Resources for LA-Area Students and Residents Affected by the Wildfires

Resources for LA-Area Students and Residents Affected by the Wildfires

If you or someone you know has been impacted by the recent wildfires in the Los Angeles area, we’ve compiled a list of resources to help you navigate this challenging time. From apps and emergency alerts to free meals and shelter options, these tools are here to support you.

Apps to Download

1. Watch Duty – Track active fires, evacuation zones, and nearby shelters.

2. Genasys – Enter your ZIP code to receive personalized zone status alerts.

Understanding Evacuation Zones:

• Level 1: Be ready.

• Level 2: Pack a go-bag and be prepared to leave.

• Level 3: Evacuate immediately.

When to Wear a Mask:

• AQI 101 and Above: Consider wearing a mask, especially if you belong to sensitive groups (children, elderly, or those with respiratory conditions like asthma).

• AQI 151 and Above: Everyone should wear a mask outdoors and reduce outdoor activities.

• AQI 201 and Above: Strongly consider staying indoors and using air purifiers if available. Wear an N95 mask or higher for outdoor exposure.

Go-Bag Checklist: The 7 Ps

1. People – Ensure everyone is accounted for.

2. Pets – Include food and supplies for your animals.

3. Paper – Important documents like passports and social security cards.

4. Prescriptions – Medications and medical supplies.

5. Pictures – Irreplaceable memories.

6. Personal computer – Store essential digital files.

7. Plastic – Wallet with ID, debit/credit cards.

Emergency Shelters

Find the nearest shelter by texting "SHELTER" + your ZIP code to 43362.

Evacuation Shelters:

• Arcadia Community Center – 375 Campus Drive, Arcadia, CA 91007

• Ritchie Valens Recreation Center – 10736 Laurel Canyon Blvd., Pacoima, CA 91331

• Pan Pacific Recreational Center – 7600 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036

• [More locations listed above in the resources.]

Other Shelter Options:

• Airbnb + 211 LA: Offering free temporary housing. Apply here.

• YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles: Providing evacuation sites, shelter, showers, and free childcare.

• Planet Fitness: Free access to locker rooms, showers, Wi-Fi, and more through January 15.

Transportation Support

• LA Metro: Fare collection is suspended systemwide until Sunday, January 12. Stay updated by following them on X (formerly Twitter).

• Uber: Offering free rides to shelters with the promo code WILDFIRE25, covering up to $40.

• Lyft: Providing free rides to shelters using the promo cutie90ode CAFIRERELIEF25, with a limit of $25.

Mental Health Support

• Headspace - TBD

• LA County ACCESS Center: 24/7 support at (800) 854-7771.

• Cal Hope: Free mental health resources for distress and grief.

Free Meals for Fire Evacuees and First Responders

Many restaurants and cafes across LA are stepping up to provide free meals.

• Bar Etoile – Free meals for evacuees.

• Danny Boy’s – Free pizza for first responders and evacuees.

• South LA Cafe – Offering shelter, groceries, and masks.

• Prime Pizza – Free pizza for evacuees and first responders.

• Fiorelli Pizza – Complimentary pizza for evacuees.

• Norms – Free meals for first responders.

• Bé Ù – Free meals for evacuees and first responders.

• Otus Thai Kitchen – Free meals for firefighters.

• Pie Trap Pizza – Free pizza for first responders and evacuees.

• Millcross Coffee – Free coffee for evacuees and first responders.

• Love Hour – Free meals for firefighters and evacuees on Jan. 9, 5 PM–10 PM.

• Wake & Late – Free breakfast and coffee for first responders at their Hollywood and DTLA locations.

• La Pupusa DTLA – Free meals for firefighters, accepting donations.

• Yeastie Boys – Free bagels and sandwiches for evacuees and firefighters.

• Sunday Gravy – Free meals for first responders and evacuees.

• Crustacean – Free pho and garlic noodles for evacuees and first responders.

• Howlin’ Rays – Complimentary meals for emergency crew and first responders.

• The Butcher’s Daughter – Partnering with YMCA Santa Monica to offer meals.

• Lowboy – Free burgers and fries for those in need until supplies run out.

Places to Donate

Your donations can make a huge difference to those affected by the wildfires. Here are some reputable organizations where you can contribute:

• American Red Cross: Providing disaster relief and emergency assistance. Donate here.

• California Community Foundation Wildfire Relief Fund: Supporting intermediate and long-term recovery efforts. Donate here.

• Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation: Supporting first responders with essential equipment and resources. Donate here.

• United Way of Greater Los Angeles: Assisting low-income families affected by the fires. Donate here.

• World Central Kitchen: Providing fresh meals to affected communities and first responders. Donate here.

• The Humane Society of the United States: Supporting pet rescue and relief efforts. Donate here.

• Airbnb.org: Offering temporary housing to evacuees and disaster relief workers. Donate or volunteer here.

We hope these resources help you stay safe and supported during this time. Please share this blog with anyone who might benefit from these services. Together, we can support one another through these challenges.