: Follow local news and alerts for the latest updates on the wildfires.
- Air Quality: Be aware of the air quality in your area, especially if you have respiratory conditions. Limit outdoor exposure as much as possible. You can download the EPA’s AirNow mobile app, which provides an interface for quickly checking current and forecast air quality information for planning daily activities and protecting your health. The app automatically displays the current AQI (Air Quality Index) for your local area or any area you wish to check: https://www.airnow.gov/airnow-mobile-app/.
- Road Closures: Stay informed about road closures that may impact your commute.
Evacuation Checklist
In the event of an evacuation, it’s important to be prepared. Here is a checklist to help you ensure you have everything you need:
For You and Your Family:
- Important documents (bank, IRS, trust, investment, insurance policy, birth certificates, medical records)
- ATM, credit and debit cards, and cash in small bills
- Medications, prescription numbers, and vaccination records
- Non-perishable food and water for 72 hours
- Driver’s license, passport
- Computer backup files and passwords
- Inventory of home contents (consider making a video inventory now, prior to an emergency)
- Photographs of the exterior of the house and landscape
- Address book including medical and veterinarian contact information
- Cell phone charger, car charger, and battery packs
- Personal toiletries
- Enough clothing for 3-5 days
- Family heirlooms, photo albums, and videos
- Batteries
For Your Pets:
- Keep pets indoors as much as possible to avoid smoke and ash exposure
- Wipe your pet’s paws with a wet washcloth or baby wipes after walking outdoors
- Consider using doggie goggles (Doggles) to prevent irritants from getting into your pet’s eyes when outdoors
- Prepare a pet emergency kit with seven days of food, bowls for food and water, medications, a well-fitting harness, collar, leash, and updated name tags with your contact information
- Transport cats and small pets in pet carriers. Make sure every pet’s microchip information is registered and up-to-date.
Helpful Resources
- Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Assistance: Los Angeles County residents with wildfire damage may be eligible for FEMA assistance California | FEMA.gov. Apply online at https://www.disasterassistance.gov/or call 1-800-621-3362. To search shelters on your mobile phone text SHELTER and your ZIP Code to 43362 (e.g., Shelter 12345).
- Disaster Help Center for the California Department of Social Services: Provides resource guides and information on food banks, housing assistance, unemployment services, and in-home supportive services, along with other forms of aid.
- Wildfire Resources from the California Department of Insurance: Provides information guides and checklists for wildfire claimants.
- Mental Health Support: Call or text the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990 for free 24/7 crisis counseling.
- Legal Help After a Disaster | State Bar of California: Statewide legal assistance hotline is 888-382-3406. Disaster legal services for anyone impacted by the wildfires. No hours because it takes messages. No income limits; free to everyone.
Additional Resources for Assistance and Shelter
- American Red Cross: The Red Cross is providing shelter, food, emotional support, and health services to displaced residents. Visit American Red Cross or call 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767).
- Los Angeles Regional Food Bank: For food assistance, visit Los Angeles Regional Food Bank.
- World Central Kitchen: Founded by Chef José Andrés, the charity has volunteer chefs on standby to give out meals throughout various locations in the Los Angeles region. World Central Kitchen | Meal Distribution Sites: California Fires
- The Salvation Army: Provides basic needs items for disaster survivors. Visit Salvation Army.
- Direct Relief: Offers N-95 masks, medicine, and other resources to healthcare agencies and first responders. Visit Direct Relief.
- GoFundMe Wildfire Relief Fund: Supports relief and recovery efforts with emergency relief grants. Visit GoFundMe Wildfire Relief Fund.
Tips for Protecting Pets During Wildfires
- Keep Pets Indoors: Smoke and ash are just as harmful to pets as they are to humans. Keep pets indoors as much as possible.
- Wipe Paws: After walking outdoors, wipe your pet’s paws with a wet washcloth or baby wipes to prevent them from licking soot off their feet.
- Use Protective Gear: Consider using doggie goggles (Doggles) to prevent irritants from getting into your pet’s eyes when outdoors.
- Prepare a Pet Emergency Kit: Include seven days of food, bowls for food and water, medications, a well-fitting harness, collar, leash, and updated name tags with your contact information.
- Transport Safely: Always transport cats and small pets in pet carriers. Make sure every pet’s microchip information is registered and up to date.
Unemployment Assistance for Those Unable to Work
If you have lost your job or had your employment interrupted due to the wildfires, you may be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA). The California Employment Development Department (EDD) has announced that DUA is available for Los Angeles County residents affected by the wildfires. Deadline for submittals is March 10, 2025. The one-week waiting period for regular unemployment benefits has been waived for those impacted by the fires. To apply for unemployment benefits, visit the EDD website at https://edd.ca.gov/en/myedd/ or call 1-800-300-5616 (English and Spanish). Additional phone numbers for other languages can be found on the EDD website. For more information on disaster-related services, visit the EDD’s Disaster-Related Services webpage.
SECURE ACT 2.0 Qualified Disaster Distribution
Under the SECURE Act 2.0, you may be eligible to take a qualified disaster recovery distribution from your 401k, not to exceed $22,000 per disaster. More information will be made available to employees soon. If you need immediate assistance, please contact [email protected].
Stay safe and take care.
Last Revised: January 16, 2025