Stay Informed: L.A. County Wildfire Updates and Resources
As various fires continue to affect Los Angeles County, we’ve compiled a list of resources to support you and the families you serve during this difficult time.
Do you have a helpful resource to share? Please email us at info@LABestBabies.org.
Last updated: January 10, 2025, at 12:20 p.m.
L.A. County-Specific Updates
- Evacuation updates, shelters, health alerts, and road closures: LACounty.gov/emergency
- Real-time updates on the ongoing fires: App.WatchDuty.org and mobile app; LAist.com and LAist 89.3 FM
- List of many emergency mass notification communication tools available to Los Angeles County residents: Ready.LACounty.gov/emergency-notifications/
- Los Angeles County Fire Department: fire.lacounty.gov
- City of Los Angeles Fire Department: lafd.org
Preparedness
- Preparing for Wildfires (Ready LA County)
- Wildfires and Your Safety (CDC)
Safety During Wildfires
- Boil Water Notice for LADWP Service Areas Pacific Palisades, Zip Code 90272, Adjacent Communities North of San Vincente Blvd. (LA DWP)
- Air Quality Monitoring (AirNow.gov)
- How to keep yourself safe from the dismal air quality driven by these fires (LAist)
- Tips for Protecting Yourself from Wildfire Smoke (CDPH)
- Staying Safe After a Wildfire (CDC)
- Reduce Your Smoke Exposure (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency)
- Protecting Children from Wildfire Smoke and Ash (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency)
Temporary Housing, Transportation
- Information on Human and Animal Shelters (County of Los Angeles)
- Limited Availability: Emergency stays through Airbnb for those impacted by wildfires (2-1-1)
- See this Mutual Aid LA resource list for more resources
- Uber, Lyft offer free rides to Southern California residents affected by wildfires (KTLA 5 News)
- L.A. Metro Service Updates Related to High Winds and Wildfires
Food
- Food Pantry Locator (LA Food Bank)
- World Central Kitchen is providing food to evacuees and first responders
- See this Mutual Aid LA resource list for more food resources
Infant Feeding
Supporting Mental Health
- Free eBook to help young children and their families begin to talk about feelings and worries they may have after they have experienced a large-scale fire, like a wild fire: Trinka and Sam: The Big Fire (available in multiple languages) (Piplo Productions)
- 3 tips for talking to kids about emergencies and natural disasters (LAist)
- Tips for early childhood educators working with babies and toddlers: Coping with Trauma and Stress in the Face of Wildfires: Tips for Early Childhood Educators (ZERO TO THREE)
- Trauma Resources for Los Angeles-Area Communities (NAMI)
- Parent Guide for Helping Children Impacted by Wildfires (The National Child Traumatic Stress Network)
- Helping Young Children with Traumatic Grief: Tips for Caregivers (The National Child Traumatic Stress Network)
- How to Talk to Kids About Wildfires (PBS SoCal)
- Coping with a Disaster or Traumatic Event Factsheet (CDC)
- LA County Dept of Mental Health: Emotional support is available 24/7 via a helpline at 800-854-7771
California Workers’ Rights in Emergencies
This California Labor Code section provides protections to parents of school-aged children during natural disasters:
Labor Code section 230.8 – Gives job-protected time off when schools are closed due to natural disasters
Labor Code section 230.8 prohibits an employer with 25 or more employees from retaliating against an employee who is the parent of a child for taking off up to 40 hours a year, but no more than 8 hours per month, to participate in the child’s school activities, to locate or enroll the child in school or child care, or for school emergencies (no 8 hour restriction for school emergencies). For the purposes of this section, parent includes stepparent, foster parent, guardian, grandparent, or person who stands in the place of a parent for the child.
Additional information on employee rights during natural disasters is available here.
Insurance and Disaster Resources
- FEMA: Los Angeles County residents affected by the wildfires can apply for disaster assistance: DisasterAssistance.gov or 800-621-3362
- California Department of Insurance: If you have been affected by the wildfires you can contact the California Department of Insurance with your insurance questions at 800-927-4357 or insurance.ca.gov.
- LA County Assessor: “Misfortune and Calamity” Property Tax Relief: Property damaged or destroyed by the windstorms or wildfires may qualify for temporary property tax relief through the Misfortune and Calamity program. For more information and to download the claim form (ADS-820), visit assessor.lacounty.gov/tax-relief/disaster-relief or call (213) 974-3211.
Additional Resources
- Inclusive Action launched an emergency fund to help outdoor workers – street vendors, landscapers, and recyclers – impacted by the fires. Impacted outdoor workers can apply for one-time cash assistance support of $500 here.
- The Mutual Aid LA Network is maintaining this Google Sheet listing resources for those affected by the fires. Updated continually with new resources or calls for volunteers and donations.
- Red Cross: Family Assistance Centers will open to provide information to people looking for missing family and friends. For more information, contact (800) 675-5799 or visit https://www.redcross.org/get-help/disaster-relief-and-recovery-services/contact-and-locate-loved-ones/california-wildfires-reunification.html
- BreastfeedLA is coordinating donations of baby items (e.g., breast pumps, diapers, wipes, baby clothes, and other essentials). To receive items, please contact Brenda at bvieyra@breastfeedla.org and provide your location and the items you need.
How You Can Help
If you are looking to help residents impacted by the fires, please consider donations and volunteer opportunities with the following:
If you would like to donate baby items (e.g., breast pumps, diapers, wipes, baby clothes, and other essentials) to assist families affected by the fires, BreastfeedLA is coordinating donations. Please email Brenda at bvieyra@breastfeedla.org and provide your location and the items you would like to donate.