UPDATE: As of January 9th, there is still a long road ahead. Schools will be CLOSED for the rest of the week. Countless have lost their homes, and ash continues to rain down onto the city. Both the Palisades, Sunset, and Eaton fires remain 0% contained. Fortunately, the Lidia fire has been 60% contained, and the Hurst fire has been 10% contained, which is progress.
Many resources have been made available to the victims of the blaze. Here is a list of resources to help you through these difficult times. Much of this information is being spread on social media. Remember to ensure your information in coming from reputable news organizations or official city accounts.
AirBNB is working with 211 LA to provide free housing to those who have lost their homes. Those who would like to make use of these services should visit their website here to fill out a request form. If you would like to become an AirBNB host to aid those impacted by the fires, you can also find information at the link provided. AirBNB will be providing insurance and waiving fees for hosts who open their properties.
Metro has waived fares for those who rely on public transportation. However, all bus lines by the fires have been impacted. Metro has detailed a list on their website.
There are also many local restaurants that are providing free food for those affected by the fires. An article from TimeOut has listed these restaurants. LAUSD is also providing free meals to district students. Their schedule as well as the distribution sites can be found on LAUSD's website, LAUSD.org. This website is also important for any district students as they post relevant information regarding school closures.
The South LA Cafe will be giving out free groceries, water, and masks today (1/9/24) from 12-4 PM. The Cafe is located at 1700 Browning Blvd, Los Angeles, 90062. Remember to only travel is your local conditions permit it. You can also donate to their great cause at their website.
Finally, there are also many evacuation centers available that the city has provided. Additionally, there are animal shelters available for both small and large animals. See the list above.
Due to the unpredictable nature of these fires, it's crucial to be ready. If you live an area that may potentially be evacuated, be ready and make sure you have all you necessary items. Also, continue to use face coverings outside because the air quality is terrible right now.
If you would like to support others, there are many ways in which you can. An LA Times article details the various organizations that you can donate to. These include the Red Cross, the California Fire Foundation, the Salvation Army, and much more. Some of these organizations are also accepting tangible items, such as food and clothing. Many are also requesting aid on GoFundMe. Please, if you are able, support these individuals. Even if it's simply reaching out to loved ones and offering a listening ear. Many have lost everything.
1/8/24
Nobody could have expected the inferno that is currently engulfing our city. What started as harsh winds and hazardous weather quickly evolved into at least four raging wildfires affecting Los Angeles. Tens of thousands of residents have evacuated their homes, and countless more are under evacuation warnings. Schools have closed, highways have shut down, and a thick cloud of smoke hovers around us. First responders are working tirelessly to fight the flames, but the situation, being exacerbated by the winds, has made it impossible for aerial support. It has become difficult for water to be transported to these critical areas, but city officials are working to combat these issues.
Many Eagle Rock students and staff have been affected by these fires. While our school was not closed down as of last night, a news conference at 8AM with city officials revealed that it would close down. Despite this, many in our school community made the preemptive decision to stay home. However, there are some at school right now because of the last-minute nature of the decision, and they are currently being cared for at school. Our campus has already been affected by the harsh winds and may continue to be, but we can expect it to be safe from the fires.
Situations like this can be terrifying. Some are fleeing their homes not knowing if they will ever see them again. If you are being directly affected by these disasters, know that our hearts are with you. If you face the possibility of evacuation, it’s wise to be prepared. Ensure that you have a go-bag ready in the event of an emergency. Store canned foods, flashlights, clothing, and a battery/solar powered radio, if you own one. It's also important to keep necessary medication and documents, such as IDs and birth certificates. Take any essential items, but make sure not to put yourself in danger. Your life is more valuable than any of your possessions.
If you are not currently in direct danger, it is still wise to be prepared. LADWP officials have asked that water usage be reduced to save for combatting the fires. Make sure to keep your phones charged if you still have power in order to communicate with your loved ones. And, if you can, open your home to those who have been forced to flee.
As mentioned, the strong winds have worsened the situation. Burning embers flying around keep starting smaller fires, making the situation that much more difficult to contain. Additionally, downed power lines, fallen trees, and scattered debris have made road conditions unsafe. If possible, stay off the roads, and do not go outside. Air quality has also deteriorated significantly, especially in our area. The air quality is currently considered to be dangerous for all, regardless of your prior health. If you do have to go outside, ensure you wear a face covering to protect yourself from the smoke.
Overall, it’s important to use your common sense, and take all measures to protect yourself. It’s crucial to follow directions from the city, especially regarding evacuations. This is a first for many of us. It’s hard to say when this will end, and it will take time to recover from this. But for now, stay safe Eagles, and we hope to see you back at school soon.
Stay safe