Dear neighbor,
As you know, we are experiencing devastating fires that are endangering communities throughout the greater Los Angeles area. Our brave first responders are doing everything in their power to contain these fires, save lives, and protect property. I am eternally grateful for them, and I am thinking of everyone impacted by this terrible tragedy. My staff and I remain in close touch with federal, state, and local officials as this emergency progresses. We will be ready to assist and advocate for constituents rebuilding their lives after the fires are contained.
CREATE A PLAN: Because this is an ongoing and dangerous situation, I encourage everyone to heed the advice of local officials at the city, county and state level. You can sign up for emergency notifications through Ready LA County at ready.lacounty.gov.
For those close to the fires, you should prepare important documents and items in case you’re asked to evacuate quickly. Because this is a rapidly changing situation, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection recommends that you prepare a “go bag,” which can include the following items:
- Food and water
- A map with at least 2 evacuation routes
- Necessary prescriptions or medications
- A change of clothes & extra eyeglasses/contact lenses
- Extra car keys, credit cards, cash, or traveler’s checks
- A first aid kit & sanitation supplies
- A flashlight & battery-powered radio with extra batteries
- Copies of important documents (birth certificates, passports, etc.)
- Pet food & water
You can create your own fire preparation checklist through CAL FIRE’s firePLANNER.
Evacuation orders and warnings are frequently changing, which is why it is important to make sure you have registered to receive emergency alerts. Please click here to view a map of neighborhoods affected by the evacuation order and warning
PROTECT YOURSELF: Even if you’re not in or near an evacuation area, you can take measures to protect yourself. According to the South Coast Air Quality Management District, the fires have caused unhealthy air quality in Los Angeles County. This advisory remains in effect through Thursday, January 9, 2025, at 5:00pm.
Public Health urges everyone that can smell smoke or see ash from fire, even in areas far from fires or areas not covered by a smoke advisory, to avoid or limit outdoor activities. Please click here for additional wildfire smoke and ash health safety tips to protect your health and reduce the amount of pollution you are breathing.
Additionally, according to the Los Angeles Department of Water & Power (LADWP) and State Water Resources Control Board Division of Drinking Water, consumers in and nearby the 90272 zip code must only use boiled tap water or bottled water for drinking and cooking purposes until further notice. Please click here for additional guidance on boiling water for safe consumption.
Evacuation Disaster Assistance Center Locations:
- Westwood Recreation Center – 1350 S. Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025
- El Camino Real Charter High School – 5440 Valley Circle Blvd, Woodland Hills, CA 91367
- Pasadena Convention Center – 300 E Green St, Pasadena, CA 91101
- Residents are able to call 211 for information regarding information on shelters.
Local Emergency Resources
On January 8, 2025, President Biden granted a Major Disaster Declaration for the State of California, authorizing the release of federal funds to help individuals and families recover from destructive fires. I joined many of my California colleagues in sending a letter urging the Biden Administration to grant this declaration and I am pleased he did.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will provide grants for reimbursement, helping victims access individual assistance to provide immediate critical assistance for displacement, direct grants for rental assistance, disaster mitigation, and public assistance in the form of support from federal fire-fighting agencies.
For individuals in Los Angeles County in need of assistance, you can apply with FEMA the following ways: (1) Apply online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, (2) Call the application phone number at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).
As always, my staff and I are ready to support you with federal agencies should you need it. Please call my Los Angeles office at (323) 651-1040 to see if we can help.
I look forward to updating you again soon.
Warmly,
Ted
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