Bulls Nation,
We'd like to continue to share resources and information with you all during this time - below are some additional resources we've compiled for you:
Brands Providing Products to Impacted Families - CLICK HERE
Resources for Evacuees - CLICK HERE
Info from a local Pediatrician's office on some practical tips on coping through this difficult time:
- MEDICATIONS: Ensure that you have the medications you need. If you need a prescription called into a new pharmacy due to an evacuation, please let us know.
- AIR QUALITY: Stay indoors as much as possible. As you know, the air quality is bad, so if you need to go outside, consider wearing a high-quality mask, like an N95.
- COUGHING/ASTHMA: If you or your child tends to wheeze or cough, or has asthma, start your inhaled medications early, both albuterol and inhaled steroids. Be proactive to prevent unnecessary complications.
- HYDRATION: Drink plenty of water. The air is very dry, and we all need hydration.
- MEDIA: Try to limit children's exposure to news coverage of the fires, which can of course be very upsetting. We want to minimize stress and anxiety for kids as much as possible.
For families who have lost their homes, we are so very sorry for this loss. Some tips below may be helpful in communicating with your child about this loss...
Helping kids cope with a loss of their home is emotionally challenging. Try to tailor your words and approach based on their age. We want to provide reassurance, comfort, and a sense of security to them.
For children aged 2 to 7
- Reassure them that they are safe. Emphasize that you, the firefighters and others are there for them and are working to make things better.
- Keep explanations simple, e.g. explain that you cannot go back to your home because a fire came, but that you will find a new place to live together.
- Encourage emotional expression: Tell them it's okay to feel sad, scared, confused, and ask them how they feel. Listen. Consider using drawings or play to help them express emotions.
- Stick to routines as much as possible (meals, bedtime), as routines provide a sense of stability to kids.
For children aged 8 to 12:
- Be honest but reassuring: Explain that the fire damaged your home, and that things were lost, but that the most important thing is that everybody is safe. Emphasize that you will work together to figure out what's next
- Address any specific fears: Ask them if they have questions, and answer their questions as well as you can. Acknowledge their concerns about the future.
- Encourage their help: Let them help with packing, planning, etc. Feeling that they are part of a team can be helpful to children.
- Normalize feelings: Tell them it's okay to be sad, angry, anxious, worried...that everyone (including adults) is feeling that way, and that you will all get through it together.
For teenagers:
- Validate their emotions. Tell them it's normal to feel angry, overwhelmed, upset.
- Be direct and transparent: Explain that although this is a big loss and that it will take time to rebuild, you are in it together.
- Encourage open dialogue: ask how they are feeling, what's on their mind.
- Empower and involve them: Ask how they would like to help. See if you can help others. Work together to create new plans.
- Watch for isolation: Teens may retreat into themselves or technology when they have to adjust to a big change. Encourage healthy outlets like exercise, spending time with friends, games, etc..
General tips for all ages:
- Reassure them that they are loved.
- Limit media exposure
- Model coping strategies yourself
- Seek professional help if needed
Pro Bono Therapy Services > CLICK HERE
An extensive list of resources available to the community: shelter, free essential items, animal boarding, free meals, and more can be found HERE
Wildfire Preparedness and Recovery
https://www.usfa.fema.gov/downloads/pdf/publications/fa_46.pdf
https://www.osha.gov/dts/wildfires/response.html
https://www.ready.gov/wildfires
https://www.ready.gov/home-fires
https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/wildfire.html
https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/fire.html
https://www.nctsn.org/what-is-child-trauma/trauma-types/disasters/wildfire-resources
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
https://www.facebook.com/LosAngelesCountySheriffsDepartment
Los Angeles Fire Department
https://www.facebook.com/LosAngelesFireDepartment
California Governor's Office of Emergency Services https://www.caloes.ca.gov https://www.facebook.com/CaliforniaOES
Cal Fire
https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2025/1/7/eaton-fire
https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2025/1/7/hurst-fire
https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2025/1/8/woodley-fire
https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2025/1/7/palisades-fire
Fire Information – InciWeb
https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/caanf-eaton-fire
https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/caanf-hurst-fire
U.S. Air Quality Index
https://www.airnow.gov/state/?name=california
California Power Outages Map
https://poweroutage.us/area/state/california
Road Closures
For information about road closures, you may dial 511 or obtain information online at https://roads.dot.ca.gov.
Local American Red Cross Locator
https://www.redcross.org/find-your-local-chapter.html
American Red Cross Smartphone Apps
These apps offer updates on current emergencies and provide information on safety during a disaster.
https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/mobile-apps.html
2-1-1 LA County
2-1-1 is an easy-to-remember phone number that connects callers to information and services in times of need. It is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, even during disasters. Please call if you are seeking resources such as clothing, food, or programs for your family.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
500 C Street Southwest
Washington, DC 20472
800-621-FEMA
If a disaster is declared in your area, please call to apply for assistance or visit https://www.disasterassistance.gov.
FEMA Text Message Program
• To locate an open emergency shelter, text SHELTER and a zip code to 43362 (4FEMA).
• To locate an open Disaster Recovery Center, text DRC and a zip code to 43362 (4FEMA).
Please note that standard message and data rates apply.
California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) https://www.cdss.ca.gov/calworks
Local Salvation Army Locator
https://www.salvationarmyusa.org
VRBO
VRBO may offer reduced rates for housing in times of disaster.
American Red Cross Shelter Locator
https://www.redcross.org/get-help/disaster-relief-and-recovery-services/find-an-open-shelter.html
Current Open Shelters:
Westwood Recreation Center
1350 South Sepulveda Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90025
El Camino Real Charter High School
5440 Valley Circle Boulevard
Woodland Hills, CA 91367
Ritchie Valens Recreation Center
10736 Laurel Canyon Boulevard
Pacoima, CA 91331