Los Angeles Disaster Help: Recovery, Response and Wildfire Preparedness Resources
AARP is here for you; we have resources for those in need. Below you will find links to recovery resources, information on local and federal government assistance, how to prevent frauds and scams, how to help those in need and more.
AARP will continuously update this webpage, and you can check out our Facebook page, where we regularly post updated information.
Evacuations
To view real-time updates on evacuations, shelter, and other information for the Palisades Fire, Eaton Fire, Hurst Fire, Sunset Fire and other wildfires, visit https://lacounty.gov/emergency/.
Air Quality
To check air quality in your area visit airnow.gov.
Register for Emergency Alerts
- Alert LA County Notification System: Register for Alert LA County
- Local Emergency Alert Systems in LA County: More Information on Local Alert Systems
- To see a map of Evacuation Orders, visit: genasys.com
Recovery Resources
For a comprehensive list of information related to active wildfires and services being provided by Los Angeles County, visit lacounty.gov/emergency.
Post-wildfire recovery is also supported by a network of federal and state programs, and non-governmental organizations. Visit readyforwildfire.org or click on the links below to learn about assistance.
- Support from federal programs
- Support from the State of California
- Support from non-governmental organizations
- L.A. County Disaster Preparedness and Recovery Resources – Consumer & Business
- Read about important safety measures you should take when you return home
Government Assistance
President Biden issued a Major Disaster Declaration residents and businesses in the wildfire evacuation zones. You can apply for immediate and long-term federal relief which includes temporary displacement assistance (e.g., hotel costs for up to two weeks), $770 for essential personal items, larger direct grants to help cover essential needs such as medical bills, car repairs, and more. To apply visit, disasterassistance.gov. call 800-621-FEMA (3362) or use The FEMA mobile app.
Businesses and homeowners can apply for low-interest loans through the Small Business Administration (SBA) here.
Insurance
Insurance Commissioner Lara issued a mandatory one-year moratorium that prevents homeowners insurance cancellations and non-renewals in affected areas of Southern California. Residents can go to the Department of Insurance website to see if their ZIP Code is included in the moratorium. Consumers should contact the Department of Insurance at 800-927-4357 or via chat or email at insurance.ca.gov if they believe their insurance company is in violation of this law, or have additional claims-related questions.
Avoiding Scams and Fraud:
Natural disasters often bring an influx of con artists ready to take advantage of suffering and confusion. Scammers may even pose as contractors or FEMA officials to steal your money. Here's how to Avoid Disaster Fraud and FEMA Scams
FEMA keeps a running list of disaster-related rumors and scams and ways to report scammers. If you suspect you’re being scammed, call FEMA’s fraud hotline at 1-866-223-0814.
It’s illegal to charge grossly inflated prices for essentials like food, gas and supplies during declared emergencies. Report price gouging on the California Attorney General’s website, or contact your local police department or sheriff’s office.
When dealing with contractors for repairs, flood damage or debris removal, check references, don’t give money up front and ask your insurer if it has any preferred local contractors. Read our helpful tips to make sure you know How to Uncover a Home Improvement Scam
If you have been scammed, take some key steps to protect your bank accounts and personal information: Here’s What to Do After You’ve Experienced a Scam
Learn more about how to spot a scam from AARP’s Fraud Watch Network or contact the Hotline at 877-908-3360 for more information.
You can also look up a scam in AARP’s Fraud Resource Center, where you’ll find dozens of tip sheets on how to recognize and avoid common scams, including videos that break down how scams work.
For resources in Spanish go to www.aarp.org/fraude.
How you can help
If you are looking for ways to help others who have been impacted by the wildfires, make sure you’re donating through a legitimate organization; here's How to Spot Charity Fraud.
- The Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation is actively seeking funds to ensure LAFD members have the necessary tools and supplies to protect our communities.
- The California Fire Foundation accepts donations online to provide aid and resources for residents and firefighters.
- The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank is accepting financial and food donations from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. at two distribution centers.
- 1734 E. 41st St, Los Angles 90058
- 2300 Pellissier Place, Industry 90601
- The Food Bank is also accepting volunteers for more information visit, https://www.lafoodbank.org/volunteer/ .
- United Way of Greater Los Angeles 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 online. The American Red Cross is working alongside its partners to provide shelter, food, emotional support, and health services. If you are interested in becoming an American Red Cross volunteer click here to learn more.
- Airbnb hosts can sign up to offer emergency stays to displaced Californians.
- Pasadena Humane Society is seeking monetary donations to best help animals who have been affected
Mental Health
It’s easy to be overwhelmed with fear, anxiety and dread during and after a wildfire. Here are some tips and resources on how to cope.
- LA County Department of Mental Health Helpline: (800) 854-7771.
How to Prepare for Future Disasters
- Read more about this three step wildfire preparation plan from Cal Fire.
- Click on the links below for resources from LA County:
