Help for LA Wildfire Victims

Wildfires hurt many people in Los Angeles. This guide helps you find safe places, food, money, and other support. If you lost your home or need help, read these steps. Please share with friends and family.

Where to Stay

Some shelters give beds when fires happen. Look for local shelters or relief centers. Call 2-1-1 for help. If you need ideas, check your insurance or use a relief center list. If you have pets, call local animal shelters.

Food and Clothing

Food banks give free meals. Call the Los Angeles Food Bank or look for local churches. Groups like the Red Cross or Salvation Army give clothes and supplies.

Money Help

If you lack insurance, try FEMA help at 1-800-621-3362 or DisasterAssistance.gov. You can call the California Department of Insurance at 1-800-927-4357. Ask about grants or loans from local groups. Keep receipts if you stay in a hotel.

Steps After Home Damage

Stay safe.
Call your insurance to start a claim.
Take photos of damage.
Seek short-term housing if you lost your home.
Apply for FEMA help if the government declared a disaster.

Insurance Claims

Call your insurance to share details of damage. Take photos. Keep a list of harmed items. Ask about help for living costs. Store papers in a safe place.

No or Little Insurance

If you do not have insurance or have little coverage, call FEMA. You can ask local charities or the California Department of Insurance. Some groups or sites can offer cash or gift cards. The California Fire Foundation or community funds may help.

Debris Removal

Contact your local government. Some programs clear debris if your area is in a federal disaster. If yes, fill a Right-of-Entry form. Local trash services may handle debris too.

Staying Safe

Wait for local news before you return home. Check for damage. Do not turn on power or gas without guidance. Watch for scammers who offer repairs. Visit the California Contractors State License Board to check licenses.

Water Worries

If you see a "Do Not Drink" sign, do not use tap water for drinking or cooking. Use bottled water. When the sign is lifted, run cold water faucets for five minutes. Throw out old ice. Clean your ice bin.

Smoke Safety

Keep windows and doors shut. Use an air filter or a portable HEPA unit. If air is bad, wear a mask. N95 masks can help if you must go outside.

Pets

If you lost a pet, call local shelters or post signs. If you need a safe spot for pets, check with animal shelters or vets. If you have room, offer a pet a home.

Mental Health

Wildfires cause stress. Reach out for help. Call the LA County Mental Health line at 800-854-7771. You can text "LA" to 741741. You are not alone.

Help Others

You can donate money or items to the Red Cross, local food banks, or the California Community Foundation Wildfire Relief Fund. You can volunteer at shelters. Spread info about these resources.