L.A. Wildfires: How to Get Information and Resources
En español | Multiple wildfires burning in and around Los Angeles have ravaged neighborhoods, burning thousands of structures and forcing tens of thousands of people to evacuate their homes.
AARP is here for you. We have compiled a list of government, nonprofit and other resources that offer information or assistance to those impacted. We cover where to go for evacuation information, shelter options, financial assistance, scam alerts and more. This list will be updated as more information becomes available. We are also posting updates regularly on our Facebook page.
If you’re in a life-threatening situation, call 911 immediately. For non-emergency assistance, call 211, a free and confidential helpline connecting people with local resources.
Evacuation information and emergency alerts
Alert LA County: An opt-in mass notification program used during disasters. Receive emergency alerts by text, email and/or phone call. Accessibility features are available for people with disabilities.
L.A. County’s Emergency web page: Dedicated to the Palisades Fire, Eaton Fire, and other wildfires in the area, with real-time updates on evacuation orders and warnings, open evacuation shelters (for humans and animals), family assistance centers, water alerts, road closures and more. Find a map to check your evacuation status.
Genasys Protect evacuation maps: Input your address to determine the evacuation status of your location. A mobile app is also available.
Cal Fire’s Incidents hub: Operated by California’s Department of Forestry and Fire Protection dedicated to active wildfires, including the Palisades Fire, Eaton Fire and others. Each site lists zones under evacuation orders or warnings, status updates on fires, contact details or social media channels of emergency partners, damage assessments, evacuation shelters and more.
ReadyLACounty’s Emergency Notifications: Mass notification communication tool used by L.A. County during a disaster. Provides links to local emergency notification systems specific to certain neighborhoods.
211 L.A.’s Greater Los Angeles Wildfire hub: Status updates, evacuation orders, shelters, transportation updates, utilities updates and more. Alternatively, dial 211 for assistance.
Weather information
National Weather Service: Weather alerts and forecasts.
AirNow: Air quality maps in your area.
Shelter
The American Red Cross shelters map: Free Red Cross shelters in the region providing food, water, beds, health services and more. Alternatively, call 800-733-2767 for information. All Red Cross shelters are accessible to people with disabilities. Service animals are welcome.
L.A. County’s Emergency web page: Find dedicated shelters for people and animals.
Cal Fire’s incident web pages: Information on each fire (Palisades Fire, Eaton Fire and others), plus sections listing evacuation shelters in the affected areas.
California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services’ news page: Updated lists of shelters and disaster recovery centers available to those impacted by the wildfires.
211 L.A. and Airbnb: A partnership offering free or discounted Airbnbs to those who have been displaced.
Financial assistance
Local Assistance and Disaster Recovery Centers: Open to provide in-person assistance connecting victims to local, state, federal and non-profit recovery resources.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Affected residents and businesses can apply for immediate and long-term federal relief, following a Major Disaster Declaration by President Biden. Funds are available for temporary accommodation (including hotel costs for up to two weeks), essential personal items, medical bills, car repairs and more. You can also apply by calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 or through the FEMA mobile app. More information on assistance and how to apply is available at CA.gov/LAfires/
U.S. Small Business Administration: Businesses and homeowners can apply for low-interest loans on the website or by calling 833-572-0502.
California Department of Insurance: Get information on a mandatory one-year moratorium that prevents homeowners insurance cancellations and non-renewals in affected areas of Southern California. Check the website or call 800-927-4357 to see if your property is covered.
The Salvation Army: Providing temporary assistance for some families in need, including rent vouchers, emergency aid and legal aid. Visit the website to search for a location nearby or call 562-264-3600.
California’s Department of Aging: Support services for older adults during presidentially declared disasters. Call 800-510-2020 or email info@aging.ca.gov for assistance options.
Cal Fire’s Who Can Help?: Lists of federal, state and non-government organizations providing assistance during disaster recovery.
Taxes: The deadline for federal and state taxes has been extended to Oct. 15, for individuals and businesses impacted by the fires. Taxpayers affected by the presidentially declared disaster may also claim a deduction for a disaster loss.
Road closures
Caltrans: California Department of Transportation site featuring a real-time state map tracking traffic conditions, plus a highway tracker. Alternatively, call 511 for road information or follow the agency’s social media channels for your area.
Public Works L.A. County: Information on closures of roads maintained by Los Angeles County Public Works in unincorporated county areas.
Utilities
LA Department of Water & Power: News alerts, including information on power outages and restorations and contaminated water notices.
Southern California Edison: Provides an outage lookup tool and lists restoration updates.
L.A. County’s Emergency web page: Find water alerts in affected areas.
Mental health support
L.A. County Department of Mental Health: A 24/7 hotline for those needing immediate mental health support. Call 800-854-7771.
California Department of Public Health’s wildfires & mental health: Advice and resources for anyone experiencing mental health distress as a result of the wildfires.
Disaster Distress Helpline: A national service for anyone experiencing mental health distress due to a disaster. Call or text 800-985-5990 to receive immediate, free and confidential counseling from trained professionals from the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Services are available in multiple languages.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: A free and confidential helpline for people in distress. Anyone needing crisis support can call or text 988 or chat online.
Friendship Line California: A 24/7 hotline for Californians age 60 and older who need emotional support. Call 888-670-1360.
Avoiding scams and fraud
FEMA: Information on disaster fraud and scams. Also debunks common disaster-related rumors. Call FEMA’s investigations and inspections division at 866-223-0814 or email StopFEMAFraud@fema.dhs.gov to report or inquire about a scam.
L.A. County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs: Resources on spotting and reporting price gouging in affected areas.
AARP’s Fraud Watch Network: Proactively spot scams or get guidance from our fraud specialists if you’ve been targeted. Contact the hotline at 877-908-3360 for help over the phone.
Safety tips
Cal Fire’s Ready For Wildfire website: For preparation, prevention and recovery information.
Ready.gov’s Wildfires web page: Advice on preparing, staying safe and returning home after wildfires.
AARP’s How to Prepare for a Natural Disaster hub: Articles on disaster plans, emergency escape kits, pet preparedness and more.
The American Red Cross’ wildfire safety web page: Information on emergency supplies, staying connected and evacuating safely.
How you can help
The L.A. Fire Department Foundation is seeking donations to ensure its members have the necessary tools and supplies to fight the fires.
The California Fire Foundation is seeking donations to provide aid and resources for residents and firefighters.
The L.A. Regional Food Bank is seeking volunteers and accepting financial and food donations from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at two distribution centers:
- 1734 E. 41st St, Los Angeles 90058
- 2300 Pellissier Place, Industry 90601
United Way of Greater L.A. is accepting donations to support low-income individuals whose livelihoods have been disrupted by the wildfires, people experiencing homelessness, and disruptions to local organizations and small businesses.
World Central Kitchen is accepting donations to support first responders and families affected by the fires by providing meals.
The American Red Cross is accepting donations to help support its work to provide shelter, food, emotional support and health services for those affected. It is also seeking volunteers.
Airbnb hosts can sign up to offer emergency stays to displaced Californians.
Pasadena Humane Society is seeking monetary donations to help animals who have been affected.
Editor's note: This article was originally published on Jan. 10. It has been updated to reflect new information.
