Dear SCERC Community,
An unrelenting series of wildfires have caused immense devastation and challenges for our Los Angeles community. It's been surreal and heart-wrenching to witness the devastation of homes, wildlife, and entire communities.
We at the SCERC would like to express our deepest sympathies and support to those who have been impacted and a heartfelt thank you to the first responders, service workers, agencies, nonprofits, community organizations, and volunteers who have worked tirelessly to keep our communities safe and provide resources to those who have been impacted.
The health, safety and well-being of our community is of utmost importance. We have put together a number of disaster relief resources and opportunities to help that are available throughout the Los Angeles region and wildfire occupational safety and health resources. Please share these resources and opportunities with anyone who may be in need or looking to get involved. If you have any additional resources/opportunities you'd like to share, please email them to erc@ph.ucla.edu.
We are actively sharing information and resources on our Instagram page, so check out our page for timely updates. This page will be updated as new resources and opportunities become available.
Extreme fire danger will remain through Wednesday 1/15/25. Please stay vigilant and be prepared to evacuate if you receive an evacuation order. We hope you all are safe, taking care of yourselves, and looking out for one another.
In solidarity,
The SCERC
Information and Resources for UCLA Students, Faculty, and Staff
UCLA has put together a page that outlines the current status of campus operations, instruction and emergency plans and provides fire-related resources for students, faculty and staff. Please check this page regularly for updates.
Regular updates will continue to be shared through the BruinALERT system and Bruins Safe Online.
Resources and Opportunities to Assist Available Throughout Los Angeles
Housing
UCLA is offering reduced rates for local evacuees and those who have lost their homes at the UCLA Meyer and Renee Luskin Conference Center, The Inn at UCLA, and the UCLA Lake Arrowhead Lodge. Please call 310-794-1600 to inquire about availability. Interested guests are asked to mention that their booking is due to a local wildfire evacuation or home loss and specify their desired location.
Current List of Shelters in Los Angeles: The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, the California Department of Social Services and local governments are coordinating to ensure that individuals and communities impacted by the wildfires have access to shelters and vital services
The nonprofit 211 LA — which connects community members and organizations with health, human and social services in Los Angeles — has partnered with Airbnb.com to provide free accommodations for people evacuated as a result of the local wildfires.
Mutual Aid Los Angeles Network (MALAN): Check out their comprehensive Google Spreadsheet for information on shelters, donation drives, animal assistance, free meals, wifi/charging locations, and additional resources.
The local hotel association is maintaining a list of hotels in and around L.A. with available space, including whether and what kind of discounts they're offering to fire victims and evacuees.
The Jewish Federation of Los Angeles has put together a list of essential resources, including meals, mental health support, legal services, and government and community support, and much more.
Interested in opening up your home to help displaced residents? Learn more about how you can offer free stays to people in times of crisis through Airbnb
Food
Los Angeles Regional Food Bank: The Food Bank is accepting financial donations, food and non-food donations at two of their distribution centers, are looking for volunteers, and is providing food through their pantries located throughout LA
World Central Kitchen is providing free hot meals at various locations across the LA region and are looking for volunteers.
No Res Gourmet is preparing and distributing meals and essential supplies at select locations and are looking for volunteers and donations.
Our Big Kitchen Los Angeles is preparing hot meals for evacuees and first responders. Volunteer opportunities are available. If interested in volunteering, please fill out the form on their website.
YMCA LA is providing no-cost services and the following support: free childcare, free access for teens, showers, food and water, essentials, and mental health support across Los Angeles
UCLA Volunteer Center: Numerous volunteer opportunities are available throughout Los Angeles to distribute food and essential supplies.
Octavia's Bookshelf has set up a mutual aid pitstop and is accepting/providing food and essential supplies. Please check their Instagram (linked) for more information on hours of operation and donations needed. Address: 1353 N. Hill Ave Pasadena, CA 91104
Mutual Aid Los Angeles Network (MALAN): Check out their comprehensive Google Spreadsheet for information on shelters, donation drives, animal assistance, free meals, wifi/charging locations, and additional resources.
The Jewish Federation of Los Angeles has put together a list of essential resources, including meals, mental health support, legal services, and government and community support, and much more.
Los Angeles Community Fridges: Food, drinks, and personal care items can be picked up/dropped off at any of their 15 fridges throughout LA. Locations are listed on their website.
Animals/ Pets
Mutual Aid Los Angeles Network (MALAN): Check out their comprehensive Google Spreadsheet for information on shelters, donation drives, animal assistance, free meals, wifi/charging locations, and additional resources.
The Jewish Federation of Los Angeles has put together a list of essential resources, including meals, mental health support, legal services, and government and community support, and much more.
The Pasadena Humane Society is looking for monetary donations and is providing pet food/supplies. In addition, they are looking for individuals interested in fostering animals for a week or longer period of time. If interested in fostering, check out their website or reach out via email at foster@pasadenahumane.org.
