multiple wildfires Devastation has been ravaging parts of Southern California since the morning of Tuesday, January 7 – many of which are still not under control. To date, CNN reports that the cause of the fire is at least ten deaths And About 36,000 acres of land was burntmore than this 10,000 buildings have been destroyedAnd the destruction has unfortunately left many Los Angeles-area residents without housing.
according to California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), the wildfires spread so far include six active fires. The Palisades and Eaton wildfires, which have been the most destructive, are now eight percent and three percent contained, respectively. More progress has been made on three others: the Lydia fire is 75 percent contained, the Hearst fire is 37 percent contained, and the Kenneth fire is 35 percent contained. The sixth fire, known as the Archer Fire, started today and is currently at zero percent containment.
The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing, but due to low humidity the fire broke out rapidly. Santa Ana winds In the Los Angeles area. parts of the area are still under red flag warningAccording to the National Weather Service, that means Wildfire risk still high,
More than 150,000 people are still under evacuation orders, according to nbc los angelesAnd many people have started sharing their experiences of displacement on social media.
Officials are warning many communities throughout the LA area to be prepared to evacuate if the fires grow, and several organizations are already providing assistance to people who have lost their homes. Below, you’ll find safety tips people in Los Angeles need to know right now, as well as how you can help from near or far.
how to protect yourself
If you are currently affected by wildfire or are in the path of the fire, keeping yourself and your loved ones safe is a top priority. Consider the following tips to ensure your safety.
Sign up for emergency alerts
Signing up for local emergency alerts is quick and easy, and they can be lifesaving. If you’re in the Los Angeles area, you can find more information here AlertLA.orgHere, you can enter your phone number, email, and address to sign up for security alerts that may affect your home or areas around you. As we’ve seen this week, wildfires can change and grow rapidly, so these updates are the best tools we have to make sure people know when they’re in danger. (On that note, make sure you keep your phone charged.) watchduty The app is also providing real-time coverage of wildfires so you can monitor maps, containment levels, and more.
Stock up on supplies you may need
Make a list of what you’ll need if you have to evacuate. Yours clearance bag This may include important documents, irreplaceable photos or memories, medications you take, first aid emergency kitWater, food for your family and pets, a flashlight, your devices and their chargers, an N95 mask to protect your lungs during poor air quality conditions, and anything else you might need to leave your home for long periods of time. Will happen. If you have room in your car or other transportation vehicle, take any valuable items that will fit in it.
Make sure your whole family knows the emergency plan
If you have to evacuate, everyone in your household must agree. If you live in an area under an evacuation notice – meaning you may soon receive an evacuation order – now is the time to talk to your family members or roommates about what will happen if you need to evacuate. . If your first choice is closed due to fire hazards, it’s a good idea to map out at least two evacuation routes.
Do not ignore instructions from authorities
If your home is under an evacuation order, you must leave your home. Whether or not you can see the immediate danger at the time the order is placed is irrelevant, and officials are constantly monitoring the threat to your home and your community. You can ensure your own safety as well as the safety of the firefighters and other officers working on your behalf by responding when you are asked to.
Check out these resources if you’re in the Los Angeles area
Many people and agencies are offering shelter and supplies to those who have been evacuated or displaced. The links below can provide more information on emergency supplies and shelter options if you need it.
- shelters, The shelters on this list are serving people who have been displaced by the fires. The list includes locations from Los Angeles to Pasadena and cities in between.
- food store, This food pantry locator can help people who need food and water. Additionally, some restaurants have opened their doors. fire survivors And feeding first responders and displaced people. ABC7 Eyewitness News has compiled a list of restaurants offering food where you can find Here,
- animal shelters, The Los Angeles Department of Animal Care and Control (DACC) is offering several options for animal shelters for both large and small pets. world animal protectiona non-profit organization, has also created a list of animal shelters in various cities around Los Angeles County.
- mutual aid, Many other services such as food delivery, family reunification, mental health services, hygiene products, child care, clothing distribution, and much more are available on this Google Sheet created by Mutual Aid LA Network (MALAN). The document is being continually updated with contact information and services provided throughout the LA area.
How to help wildfire victims right now
If you want to help communities in Southern California as wildfires continue to rage, consider the following options.
Where to donate money to help those affected by the California wildfires
Many organizations have set up ways to donate monetary funds to victims of wildfires. These include:
Other organizations also rely on community support for specific reasons:
Additionally, if you want to check your feed or timeline for people asking for support, individuals on social media are also sharing their stories and their own donation requests.
Other ways to help
You do not have to donate to help recovery efforts. American Red Cross taking applications There are calls for volunteers who can help, and many organizations are asking for donations of certain items that people will need in the coming days. Many YMCA locations across Southern California are in need of clothing, toiletries, blankets, non-perishable items, diapers, formula and more, which you can learn more about Here,
Check in on your LA-area friends
Everyone in Southern California is mourning the loss of communities in the Los Angeles area. Be sure to check in with your friends in the field now and in the coming weeks to see how you can support them. If you’re able, you can offer emotional support, a place to stay if you live around the area, or send them resources for things they may need, like food, clothing. , or pet or child care services.
bottom line
If you’re in Los Angeles, make sure you stay up to date on the latest threats, and if you’re not, make a list of ways you might be able to help. It can be overwhelming to know where to start, but the important thing is to get involved however you can.
In the midst of doomscrolling, make room for a few silver linings. The Los Angeles wildfires come just four months after Hurricane Helene devastated parts of the Southeast, destroying homes, neighborhoods and communities. Then and now, people sprang into action to help those who lost everything. Despite the horrific photos being shared online, it’s important to remember that the outpouring of support has been strong in the wake of both tragedies, and it’s essential to take care of ourselves and each other during this difficult time.
