KNOW NOW:
LA WILDFIRES
WHAT CAN WE DO NOW?
We’re all asking ourselves what we can do, so far from the Los Angeles fires, to ease the trauma of its many victims. Hardly exhaustive, here is a quick short list of ways to help give immediate relief to those who have lost everything. The non-profit groups we highlight provide food, clothing, housing, medicine, mental health services and care for animals abandoned or distressed.
Of course, we have inescapable issues to confront over the medium term. The impact of the nation’s selfish fossil fuel addiction on climate change; the scarcity of water, its rate of consumption and ownership; the now ever-present relationship between violence and mental illness that flares during major disruptions like the spreading fires; the urgently needed focus and funding to prepare emergency responses to mega-disasters. Now, our attention is on immediate relief. The fires are still burning, and communities need our help.
DO NOW:
Basics Make an immediate impact now and feed the hungry. World Central Kitchen, an A1 organization has had meals on the ground from the get-go. The LA Foodbank needs constant replenishing and has issued specific urgent requests. Local YMCAs draw donations to provide essential shelter, hygiene products, showers, clothing and nutrition to fire and smoke victims.
Animals Pets, lifestock and wild animals affected by fires find relief at Pasadenahumane.org/wildfirerelief; California’s wildlife has suffered immeasurably: a local list of shelters taking in the wide array of birds, reptiles and four-legged animals is a good way to give directly to small operations struggling to keep pace with demand.
Firefighters Keep the firefighters agile and equipped to do their jobs with supportlafd.org, now raising funds for gear, equipment, and ways to improve firefighters’ safety. For statewide help: The California Fire Foundation.
At Risk For those at greatest risk the California Community Foundation takes a longer view toward repair, dispatching tens of millions to vulnerable populations: elderly, low wage, immigrant and mentally challenged, providing case management with individuals and families for housing, medical and more. For an update on the latest local networks to tap into, Mutual Aid LA will guide you.
Mental Health The LAist keeps the pulse of its city and sees an expected surge in mental health needs and spotlights specific treatment for traumatized fire victims. Also, National Disaster Distress Helpline is a call or text line (800) 985-5990 providing Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) counselors available 24/7 to those seeking counseling after experiencing a traumatic event or a disaster. Trained professionals help with a range of symptoms. The Los Angeles Department of Mental Health also has a list of disaster mental health resources. The L.A. County Department of Mental Health help line: (800) 854-7771. Don’t hesitate to use it… some of the finest specialists are on the other end of the line.
Property Loss Homeowners and businesses filing claims are overwhelmed. Stay current with the LAist's list of contacts for fire victims to help them determine eligibility, file claims and more. The California Insurance Commissioner also provided information on evacuation-related expense reimbursements and imposed a one year moratorium on homeowner insurance cancellation and non-renewals in fire-affected areas.
Our young Traumatic stress and children are an important and separate effort. Here, the LAist offers practical ways to help: How to talk to children about wildfires, evacuations and losing a home. The National Child Traumatic Stress Network gives coping mechanisms to help children and families: Parent Guidelines for Helping Children Impacted by Wildfires (En Español) Wildfires: Tips for Parents on Media Coverage (En Español) Simple Activities for Children and Adolescents· Trinka and Sam: The Big Fire - E-book for young children (En Español).