Help the victims of the
Southern California fires
LosAngeles.com wants to help victims of Southern California's fire emergency by providing as much current information as possible. Following is a detailed list of resources, including links and phone numbers, on organizations accepting money, time and blood, as well as up-to-date information on specific volunteer needs, animal rescue, local assistance centers, air quality, and to-the-minute fire related news.
The Los Angeles County Operational Area will open three Local Assistance
Centers for fire victims in coordination with the Governor's Office of
Emergency Services. The local assistance centers will serve as one-stop
sources for disaster relief services including information on how to replace
records lost in the fires, file insurance claims and apply for assistance
and housing. They will provide a single place for victims of the wildfires
to get help in starting their recovery process.
President George Bush approved Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's request for
a Major Disaster Declaration in California. The declaration will assist fire
victims with resources like grants and temporary housing, disaster
unemployment assistance and low interest loans for businesses.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announces that residents and
business owners who sustained losses in the designated counties can begin
applying for assistance by registering
online or by calling
1-800-621-FEMA (3362) OR 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech
impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers for California will operate 24
hours Monday through Sunday.
How to Help
Donation Information
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Tel. +1.888.864.3575
Donate money and bulk supplies, volunteer and help in fundraising efforts.
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Tel. +1 800.725.2769
The Salvation Army needs immediate monetary donations.
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Tel. + 1 877.713.0278
The LA Times, KTLA-TV and the McCormick Tribune Foundation will match half of the first $500,000 raised for disaster relief.
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Tel. + 1 213.480.4302
Monetary donations and gift cards needed to support active firefighters and their families.
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Tel. + 1 800.678.7255
Donate to provide medical supplies for victims of California's wildfire emergency.
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Volunteer to Help
Volunteers should not go directly to evacuation sites! Contact these active volunteer agencies for volunteer assistance opportunities.
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Tel. +1 800.VOLUNTEER
Non-residents can donate time, blood and money to and help victims of the Southern California wildfire emergency.
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Register with this national organization to find local volunteer opportunities in Southern California's fire-devastated regions.
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Local Volunteer Agencies
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Tel. +1 858.636.4131
Register and check Volunteer San Diego's project calendar for local fire disaster relief volunteer opportunities.
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Tel. +1 714.953.5757
Volunteer needs from local Orange County agencies requiring immediate assistance to help victims of the Southern California fire emergency.
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Tel. + 1 661.250.3730
Volunteers can register with the Santa Clarita Valley Volunteer Resource Center to help victims of the Southern California fires.
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Tel. + 1 909.980.2857
Register to join the Hands on San Bernardino's "Wildfire 2007 Response Team."
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Animal Rescue & Support
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5026 W. Jefferson Blvd., Los Angeles California 90016; Tel. + 1 888.772.2521
Donate money to helping save pets during natural disasters including the Los Angeles wildfire emergency.
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5500 Gaines St., San Diego California 92110; Tel. + 1 619.299.7012
Donate to "Firestorm 2007" and help support animal victims of the Southern California wildfires.
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| Assistance Centers
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The three following Local Assistance Centers will open on Friday, October 26, 2007. The hours of operation for the centers are Monday through Friday from 8am to 7pm, Saturday from 8am to 4pm and Sunday from 9am to 2pm The hours and days are subject to change.
Below are the locations of the Local Assistance Centers that will open on
Friday, October 26, 2007. Click here for a complete list of Local Assistance Centers.
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George A. Caravalho Sports Complex
20880 Centre Pointe Parkway. Santa Clarita California 91350; Tel. + 1 661.250.3710
Activity Center-Canyon Rooms (A&B) will open on Friday, October 26, 2007.
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Castaic Regional Sports Complex
31230 Castaic Rd., Castaic California 91384; Tel. + 1 661.295.3502
The Castaic Regional Sports Complex will open at 12pm on Friday, October 26, 2007.
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Malibu Bluffs Park
24250 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu California 90265; Tel. + 1 310.317.1364
Malibu Bluffs Park will open on Friday, October 26, 2007.
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Fire Information
Air Quality Information
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Updated news on Los Angeles air quality related to the Southern California fire emergency.
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Tips to alleviate smoke-related health issues.
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BREATHE LA suggests these health tips to protect your lungs in the fires' aftermath:
- Those in fire areas should remain indoors to avoid smoke inhalation.
- When the fires are contained, wear a mask or kerchief over nose and mouth particularly in burn areas, to limit inhalation of ash and particulates.
- Limit outdoor exercise, especially if the smell of smoke can be detected or eye or throat irritation is noted.
- Keep windows and air vents closed when driving through smoky areas.
- Asthma, emphysema, and bronchitis sufferers living in the immediate or
surrounding areas should:
- Remain indoors when possible with shut doors and windows. Air
conditioners, air cleaners/ purifiers are strongly suggested.
- Breathe through a dampened handkerchief when outdoors.
- Keep medication near. Asthmatics should have pills and/ or inhalers
on-hand. Oxygen patients are asked not to adjust their level of intake prior consulting with a physician.
- Contact your physician in the case of a persistent cough or difficult/ painful breathing.
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Wildfire News and Information
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Detailed, up-to-date news, including containment status, evacuation orders and phone numbers, on individual fires in communities all across Southern California.
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Detailed information on fire disaster relief including fire reports and names, addresses, numbers and hours of operation for local assistance centers.
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Up-to-date news on the Southern California fire crisis from the Los Angeles Fire Department.
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