Community Support

Tips for Coping as a Family

• Open communication: Encourage your children to express their feelings and reassure them that it is okay to feel scared or sad.
• Limit media exposure: Too much exposure to news about the fires can heighten anxiety. Consider setting boundaries around media and social media consumption.
• Maintain routines: As much as possible, keep to daily routines to provide a sense of normalcy for your family.

Mental Health and Emotional Support

• Social-Emotional Support: School counselors and psychologists are ready to help your children and young adults at all schools. When we return to school, there will be a safe space designated for students who need to take a break if they are feeling overwhelmed. While counselors and psychologists actively monitor students for signs of anxiety and negative stress, if you know your child is in need of support, please reach out to your school counselor.
• California Association of School Psychologists: Resources for teachers and families to support children and youth following a wildfire.
• National Child Traumatic Stress Network Wildfire Resources: Provides guidance on supporting children affected by wildfire-related trauma.
• Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (DMH): Offers crisis counseling and mental health services. Call their 24/7 helpline at 1-800-854-7771 or text "LA" to 741741.
• BrightLife Kids: A CalHope app by Brightline providing mental health and caregiving support tailored to children aged 0-12 years old and their families. BrightLife Kids is available free of charge and can be shared as a resource to caregivers and families experiencing stress.
• Soluna App: California’s mental health app designed for ages 13-25, offering emotional health resources. Completely free and confidential for California teens and young adults.
• Never a Bother: Launched in 2024 by the California Department of Public Health’s Office of Suicide Prevention, this campaign aims to prevent suicide among teens and young adults in California.

Local Resources

City of South Pasadena

• • The City has a webpage dedicated to the windstorm, and list of resources here: https://www.southpasadenaca.gov/Windstorm-Event/Resources. Regularly check the webpage for updates and subscribe to the City’s social media accounts for updates.
  • The latest City press release also provides updates about the current situation, evacuation orders, water safety, power, donations, etc.

Nearby Evacuation Centers:

• • Pasadena Convention Center - 300 E. Green Street, Pasadena, CA 91103
  • Arcadia Community Center - 375 Campus Drive, Arcadia CA 91007

South Pasadena San Marino YMCA, 1605 Garfield Avenue, South Pasadena

• • Donation & Distribution Center - donation drop offs accepted during open hours, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

To help children during wildfire events:

• • Parent Guidelines for Helping Children Impacted by Wildfires
  • Wildfires: Tips for Parents on Media Coverage
  • Simple Evacuation Activities for Children and Adolescents

SPUSD PTAs may be coordinating a fundraising campaign for people affected by wildfires. More information will be sent directly from the PTAs.

Animal Evacuation Shelter

• • Pasadena Humane Society, 361 S. Raymond Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91105

From Representative Judy Chu: With President Joe Biden’s Major Disaster declaration for our region, residents and businesses impacted by wildfires in Los Angeles can apply for relief by visiting: disasterassistance.gov; calling 800-621-3362 or downloading the FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency app.

• • Disaster assistance includes temporary displacement assistance (e.g. hotel costs for 2 weeks)
  • $770 for essential personal items
  • Large grants for needs like medical bills and car repairs

LA County Incident Response

• • Lyft: Riders in need can use the code CAFIRERELIEF25, valid for 2 rides up to $25 each ($50 total) for 500 riders from now until 1/15 at 11:59 p.m.
  • Uber: Use promo code WILFIRE25 in the wallet section of your Uber app to redeem a free Uber ride up to $40.
  • Airbnb: Airbnb, partnership with 211 LA, is offering free temporary housing for residents displaced or forced to evacuate due to the recent wildfires.
  • Metro: Fare collection for rides on Metro has been suspended systemwide.