How You Can Help and Donate to Support LA Wildfire Relief Efforts

In the wake of the devastating wildfires that have impacted Los Angeles, the outpouring of support from our community has been overwhelming. It's heartening to see so many people come together in this time of need, showcasing the incredible generosity and compassion that define us. However, managing the sheer volume of donated items has become a challenge for many cities, with donation centers reaching capacity and some no longer able to accept physical donations.

While it's wonderful to see so many people eager to help, it’s important to recognize that monetary donations are the most effective way to support those impacted by the fires right now. Many organizations lack the resources to manage the influx of material goods, making financial contributions a more efficient way to provide aid. These funds will go directly toward recovery efforts, supplies, and assisting the thousands of families who have lost so much.

How to Donate Effectively

To make the greatest impact with your donation, it's essential to contribute to trusted organizations, especially as there are scams taking advantage of the situation. The following nonprofits have a proven track record of responsibly managing donations and ensuring aid reaches those who need it most.

We encourage you to support the following organizations, which are actively on the front lines of recovery efforts:

1. Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation: Proceeds from this foundation will be used for equipping firefighters with tools and supplies to contain the fires.

2. California Community Foundation’s Wildfire Recovery Fund:

   • Contributions will go toward the most impacted and the most vulnerable Angelenos who can be overlooked in traditional relief efforts. 

   • Since 2003, CCF’s Wildfire Recovery Fund has supported impacted communities across the state. 

   • The fund complements immediate relief and addresses the long-term recovery needs of neighborhoods.

3. California Fire Foundation: Provides emotional and financial assistance to families of fallen firefighters, firefighters and the communities they protect. 

4. American Red Cross

5. Salvation Army

6. YMCA

Volunteer Opportunities

If you're looking to do more than just donate, consider volunteering your time. L.A. Works is an excellent resource for finding volunteer opportunities with local organizations that are providing support in the wake of the fires. Your time and effort can make a real difference in the recovery process.

Thank you for your kindness, generosity, and for being a part of this incredible community effort. Together, we will help Los Angeles recover and rebuild.

As of Jan. 8, 2025, 2:00 p.m. PST, multiple wildfires are tearing through the Los Angeles area, including the Palisades Fire, the Eaton Fire, and the Hurst Fire.

Here’s what you need to know to stay safe.

Understand the Differences Between Alerts Issued During Wildfires

• Evacuation ORDER: If you receive an evacuation order, this means you need to leave immediately. Emergency responders have determined there is an imminent life safety risk and you need to evacuate.

• Evacuation WARNING: If you receive an evacuation warning, this means you need to start preparing to leave. If you have animals, children, or need additional time evacuating, this is the time to leave.

• A Red Flag Warning means that warm temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds are expected to combine, creating a heightened risk of fire danger. This alert prompts residents and agencies to stay on high alert to prevent fires or respond quickly if one ignites.

• In especially severe situations, a “Particularly Dangerous Situation” (PDS) Red Flag Warning may be issued. This rare alert signifies an extreme wildfire risk due to conditions like high winds, very low humidity, drought, or a combination of these factors, which make fires likely to spread uncontrollably. A PDS warning signals a serious need for caution, urging residents to follow evacuation orders, avoid outdoor activities that might ignite fires, and stay prepared for rapid changes.

• A Fire Weather Watch is a preliminary alert issued 12-72 hours in advance when critical fire weather conditions may develop. While less urgent than a Red Flag Warning, it encourages communities to stay prepared for potentially escalating fire risks.
  

Don’t Wait—Just Go

Delaying evacuation during a wildfire is extremely dangerous, especially under high wind conditions. Fires can spread unpredictably and rapidly—often faster than you can move. High winds intensify the danger, driving flames and creating additional hazards like downed power lines, thick smoke, abandoned vehicles, flying debris, and heavy traffic, which can block escape routes.

If you sense danger, don’t wait—leave immediately, even if you don’t have a fully prepared go-bag or wildfire action plan. If you’re in an evacuation order zone, leave immediately. Minimize time spent on roadways by heading directly to a safer area. Quick action is essential to ensure your safety.

Staying behind not only puts your life and your loved ones at serious risk but also endangers first responders, who may need to divert resources to rescue those who hesitated.

Your safety is the top priority. If you’re in a life-threatening emergency, call 9-1-1 immediately. Evacuating early protects you and allows emergency crews to focus on controlling the fire and safeguarding the community.

