Southern California Fires Support
KW PASADENA
REAL ESTATE AGENTS & FAMILY
GO FUND ME
KW CARES RELIEF
KW Pasadena family.
We’re thinking of you all during this time.
If any of our agents need assistance, whether it's help with temporary lodging or emergency support, please reach out.
KW Cares Pasadena and KW Cares International are here with resources ready to assist. For those of you who have already evacuated, please let us know that you're okay. And again, don’t hesitate to reach out if you need any financial support or other assistance. We are praying for safety and protection during this time.
We are available to support you with all your needs and a safe temporary space for you or any items. Please reach out to us.
Contact anyone on the leadership team or Email your needs to Noel pasadenamarketcenter@gmail.com
-Gabriel Perez Team Leader
Please find important updates and helpful resources below. If you or someone you know requires additional support, do not hesitate to reach out to us. We are here to help.
Realtor Relief Resources
CAR - California Disaster Resources
C.A.R. stands ready to assist REALTORS® who have been impacted by natural disasters.
The wildfires now ravaging Southern California are taking a heavy toll. In order to support those affected by the fires, C.A.R. has put together this list of resources for assistance. It will be regularly updated.
C.A.R.'s Disaster Relief Fund was established stands ready to assist REALTORS® who have been impacted by natural disasters through its Disaster Relief Fund. The Association established the fund in the wake of the 2003 California wildfires. Grants provided by the fund are used to help members of the REALTOR® family -- REALTORS®, their staff, and Association members and their staff -- who have incurred substantial losses due to wildfires and other disasters.
If you are a member of the REALTOR® family who has been impacted by a recent natural disaster and need assistance,
please visit https://www.car.org/en/difference/realtorscare to fill out an application. For questions please contact disasterrelief@car.org.
Housing/shelter/childcare
211 LA is partnering with Airbnb to offer free temporary shelter for people displaced from their homes by fire. Start by filling out this form
The local hotel association is maintaining a list of hotels in and around L.A. with available space, including whether and what kind of discounts they're offering to fire victims and evacuees
YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles is opening its locations that aren't affected by the fires for temporary shelter, showers, basic amenities, and mental health support. They have also teamed up with L.A. Unified School District to provide childcare services for essential workers and affected families until schools reopen. Register on their website.
RESOURCES FOR IMPACTED INDIVIDUALS
State-wide
Los Angeles County
STAY UP TO DATE
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
Watch Duty organizes information on a map of the U.S., which is dotted with flame icons representing active wildfires
Genasys Protect is a citizen site and app. Officials in your community use Genasys Protect to share safety information and instructions with you during emergencies.
ROAD CLOSURES
Please click HERE to view LA County Road Closures
Please click HERE to view San Bernardino County Road Closures
Please click HERE to view the California Department of Transportation Travel Alert Map
Evacuation Centers
Residents are able to call 211 for information regarding shelters, and social and health services.
1. PASADENA CONVENTION CENTER - 300 E GREEN ST, PASADENA, CA 91101
Parking is available at the parking structure across the street from the Convention Center, located at 155 E. Green St. Please enter from Marengo Ave.
Parking is also available at the Paseo parking structure, located at 360 E. Colorado Blvd. You are able to enter the structure from Colorado Blvd. or Green St.
The Humane Society is on-site to accept pets for boarding. Service animals will be allowed inside the Convention Center.
2. ARCADIA COMMUNITY CENTER375 CAMPUS DR, ARCADIA, CA 91007
For anyone impacted by the Palisades fire, evacuation centers are also available at:
3.WESTWOOD RECREATION CENTER –1350 SEPULVEDA BLVD., LOS ANGELES, CA 90025
Is open for evacuees and accepts small animals. It is now also serving as shelter, allowing residents to remain overnight.
4. EL CAMINO REAL CHARTER HIGH SCHOOL –5440 VALLEY CIRCLE BLVD, WOODLAND HILLS, CA 91367
Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the devastating fires in Los Angeles. We understand how challenging this time can be, and we are here to support you. Please visit LA Fire Resources page for valuable information and assistance during this difficult time.
Additional resources:
Airbnb, in partnership with 211 LA, is providing free temporary lodging
Lyft is offering a limited number of $25 vouchers for those affected using the code "CAFIRERELIEF25."
