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LA fires: Where & How to Help Those in Need

Updated: Jan 14

It is difficult to imagine. It was one week ago that we received warnings that the deadly Santa Ana winds were coming. Those who have lived here a while, know the Santa Ana winds well but we could never imagine them to be anything more than a nuisance. Now in the aftermath of that week, that will live infamously in our minds, we see how precious life can be and how quickly devastation can occur. One good thing that may come out of this week, is that due to so many people being on high alert and packing in case of evacuation notices, we can be more up-to-date and organized for when the next natural disaster hits. We have been extremely fortunate the past 30 or so years, but let us not forget that it is important to be prepared. See below for a compiled list of suggestion for emergency preparedness (click here for more details).

As the San Fernando Valley, and Angelinos begin to settle back to a sense of normalcy, for nearly 150, 000 people, their lives have been changed irreparably. I find, though, that it is of utmost importance to point out how incredible of a city we have and how many people, have pitched in to help. This includes our neighbors, Canada and Mexico, for sending your people who risked their lives for us.

It seems, we are not in the clearing quite yet because as I type this, I can hear the winds blowing away still outside and know that first responders are still working tirelessly to keep embers from flying away. While us citizens in the city are able to take a moment to relax and get our adrenaline down a bit, they are still out there. Words cannot express how thankful we are to all the brave first responders! As always, we stand Los Angeles Strong!


For those who lost their house to the fires, our hearts and prayers go out to you, truly!


Donation places:

The fire departments are asking for donations to the following places, not the local stations because it impacts critical operations.

The LA Fire Department has teamed up with the following organizations

Other local organizations:



 

Emergency Preparedness Kit:


According to https://www.ready.gov/kit , this is compiled list of important and beneficial things to have in your emergency prepared kit:


Essentials:

  • Water (one gallon per person per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation)

  • Food (at least a several-day supply of non-perishable food)

  • Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert

  • Flashlight (with extra batteries)

  • First aid kit (bandaids, wraps, antibacterial wipes & ointment, etc)

  • Extra batteries

  • Whistle (to signal for help)

  • Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air) & gloves (disposable & work)

  • Plastic sheeting, scissors and duct tape (to shelter in place)

  • Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)

  • Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)

  • Manual can opener (for food)

  • Local maps

  • Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery

  • Pets: Pet food, extra water for your pet, leash/ harness, bowls

  • Infants: Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes and diaper rash cream

  • Children: clothing (at least 2 sizes up because kids grow faster than we can keep up), small books, games, puzzles or other activities for children


Additional Supplies:

  • Soap, hand sanitizer, body wipes, and disinfecting wipes to disinfect surfaces

  • Prescription medications. About half of all Americans take a prescription medicine every day. An emergency can make it difficult for them to refill their prescription or to find an open pharmacy. Organize and protect your prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and vitamins to prepare for an emergency (1 weeks worth at least)

  • Non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids, or laxatives

  • Prescription eyeglasses and contact lens solution

  • Cash or traveler's checks

  • Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records saved electronically or in a waterproof, portable container

  • Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person

  • Complete change of clothing appropriate for your climate and sturdy shoes

  • Fire extinguisher

  • Matches in a waterproof container

  • Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant)

  • Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils

  • Paper and pencil

  • Eye drops, chapstick, glasses wipes, etc

  • Duct tape, multi-use knife,


Additional Info we have learned from this event that may be useful:

  • Know what is important and not (albums & memories may not be worth money but they are your history and may be more precious in the long run)

  • Leave early & know your escape routes (people were stuck in the roads and had to abandon vehicles)

  • Extra provisions on hand at home (next time it may be 'the big one' and extra water, TP, towels, and canned food may prove to be important while chaos is all around)

  • Maintain your kit (make sure you go through it once a year to ensure expiration dates or correct sizes of clothing are kept up with)

  • Locations of your kits (if you have space, having your kit of non-perishables already in your car, may buy you a lot of time- otherwise make sure everything is easy to grab and kept in a safe, dry location)

  • Make a plan (contact family and plan on where to meet up in case power lines and cell phone towers are effected

  • Gas (keep your gas tank full- the gas stations were packed with lines down the street once the evacuation orders were accidentally sent out)

  • Important phone numbers & address (in case cell loses battery, a physical copy would be needed, plus this may preserve your battery longer)

 
 
 

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