Create an Evacuation Plan

• Have multiple routes out of your neighborhood and have a hard copy map with your identified routes.

• Identify two ways out of every room in your home. 

• Discuss where you will meet family or friends if you are separated.

• Make sure you have at least half a tank of gas in your car.

• Prepare for power outages with batteries, flashlights, backup cell phone chargers, and charging cables. Visit https://www.sce.com/outage-center/check-outage-status for outage information or to report downed power lines. 

• Identify where you will go once you evacuate. For up to date shelter information, please go to the Red Cross website linked here.: https://www.redcross.org/get-help/disaster-relief-and-recovery-services/find-an-open-shelter.html?srsltid=AfmBOorxnbdxp4_oQZ3KTueaf9YIsr6D121ryb3T8Nuh-U-pW_n0fsFm

• Prepare a go-bag in case evacuation becomes necessary. Think of the FIVE P’s:

1. People

2. Pets

3. Pills (Medications)

4. Photos (Including photo documentation of your home for insurance purposes)

5. Papers (Documents such as utility bills, birth certificates, etc.)

• Sign up to receive text, email, and phone call emergency alerts for your home, work, and school at https://member.everbridge.net/311578402488335/login. Important alerts on evacuations, road closures, and other hazards will be communicated through the City’s Alert SouthBay Emergency Alerting System. If you are not located in the South Bay region, you can opt-in to the Alert LA County mass notification program utilized by the County of Los Angeles to receive emergency alerts at this link here: https://alertlacounty.genasys.com/portal/en/register

• To access real-time wildfire mapping and firefighting efforts, download the Watch Duty app from the App Store or visit https://app.watchduty.org.

Create a Go-Bag

Create a go-bag with the following at a minimum…

• Map

• Medications

• Change of clothes

• Extra set of keys

• Glasses/contact lenses

• First-aid

• Shoes

• Phone chargers

• Food and water

• Copies of ID, credit cards, passports, important documents

• Cash in small bills

• Flashlights (with working batteries)

• Hard drives/flash-drive

• Family photos/comfort items

• Sanitation supplies (include masks)

• Activities for children

• Create a separate bag for pets; include a leash and vaccine records

What to Pack When It’s Time to Evacuate: A Guide Based on How Much Time You Have

If I Have NO TIME

• People and Pets

• Go-bag (with SHOES)

If I Have 5 MINUTES

In addition to the above…

• Medications

• Glasses/contact lenses

• Essential medical equipment (if applicable)

• Cell phone/laptop/chargers

If I Have 30 MINUTES

In addition to the above…

• Change of clothing

• Photo albums/family portraits

• Stuffed animals (comfort items)

Protecting Your Home

If time permits, take steps to prepare your property and make it safer for firefighters if they need to defend it:

• Set Up Water Sources: Connect water hoses and fill large containers such as garbage cans, tubs, or pools with water. These can serve as valuable resources for firefighters.

• Secure Your Home: Close all windows, doors, and vents to prevent embers from entering and igniting the interior.

• Turn Off Utilities: If you know how to do so safely, shut off the gas and power to your home to reduce the risk of fire spreading.

What to Do If You Are Trapped

If you are unable to evacuate due to a car breakdown or another unexpected issue, it’s important to stay calm and take immediate steps to ensure your safety.

1. Call 911: Look around and figure out where you are. Can you see a street name, an address, or a landmark? Let 911 know your location so they can send help. Even if you’re not sure where you are, calling quickly gets the process started.

2. Move to Safety if Possible: If it’s safe to do so, walk to a safer spot. Stick to main roads or open areas—this makes it easier for passing cars or emergency crews to spot you.

Staying Safe from Wildfire Smoke

Wildfire smoke can pose serious health risks to both people and pets, even if you are far from the fire. Taking steps to reduce exposure is essential for protecting your household.

Health Risks of Wildfire Smoke

Breathing in wildfire smoke can lead to symptoms such as:

• Coughing and wheezing

• Trouble breathing

• Stinging eyes and irritated sinuses

• Scratchy throat and runny nose

• Headaches, chest pain

Who is Most at Risk?

Certain groups are more vulnerable to the harmful effects of wildfire smoke:

• Young children, especially those under 4 years old, are at high risk when the Air Quality Index (AQI) exceeds 100.

