5 Ways to Help the Los Angeles Wildfire Victims and First Responders Right Now

Admin

posted on 5 months ago — updated on 1 second ago

57
views

Discover 5 impactful ways to support LA wildfire victims and first responders now. Donate, share tips or provide resources to those in need. | SUCCESS

Search ... Results See all results

Quick Links

SECTIONS

JOIN US

GET IN TOUCH

CONNECT

Instagram Facebook Tiktok Linkedin Pinterest X-twitter

Get SUCCESS® Magazine PLUS 80+ Hours of Exclusive Training (& More!) to Multiply Your Earning Potential SUBSCRIBE TODAY!

Save Up to 20% Before Oct. 2!

BOOKMARK Share

TABLE OF CONTENTS

A firefighter watches as the fire burns in California

Five dead. 2,000 buildings burned. 130,000 residents under evacuation. The numbers coming from Los Angeles are devastating as wildfires continue to spread throughout the county, and the high winds are expected to pick back up Thursday night into Friday morning. The fires are divided into four main areas, LA Times shares:

After you check on your friends and relatives in the evacuation zones and nearby areas, it’s time for much more than thoughts and prayers—firefighters and victims of the fires need help. Here are five ways Los Angeles locals and first responders could use your help the most.

Tara Gurlides, development director at the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) Foundation directs people to donate to the LAFD Wildfire Emergency Funding Alert. She shares that they’d already raised around $1 million since Jan. 7, and are going to “need more and more stuff” as the efforts continue. As of midday Thursday, the site shared the donations were going directly to:

“Emergency fire shelters—These personal fire shelters are deployed when the unthinkable happens and firefighters become overrun by flames. These light, compact shelters are designed to reflect radiant heat, protect against convective heat and trap breathable air within.

Hydration backpacks—Firefighters can be on the front lines of a wildfire for up to 12 hours. These unique backpacks carry three quarts of water and are vital to keeping firefighters healthy on the fire line.

Wildland brush tools—Clearing fire roads and creating natural barriers to slow the spread of fire is a necessary but labor-intensive and exhausting process. These light and durable hand tools are specially designed to help ground crews cut through tree limbs, clear brush overgrowth and remove potential fuel sources.”

Gurlides adds that by the end of day Thursday, their second round of funding will start with additional types of needs posted.

2. Help the victims access food, shelter and resources

Though many organizations are providing assistance, here are a few vetted ones to ensure safe use of your funds, in addition to the LAFD option above.

One LA resident anonymously shared with SUCCESS® that valuable social media posts have given concrete tips for those in the area, including taking a video narrating what possessions you own for insurance purposes later, getting your “go bag” ready before you think you need it and if you have to abandon your car, leave your keys inside in case someone has the chance to move (not bulldoze) it.

On the other side of the coin, beware of social media posts that spread misinformation, such as those circulating Wednesday that the iconic Hollywood sign was on fire—it is not. Instead, fearmongering AI-generated images have added to the chaos.

In an emergency, panic can set in and it can be hard to know where to go. You can help friends and family stay abreast of up-to-date resources they might need, such as downloading and watching the Watch Duty app that shows the location of fires, alerts and other pertinent and timely information.

Companies like Airbnb have opened some of their properties to help receive evacuating residents (apply here). For others, sharing lists of potentially helpful shelters and options with those impacted can give them a place to turn without extra research to do in a difficult time.

The LA Times has an ongoing list of shelters available and closures to share.

Some shelters even accept small and large animals alongside their humans for those evacuating with pets, including:

Additional shelters such as Pasadena Humane, which has taken in over 100 animals including a pony, need help. Those still looking for somewhere to take their pet can still go there, and others who might be able to foster a pet can reach out as well (Animal Resource Center at 361 S. Raymond Avenue, Pasadena, 91105).

LA County continues to update its emergency animal shelter information and capacity as well.

Note: Numbers and details reported herein were accurate at time of writing, 1:30 PM EST Thurs. Jan. 9

Photo by Ringo Chiu/Shutterstock

5473 Blair Road, Suite 100
PMB 30053
Dallas, TX 75231

Save Up to 20% Before Oct. 2!

Unlock the Latest Knowledge that Can You Help You Achieve More in Life with More Confidence

Print and Digital Options Available

Oops!

You’ve reached your limit of free
articles for this month!

(plus get access to hundreds of resources designed
to help you excel in life and business)

Please enter your username or email address. You will receive an email message to log in.

No, thanks, I’m not interested in personal growth.

Plus, get access to daily inspiration, weekly newsletters and podcasts, and occasional updates from us.

By signing up you are also added to SUCCESS® emails. You can easily unsubscribe at anytime. By clicking above, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

Please enter your username or email address. You will receive an email message to log in.

Get unlimited access to SUCCESS®
(+ a bunch of extras)! Learn more.

Please enter your username or email address. You will receive an email message to log in.

The exclusive article you’re trying to view is for subscribers only.

(plus get access to hundreds of resources designed
to help you excel in life and business)

Please enter your username or email address. You will receive an email message to log in.

https://www.success.com/help-los-angeles-wildfire-victims/