Evacuation shelters
Pasadena Convention Center 300 E Green St, Pasadena
Westwood Recreation Center - 1350 S Sepulveda Bivd, Los Angeles ore L lena onesi, center
Sepulveda Recreation Center - 8825 Kester Ave, Panorama City
World Central Kitchen is providing support to first responders and families: https://donate.wck.org/give/654000/#!/donation/checkout
Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation is helping several ways: https://supportlafd.org/donate/ways-to-give.html
California Fire Foundation helps fallen firefighters and their families:https://cpf.salsalabs.org/disasterrelief/index.html
Pasadena Humane Society is sheltering animals and needs donations to provide care: https://give.pasadenahumane.org/give/654134/#!/donation/checkout
The Canine Rescue Club is also sheltering animals and needs donations:
https://www.caninerescue.club/donate
https://www.iqair.com/usa/california/pasadena
Not the best but just in case its a false alarm, verify emergency alerts received on your phone here: AlertsLA.org
ACTION PLAN for those who had loss.
Start with the small list:
1. Get a PO Box
2. Longer term rental search - include insurance on it so they pay directly for rental. Find a nice place that you like, don't settle. You should be able to get a "Like Property" so insurance should cover a nice place for you to live while you work through all this. You might be living here for 2 years, so choose wisely.
3. Find a place to buy some sturdy boots and gloves. Get some shovels.
4. Start working on the personal property list (this is not fun at all, be prepared to cry we sure did). Write down the moment you remember – keep list on phone or pad of paper with you at all times.
5. Save receipts. Loss of use insurance will cover incidentals too – hairbrush, phone chargers, etc.
6. As you buy things, tell the store owner your situation. Most stores will give you some level of discount as their way of helping you.
7. Let people do things for you. Do you have a friend that you can send to the store to buy you some basic clothes or comfort foods? Let them do it – they want to help and you don’t need to spend time doing these errands. (The ‘fun’ of shopping is gone…it quickly becomes a chore because you don’t want a new shirt, you want the one that you always liked to wear but now it’s gone and you are sad/mad.)
The Big List:
1. Register at the shelters, with Red Cross and any other agency there, california FEMA, etc.
a. Most of the aid coming in will use these lists as a point of contact and will help to ensure that you don't get left out of anything.
b. This will be especially important should FEMA be activated, which in my opinion is very likely with the amount of devastation experienced.
2. Call Homeowners/Rental insurance to trigger "Loss of Use" . This typically will allow you to be in a "Like" property for x number of years and sometimes has a dollar limit attached and sometimes not, this is dependent on your policy. a. This coverage should also give you some immediate access to funds for essentials, clothes, toothbrushes, food, etc. b. This will also get the ball rolling for the insurance claim on your home and rebuilding/personal property Dollars.
3. Get a PO Box and forward all mail to the Box. . Use this PO Box as the mailing address on all forms you begin to fill out.
4. Start Searching for a Long term rental. Coordinate with your insurance company so that payments can be made directly from them using your “Loss of Use” money. a. Plan on renting 1-2 years, but do not necessarily sign a lease for a full two years as circumstances can change.
5. Itemized List of belongings - (This is very hard but very necessary for your claim) . I would organize by room and list everything that was there with a replacement cost. (you will cry a lot doing this and that is ok)
a. Replacement Cost should be what it would cost to replace not on sale from pottery barn, it should not be the price you paid for it with that 50% off coupon.
b. Make sure you list everything, even if it is above and beyond your policy limit. This is very important because everything above and beyond the policy limit is considered a Loss and can be claimed as such on your taxes - See #9
6. Call all of your utilities and either freeze or cancel service. Electric, Gas, TV, Land Line phone a. Newspaper delivery, either cancel or update to PO Box.
7. Call the rest of your insurance points as needed. Car insurance a. Any specialty insurance for unique items
8. Permits - An unfortunate necessity. Debris Removal - as things wind down it will be necessary to remove the debris, this requires a permit usually. (This should be covered by your insurance, we had to force the issue but ask repeatedly.)
a. Erosion Control - If you are on any kind of hill or have sloped property you will need to put some sort of erosion control measures in place, again this will need some sort of permit.
b. Temporary Power Pole/Trailer on site Permit - Getting this earlier on can prove helpful in both the rebuilding process.
9. Taxes . You will be able to claim the monetary loss of the value of all your items minus what you receive from your insurance company. I’m unfamiliar with the exact laws, but I believe that we were able to carry our losses back 2-5 years and received most of the money that we had paid in taxes back in a nice large check.