• Pregnant women and their developing babies face increased risks.

• Individuals with existing health conditions, such as asthma, COPD, heart disease, diabetes, or chronic kidney disease, are particularly susceptible.

How Does Wildfire Smoke Impact Pets?

Pets can also suffer from smoke exposure, and some may require veterinary attention. Keep your pets in a clean air space with you, and watch for the following symptoms:

• Coughing or gagging

• Red or watery eyes

• Nasal discharge

• Trouble breathing

• Fatigue, weakness, or disorientation

• Reduced appetite or thirst

Animals with heart or lung disease, older pets, and pet birds are especially vulnerable to wildfire smoke. Contact your veterinarian if your pet exhibits any of these symptoms.

Tips to Stay Safe from Smoke

• Monitor Air Quality: Regularly check the Air Quality Index (AQI) for your area and follow local emergency management guidance.

• Create a Clean Air Space: Select a room in your home to seal off from outdoor air. Use a portable air filter in this room to maintain clean air.

• Avoid Indoor Pollutants: Refrain from burning candles, using wood stoves, or smoking indoors to keep air quality as clean as possible.

• Upgrade HVAC Filters: If your home has central air conditioning, use high-efficiency filters like HEPA or MERV 13 to improve air filtration.

• Wear a Mask Outdoors: If you must go outside, wear an N95 or P100 mask with two straps to filter out smoke particles.

Dangerous Winds and Extreme Fire Risk for Los Angeles County and South Bay Cities

There is an expected destructive, widespread, and potentially life-threatening windstorm starting Tuesday (1/7) through Wednesday afternoon (1/8) in the Los Angeles region, including many areas in the South Bay. Gusts are expected to be 50-80 mph and reach 80-100 mph in certain areas. Red flag conditions will likely continue until Friday.

Scattered downed trees and power outages are likely to occur. Residents can take the following actions:

• CALL 9-1-1 for life-threatening emergencies.

• Be aware of your surroundings, such as downed trees and power lines.

• High winds can cause trees to fall. If possible, park cars away from trees and other objects that could cause a hazard if they become dislodged. 

• Be prepared for long-term power outages due to PSPS (de-energizing power lines due to wildfire risk) or downed power lines. Visit https://www.sce.com/outage-center/check-outage-status for outage information or to report downed power lines. 

• Prepare a go-bag, and if you are ordered to evacuate, LEAVE IMMEDIATELY.

• Mariner Advisory: Strong winds are forecasted to impact harbors and outer waters. Vessel owners are urged to securely fasten boats to docks or moorings and secure any loose items or equipment to prevent them from becoming hazards.

• Register for emergency alerts by texting ‘ALERTSB’ to 888-777 or by visiting https://member.everbridge.net/311578402488335/login.

All in fire-prone areas should be ready to evacuate and take precautions to prevent fires. Areas particularly at risk include the Palos Verdes Peninsula. To view your zone, visit https://www.pvpready.gov/. 

In California, wildfires are a constant concern, making preparedness essential. Understanding terms from the National Weather Service (NWS), like “Red Flag Warning” and “Particularly Dangerous Situation” (PDS), can help you stay ready for wildfire season.

A Red Flag Warning means that warm temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds are expected to combine, creating a heightened risk of fire danger. This alert prompts residents and agencies to stay on high alert to prevent fires or respond quickly if one ignites.

Key safety tips during Red Flag Warnings include:

• Do not discard cigarettes or matches from moving vehicles. They may ignite dry grass on the side of the road and become a widlfire.

• Properly extinguish all outdoor fires by drowning fires with plenty of water and stirring to make sure everything is cold to the touch. Dunk charcoal in water until cold. Do not throw live charcoal on the ground and leave it.

• Never leave a fire unattended. Sparks or embers can blow into leaves or grass, ignite a fire, and quickly spread.

• If you are allowed to burn in your area, all burn barrels must be covered with a weighted metal cover, with holes no larger than 3/4 of an inch.

In especially severe situations, a “Particularly Dangerous Situation” (PDS) Red Flag Warning may be issued. This rare alert signifies an extreme wildfire risk due to conditions like high winds, very low humidity, drought, or a combination of these factors, which make fires likely to spread uncontrollably. A PDS warning signals a serious need for caution, urging residents to follow evacuation orders, avoid outdoor activities that might ignite fires, and stay prepared for rapid changes.

