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Dear Los Angeles,
Our hearts go out to all Angelenos impacted by these unexpected and devastating fires. We send strength and gratitude to our brave first responders and all the dedicated staff working non-stop protect Angelenos, especially the Los Angeles Fire Department and the Los Angeles Police Department. Thank you to Governor Gavin Newsom, Mayor Karen Bass, Fire Chief Kristin Crowley, and Emergency Management Department General Manager Carol Parks, as well as all of our local leaders for guiding us through these difficult times.
As Angelenos, we need to understand our year-round disaster sensitive realities. As a precaution, it is important to remain alert just in case disaster strikes. Use this time as a reminder to get prepared; Check out the resources available through our Emergency Management Department website, pack a go-bag with essential items, take photos of important documents, have enough water to last a few days, and create an emergency contact list with phone numbers in case your phone dies. Our current Red Flag Warning is set to expire tonight at 6:00 PM, another Red Flag Warning will go into effect Monday morning. It's crucial to be proactive instead of reactive, now is the time to prepare for the future.
If you or someone you know needs support, find the resources below:
Evacuation Resources
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The City continues to provide shelter and resources to impacted families and their animals. A map of the evacuation zone and shelters is available here.
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Up to date road closure and evacuation zones are shown here.
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Click here for a list of businesses offering free services to residents and first responders affected by wildfires.
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For food resources visit LAFoodBank.org
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Shelters, childcare, and mental health services are available through your local YMCA at no cost.
Free Ride Shares
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Lyft - Evacuated residents who need a ride to a shelter can use the code “CAFIRERELIEF25” for a free Lyft ride worth up to $25, two ride maximum.
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Uber - Evacuees can redeem a free Uber ride up to $40 by applying the promo code “WILDFIRE25” in the Wallet section of their Uber app before requesting a ride to a designated shelter location, two ride maximum through Jan. 15.
Alleviating Traffic and Providing Assistance Throughout the City
- LAPD is currently on a full citywide tactical alert providing support to areas impacted by the fires.
- Traffic Officers, Supervisors and Special Traffic Operations personnel have been assigned to the fire area to assist with Traffic Control efforts.
- LADOT’s Advanced Transportation Systems and Coordination (ATSAC) Center is monitoring traffic volumes to adjust signal timing around the evacuation areas to reduce congestion.
- LADOT Emergency Electrical crews are working to repair downed signals. If a motorist encounters an intersection with a non-functioning traffic signal, they should treat the intersection as a stop sign.
- LADOT and Metro buses have been assisting with evacuations in fire areas.
Windstorm and Weather Advisory
The National Weather Service warns that strong winds and Red Flag warnings are expected to persist for the next several days, despite a temporary slowdown. This means the risk of new fires remains high, and we must remain vigilant and prepared.
Protecting Yourself from Poor Air Quality:
The South Coast Air Quality Management District has issued an air quality alert. Wildfire smoke and ash can pose serious health risks, especially to sensitive groups like children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and those with heart or lung conditions. To protect yourself, your family, and your animals consider the following:
- Stay Indoors: Keep windows and doors closed. Use a room with filtered air, such as one equipped with a portable HEPA air cleaner.
- Run Your Air Conditioner: Ensure your air conditioner has a clean filter and is set to recirculate indoor air. Avoid using fans or swamp coolers that bring in outdoor air.
- Avoid Vigorous Activities: Limit outdoor activities, especially exercise. Keep pets indoors as much as possible.
- Use Respirator Masks: If you must go outside, wear a properly fitted N-95 or P-100 mask. Surgical and cloth masks are not effective for filtering out smoke particles.
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Monitor Air Quality in your Neighborhood: Download the South Coast AQMD app or visit AQMD Air Quality Map for real-time air quality updates. Sign up for alerts at AirAlerts.org.
Reporting Needs:
- 311 has expanded its operating hours and is providing public information updates about the wind storm and wildfires as they progress.
- In the event of a life threatening emergency, call 911.
Power Outages:
- Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) encourages customers to be prepared for a power outage and to stay safe by following the tips below:
- Never touch a downed power line! If you see a downed wire, stay away and call 911.
- Keep a flashlight and extra batteries nearby. Never use candles in a power outage or other emergency.
- Keep cell phones fully charged. If your power goes out, or there are outages in your neighborhood, you may lose phone service and your cordless “landline” may also lose power. Extra portable cell phone batteries are very helpful in the event of an outage.
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LADWP will regularly share outage information via its newsroom, Twitter (@LADWP), and NextDoor online platforms that inform affected neighborhoods on the status of their outage.
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Customers are also encouraged to use the LADWP website to:
- Sign up for outage alerts available in English and Spanish.
- Report outages online or by call 1-800-DIAL-DWP (1-800-342-5397).
- Switch off all lights, except for one, so you will know when your power has been restored.
- Keep your refrigerator closed to keep food cold for longer.
- Check on vulnerable friends and neighbors to make sure they are safe.
Assisting the Unhoused During this Emergency:
The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) is conducting outreach to individuals living on the streets in high fire severity zones since Friday, January 3rd, and will continue to do so in the coming days. The Mayor's Office has activated 135 hotel vouchers that will be distributed through outreach and the 211 hotline, while adding vouchers based on capacity.
Legal Assistance:
LA County Resources:
Finances:
The City’s Emergency Operations Center is activated at a Level 1, the highest activation level, allowing for all City department staff, management staff, and section coordinators to report to the EOC for this major City emergency. Please click here for additional information on City departments proactive actions and responses. LAUSD announced that all in-person learning at schools will be closed today. For more information, please visit LAUSD.org.
LA Civil Rights staff will be dispatched to the recovery response of the city.
Stay safe, and above all else, keep the faith, keep the fight!!
Capri Maddox, Esq.
Executive Director
LA Civil Rights Department
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