10. Network with others. You will learn so much from others as you go through the rebuilding process. We all have our strengths so share yours and use others. The amount of time that you will spend on the rebuild, insurance, recovery process is staggering so you need to use all your resources.
Insurance resources
800-927-4357. Insurance.ca.gov
File claim within 12 months to reduce property taxes. Also can defer property taxes. Do not pay anyone go here:
Assessor.lacounty.gov
Disasterassistance.gov
800-621-3362
Tips from a previous fire survivor who lost his home (Joe Flanigan)
This might be comforting to some who lost everything:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DEwAcCTN2Fn/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
You will have high adrenaline for up to a few weeks along with incredible fatigue.
Dramatic loss causes grief, stay focused on the present. What to eat, sleep, wear… don’t focus on future. Find a peaceful and permanent place to live.
Get a copy of your insurance policy. Reach out to insurance agent don’t talk value yet. Just discuss immediate needs like gas, food, lodging. Keep meticulous notes and all receipts. Home owners insurance should pay for lodging.
Focus on being grateful. Grateful still alive, grateful for others helping. Keep focused on positives.
Kids are resilient but need as much consistency as possible. Be as stable as possible. Have them visit with their friends, do play dates, focus on positives. show them resilience. Keep things as “normal” as possible.
collectivize with your community. Insurance responds faster when its a group of homeowners reaching out together.
If you have photos inside your home it will help you identify the items lost in your home. Pick one room at a time and itemize what was there.
Take your time. One bite at a time is how you eat an elephant. Dont rush yourself. Be kind and respect your grief.
Malibu Foundation will help with non insured & renters:
www.themalibufoundation.org
@babyletto: free cribs
@perelelhealth: free prenatal vitamins
@bobbie: free formula
@coterie: free diapers
@sollybaby: free care packages
@nemah.co: free personal care products for moms & babies
@lalo: free baby products @shopmercimilo: free toys
@baby2baby: free diapers, food, formula, clothing & hygiene products for kids & families
@vuoriclothing on Abbot Kinney: free clothes @away on Abbot Kinney: free luggage
@bumoparent: free childcare
@mutalaidla has an up to date sheet of all food banks, shelters, animal boarding, and donation drives
Returning to your property. What to bring (from another survivor who lost their home).
The soot is toxic and will itch and burn your skin. Take tons of photos so you can remember what was there when you start to do your insurance claims. Each item burned needs to be documented. Room by Room so ask friends to share photos of your home too so it can help you to remember.
TO BRING
Jugs of water: To Drink
Jugs of water with a spout to rinse hands and items from soot.
A pop up tent
A fold out table
Protein Bars / Healthy snack
Sunscreen and hats
A tarp to put in your car for items with soot
A couple of bins to put items in you want to remove
A flashlight
A metal detector (we found several things)
Hand wipes and rags
Shovels and rakes
Bring good friends or family for support
TO WEAR:
For everyone coming to the house.
PAINTERS OVERALLS Get Painters coveralls that zip up. *Home Depot
RUBBER BOOTS or work boots that are sturdy. NO THIN SHOES. Also get booties to cover your shoes.
MASK to protect your EYES
Wear an N95 mask to protect your breathing
Wear thick rubber gloves.
*The soot is toxic and if it touches your skin it itches and burns.
Be prepared, because it’s really hard when you first walk upon your space.
Take a moment to mourn together.
Bring friends to support you .
Bring water and protein bars.
Bring a stand up umbrella or pop up tent and a table.
Bring bins to put anything you find in.
Bring tarps.
Bring flashlights.
And bring a metal detector.
When you are there what you see first is the roof, so your recognizable items might be under that. Take lots of photos. Have others take photos because the overwhelm is real. Use the metal detector. Bring big jugs of water with a spout to rinse and wash your hands and items. Bring hand wipes.
James Peddie is an Altadena resident who lost his home too. He is committed to restoring the style and spirit this beloved community. He is available to help with everything from paperwork, contractors & architects to someone who can align with you in getting help with rebuilding.
www.rebuildaltadena.com
FIRE VICTIM: Helpful advice, credit Donna Granata:
ACTION PLAN for those who had loss. Start with the small list:
1. Get a PO Box
2. Longer term rental search - include insurance on it so they pay directly for rental. Find a nice place that you like, don't settle. You should be able to get a "Like Property" so insurance should cover a nice place for you to live while you work through all this. You might be living here for 2 years, so choose wisely.