A Fire Weather Watch is a preliminary alert issued 12-72 hours in advance when critical fire weather conditions may develop. While less urgent than a Red Flag Warning, it encourages communities to stay prepared for potentially escalating fire risks.

Understanding and responding to these alerts can make a critical difference in staying safe. To learn more about the criteria for these alerts, visit https://www.weather.gov/bou/RFW_Definitions. To learn more about how you can stay prepared this wildfire season, visit our Emergency Preparedness Tips link in the navigation bar or by clicking the link here: https://alertsouthbay.com/emergency-preparedness-tips

Weather Related Information

Storm Preparedness

The National Weather Service is forecasting a second storm in the Los Angeles Area  beginning Sunday (2/4) and may last through Wednesday (2/7) bringing 3-5 inches of rain into the SouthBay. They are predicting the potential for heavy rain and flooding within the next 24-36 hours. We are advising residents to be prepared and to take four important steps to get prepared:

 When preparing for the storm, take the following actions:

• Have an emergency plan for your family, friends and neighborhood so that you can stay safe and connected during an emergency. This includes making a list of emergency contacts, identifying meeting points if you are separated, and having two-ways to get in and out of your home and neighborhood.

• Gather emergency supplies that will allow you to either shelter in place during the storm, including food, water, radios, medication, and pet supplies, or create a Go-Bag if you need to evacuate. Think of the FIVE P’s:

1. People

2. Pets

3. Pills (Medications)

4. Photos (Including photo documentation of your home for insurance purposes)

5. Papers (Documents such as utility bills, birth certificates, etc)

• Prepare for power outages with batteries, flashlights, backup cell phone chargers, and charging cables.

• Sign up to receive text, email, and phone call emergency alerts for your home, work, and school at www.alertsouthbay.com. Important alerts on evacuations, road closures and other hazards will be communicated through the City’s Alert SouthBay Emergency Alerting System. 

Evacuation WARNING vs. an Evacuation ORDER: What’s the Difference

• Evacuation Warning: If you receive an evacuation warning, this means you need to start preparing to leave. If you have animals, children, or need additional time evacuating, this is the time to leave.

• Evacuation Order: If you receive an evacuation order, this means you need to leave immediately. Emergency responders have determined there is an imminent life safety risk and you need to evacuate.

Always remember, you don’t have to wait to evacuate. If you feel unsafe, LEAVE.

Create an Evacuation Plan

• Have multiple routes out of your neighborhood and have a hard copy map with your identified routes. Discuss where you will meet family or friends if you are separated.

• Make sure you have at least half a tank of gas in your car.

• Identify where you will go once you evacuate. Right now, during the COVID-19 Pandemic, it may be better to evacuate to a friend or loved one’s house than a designated shelter or hotel, although approved shelters are following CDC guidelines.

• Create a Go-Bag with the following at a minimum:

  • Map

  • Medications

  • Change of Clothes

  • Extra set of keys

  • Glasses/Contact Lenses

  • First-aid

  • Shoes

  • Phone Chargers

  • Food and Water

  • Copies of ID, Credit Cards, Passports, Important Documents

  • Cash in small bills

  • Flashlights (with working batteries)

  • Hard Drives/Flash-Drive

  • Family Photos/Comfort Items

  • Sanitation Supplies (include masks)

  • Activities for Children

  • Create a separate bag for pets-include a leash and vaccine records.

• Mitigate your risk by following proper brush clearance laws around your home, installing smoke detectors (or ensuring the batteries are working), having a fire extinguisher, and identifying 2-ways out of every room in your home. 

  Make a Quick Checklist 

  Make a quick checklist and post near your exit routes around your home (front door, back door, etc.). Here is a quick checklist to get you started. Make sure to list the location of items to help you in high-stress situations. It's also a good conversation starter to have with your family now in a safe, non-scary environment.  

  If I Have No Time

  • People and Pets

  • Go-Bag (with SHOES)

  If I have 5-Minutes

  • Medications (list location)

  • Glasses (location)

  • Laptop/Cell Phone/Chargers (location)

  • Essential Medical Equipment (if applicable and location)

  If I have 30-Minutes (in addition to the above)

  • Photo Albums

  • Family Portraits

  • Stuffed Animals (comfort items)

  • Change of Clothing (for everyone) 

  More preparedness information can be found at https://lacounty.gov/emergency/emergency-survival-guide/ 

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