News & information
NALC President Brian L. Renfroe has released the following statement regarding the Los Angeles wildfires:
NALC continues to stand with our members affected by the wildfires in the Los Angeles area. These fires have devastated communities. Homes have been destroyed. A number of our members have been displaced from evacuation zones. While the situation remains critical, together we will persevere.
Letter carriers are more than just deliverers of mail. We are an essential part of our communities. In times of crisis, we step up for the people we serve and for each other. Many of our members have adjusted rapidly to ensure the safe delivery of mail and service to our communities. These members exemplify the standard of service we proudly provide.
The NALC Disaster Relief Foundation (DRF) is here to assist members who have been affected. If you have experienced property damage due to wildfires, we encourage you to immediately apply for aid through the DRF. The fund provides grants rapidly when assistance is needed most. The application and more information can be found at nalc.org/disaster.
For those able to contribute, I ask you to consider donating to the DRF during this crisis. Every dollar donated goes directly to helping letter carriers in need—there are no administrative costs deducted. Your generosity ensures that our fellow members can begin rebuilding their lives as quickly as possible. Donations can be made by mail or online, and since the DRF is a 501(c)(3) organization, contributions may be tax-deductible.
As the fires continue to affect so many, NALC is here to support you. Whether you need help or want to assist others during this difficult time, we are stronger together. Stay safe and keep taking care of one another.
Wildfire emergency resources
Compiled by SAG-AFTRA
Resources & information
• Mutual Aid LA Network and its list of 150+ wildfire resources. View here
• 211 LA Wildfire Information. View here
• City of Los Angeles Fire Department. View here
• LA County Emergency Incident Response real-time updates. View here
• Watch Duty App. View here
• CA Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire). View here
• SoCalEdison’s Power Outage Map. View here
• LA Department of Water & Power Outage Maps & Alerts. View here
• South Coast AQMD Air Quality Monitors and Forecasts. View here
• LA Unified School District Updates. View here
Safety & preparedness
• Listos California. View here
• CalFire’s Evacuation Safety Guide. View here
• CalFire’s ‘Go Bag’ Emergency Supply Checklist. View here
• CA Fire Foundation Preparedness Guides. View here
• American Red Cross Safety Guide. View here
• CDC Wildfire Smoke Safety Guidelines. View here
• LA Times: How to protect yourself from the smoke caused by L.A. wildfires. View here
Financial assistance
• CA Disaster Help Center’s list of state government social services available to victims of natural disasters. View here
• CA Fire Foundation offers $250 gift cards to households that experienced more than 25% damage to their home/apartment. Contact the LA Fire Department by calling 213-978-3800 to receive a gift card, and click here for more information. View here
• The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is now accepting applications for individual assistance from impacted Los Angeles County residents, apply here or by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362).
Shelters & temporary housing
• American Red Cross’s list of open shelters and evacuation centers (zoom in on the map to LA County). View here
• Trinity Lutheran Church Bad Weather Shelter. View here
• Airbnb and LA 2-1-1 are offering free temporary housing. View here
• Hotels offering discounted rates: Read here and here.
• Showers and phone-charging stations: All Planet Fitness facilities in Los Angeles County are open for anyone affected by the fires to use their facilities to rest, charge their phones, and/or shower.
Transportation
• Metro is still operating despite the fire and wind conditions. Fares are temporarily suspended, so residents can ride buses and trains for free. Learn more
• Uber: Residents in Los Angeles County who’ve been ordered to vacate their homes can get a credit from Uber to get to an evacuation site. The $40 will only be valid for trips to an active shelter and by using the code WILDFIRE25.
• Lyft: Lyft announced it will be offering $25 vouchers, valid for two trips, to 2,000 customers from now until midnight on Jan. 15. Use the code CAFIRERELIEF25 to get the promotion.
• Latest updates on freeway closures CALTrans District 7. View here
• Latest updates on road closures. View here
Child care
• YMCA is offering free child care at 12 locations across the county for students TK-8th grade. Learn more
• Bumo is providing up to three days of child care camps or nannies to those affected by the fires. Apply here
Food assistance
• Hollywood Food Coalition. View here
• LA Regional Food Bank. View here
• Food Share of Ventura County. View here
• Local Food Pantries. View here
• Restaurants Offering Free Meals to Evacuees and First Responders. See here and here.
• See Labor Community Services information above (under financial assistance).
• LAUSD has Grab & Go meal services at 16 schools, and can provide two meals per student. See more information here.
• World Central Kitchen operates four food distribution sites. View here
Mental health
• SAMHSA Disaster Distress Crisis Counseling: call or text 800-985-5990, and learn more here.
• National Alliance on Mental Illness. View here
• LA County Department of Mental Health. View here
Animal assistance
• Animal Evacuation Centers:
- For Large Animals—Los Angeles Equestrian Center (480 W. Riverside Drive, Burbank, CA)
- Pierce College Equestrian Center (7100 El Rancho Drive, Woodland Hills)
- Agoura Animal Care Center (29525 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills, CA)
• Pasadena Humane & Pasadena City College Pet Supply Distribution Site. View here
• Best Friends Animal Society. View here
• LA County Animal Care Foundation. View here
• LA City Animal Services Emergency Preparedness Guides. View here
Recovery after the fires
• CalFire’s “After a Wildfire” Recovery Guide. View here
• CalFire’s list of government and non-profit disaster recovery programs. View here
• Statewide Recovery Resources. View here
• USDA Post-Fire Disaster Assistance. View here