3. Find a place to buy some sturdy boots and gloves. Get some shovels.
4. Start working on the personal property list (this is not fun at all, be prepared to cry we sure did). Write down the moment you remember – keep list on phone or pad of paper with you at all times.
5. Save receipts. Loss of use insurance will cover incidentals too – hairbrush, phone chargers, etc.
6. As you buy things, tell the store owner your situation. Most stores will give you some level of discount as their way of helping you.
7. Let people do things for you. Do you have a friend that you can send to the store to buy you some basic clothes or comfort foods? Let them do it – they want to help and you don’t need to spend time doing these errands. (The ‘fun’ of shopping is gone…it quickly becomes a chore because you don’t want a new shirt, you want the one that you always liked to wear but now it’s gone and you are sad/mad.)
The Big List:
Register at the shelters, with Red Cross and any other agency there, california FEMA, etc.
a. Most of the aid coming in will use these lists as a point of contact and will help to ensure that you don't get left out of anything.
b. This will be especially important should FEMA be activated, which in my opinion is very likely with the amount of devastation experienced.Call Homeowners/Rental insurance to trigger "Loss of Use" . This typically will allow you to be in a "Like" property for x number of years and sometimes has a dollar limit attached and sometimes not, this is dependent on your policy. a. This coverage should also give you some immediate access to funds for essentials, clothes, toothbrushes, food, etc. b. This will also get the ball rolling for the insurance claim on your home and rebuilding/personal property Dollars.
Get a PO Box and forward all mail to the Box.
Use this PO Box as the mailing address on all forms you begin to fill out.Start Searching for a Long term rental.
Coordinate with your insurance company so that payments can be made directly from them using your “Loss of Use” money. a. Plan on renting 1-2 years, but do not necessarily sign a lease for a full two years as circumstances can change.Itemized List of belongings
(This is very hard but very necessary for your claim) . I would organize by room and list everything that was there with a replacement cost. (you will cry a lot doing this and that is ok)
a. Replacement Cost should be what it would cost to replace not on sale from pottery barn, it should not be the price you paid for it with that 50% off coupon.
b. Make sure you list everything, even if it is above and beyond your policy limit. This is very important because everything above and beyond the policy limit is considered a Loss and can be claimed as such on your taxes - See #9Call all of your utilities and either freeze or cancel service.
Electric, Gas, TV, Land Line phone a. Newspaper delivery, either cancel or update to PO Box.Call the rest of your insurance points as needed.
Car insurance a. Any specialty insurance for unique itemsPermits - An unfortunate necessity. Debris Removal - as things wind down it will be necessary to remove the debris, this requires a permit usually. (This should be covered by your insurance, we had to force the issue but ask repeatedly.)
a. Erosion Control - If you are on any kind of hill or have sloped property you will need to put some sort of erosion control measures in place, again this will need some sort of permit.
b. Temporary Power Pole/Trailer on site Permit - Getting this earlier on can prove helpful in both the rebuilding process.Taxes . You will be able to claim the monetary loss of the value of all your items minus what you receive from your insurance company. I’m unfamiliar with the exact laws, but I believe that we were able to carry our losses back 2-5 years and received most of the money that we had paid in taxes back in a nice large check.
10. Network with others. You will learn so much from others as you go through the rebuilding process. We all have our strengths so share yours and use others. The amount of time that you will spend on the rebuild, insurance, recovery process is staggering so you need to use all your resources.
Tips for Parents and Students in Welcoming and Supporting New Students/Families
Do:
• Do listen
• Do let new students/families lead the conversation surrounding the fires (they may not want to talk about it at all)
• Show God’s love, kindness and be a good friend
• Do show respect for feelings - they might feel differently moment to moment
• Do be mindful of the words we use and how we use them (think first)
• Be mindful of non verbal communication (using calm, gentle voices, show warmth, attentiveness, and kindness)
• Do include new students in play
• Do respect their boundaries
• Do be patient
• Do offer practical support when needed - finding a certain classroom, show them where the bathroom is
• Do welcome these new families into our wonderful community
Don’t:
• Don’t ask a lot of questions
• Don’t give unsolicited advice
• Don’t talk about your own experience (unless asked about it)
• Don’t try to fix the problem, unless they ask you for your help
• Don’t try to show them the “bright side” of the situation
• Don’t say “At least you all made it out safely and you are alive”
• Don’t say “At least it’s just stuff, and it can all be replaced”
• Don’t pressure someone just to “move on” - we all grieve in different ways and on different timelines, grief is not liner
Credit unknown