Clothing, Personal Care Items, and PPE
Mutual Aid Los Angeles Network (MALAN): Check out their comprehensive Google Spreadsheet for information on shelters, donation drives, animal assistance, free meals, wifi/charging locations, and additional resources.
LA Public Library: N95 masks are available for the public at all locations while supplies last. Check out their website for updates and branch hours.
Pasadena Community Job Center: Providing food, water, essentials, and emergency kits. They are also accepting donations and volunteers. Please check their Instagram Page for timely updates.
The Jewish Federation of Los Angeles has put together a list of essential resources, including meals, mental health support, legal services, and government and community support, and much more.
YMCA LA is providing no-cost services and the following support: free childcare, free access for teens, showers, food and water, essentials, and mental health support across Los Angeles.
Financial Assistance
Disaster Grant Assistance for Individuals and Families
Cheat Sheet: Steps Fire Victims Need to Make an Insurance Claim
California has put together a comprehensive webpage which includes the following information and more resources in both English and Spanish:
- How to apply for individual assistance through FEMA
- Assistance for small businesses
- Applying for benefits if one lost their job due to the fires
- How to file an insurance claim
Information from FEMA regarding receiving donations from GoFundMe page
LA County Recovers: LA County Departments are providing various services and information to residents. Services include but are not limited to financial resources, social services, mental health services, public health services and much more.
Mental Health
If you or someone you know is know is in crisis and needs immediate help, call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, or visit the 988 website for online chat
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has a Disaster Distress Helpline for disaster victims experiencing anxiety, stress, or other emotional distress. Callers can talk with a trained counselor 24/7 in multiple languages, (800) 985-5990
YMCA LA is providing no-cost services and the following support: free childcare, free access for teens, showers, food and water, essentials, and mental health support across Los Angeles
LA County Recovers: LA County Departments are providing various services and information to residents. Services include but are not limited to financial resources, social services, mental health services, public health services and much more.
Bright Life: FREE coaching for behavioral issues for children ages 0-12. Personalized support for California families. Kids ages 0–12 get free, expert coaching for sleep issues, worry, social skills, and more. Live, 1:1 video sessions, secure chat, on-demand content, and more.
Saluna: FREE mental/social emotional for ages 12-25. Get app or call: 844.582.2111.
Transportation
Lyft: Riders in need can use the code CAFIRERELIEF25, valid for 2 rides up to $25 each ($50 total) for 500 riders from now until 1/15 at 11:59 PM
Uber: Use promo code WILDFIRE25 in the wallet section of your Uber app to redeem a free Uber ride up to $40
Wildfire Occupational Safety and Health Resources
SCERC
- Cal/OSHA Safety Updates [1/10/25]: Wildfire Smoke Protections & Top 10 Most Cited Standards in CA Video
- Cal/OSHA Safety Updates [10/04/24]: Protecting Workers from Wildfire Smoke Video
- PPT Training Slides: Protecting Workers from Wildfire Smoke
Cal/OSHA
- Regulation: 8 CCR 5141.1 - Protection from Wildfire Smoke
- Worker Health and Safety Wildfire Resources
AirNow
OSHA
Cal Chamber of Commerce
- What employers need to know during Southern CA wildfires: Includes information on Protection from Wildfire Regulation, paying employees during natural disasters, Healthy Workplaces, Healthy Families Act, School Activities Leave, and new hire notification
UCLA LOSH
- NIEHS Worker Training Program Wildfire Resources
- Infographic: Smoke exposure in the workplace
- Infografía: Exposición al Humo en el Lugar de Trabajo
- Protecciones para los trabajadores contra el humo de incendios forestales
- Protecciones para los trabajadores durante la limpieza y reconstrucción posteriores a un incendio forestal
- WOSHTEP: Worker Protection from Wildfire Smoke
- WOSHTEP: Worker Protection During Cleaning and Rebuilding After a Wildfire
- Protecting Worker Health from Wildfire Smoke: Resources available in 6 Indigenous languages
CA Labor Commissioner
LA Department of Economic Opportunity
CA Department of Toxic Substances Control
- Emergency Guidance on Wildfires #1: Handling Ash, Debris and other Hazardous Materials from Burned Structures
- Emergency Guidance on Wildfires #2: Management Options for Expedited Collection of Hazardous Wastes from Burned Areas
- Guía de Emergencia en Incendios Forestales #1: Manejo de Cenizas, Escombros y Otros Materiales Peligrosos de Estructuras Calcinadas
- Guía de Emergencia en Incendios Forestales #2: Alternativas de Gestión para una Recolección Agilizada de Residuos Peligrosos de Zonas Calcinadas
American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA)
National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
- How to Protect Workers and the Public from Wildfire Smoke
- Wildland fire smoke
- NIOSH Approved Particulate Filtering Facepiece Respirators
- Infographics on Respiratory Protection in Multiple Languages: Includes information on type of respirators, how to wear them, and fit testing
- Respiratory Protection Videos
- Respiratory Protection Guidance for Public Safety and First Responders
