We Are Here for You: Support and Resources from SCAN
Page updated: January 31, 2025
The wildfires in Southern California have caused overwhelming devastation to our communities. Even if you are not directly impacted by the wildfires, you may still be affected by them. Please know that you are not alone, and SCAN is here to support you.
There are many community resources and organizations providing assistance; we’ve gathered some on this page and will do our best to keep the information current.
Be Alert For Frauds
There are many legitimate resources available to you at this time. Sadly, frauds have already surfaced to take advantage of this situation. Some of you may already have received emails, calls or texts asking for information.
Unless you have been the one who placed a call or sent an email to a trusted organization, please follow these guidelines:
- Do not click on links; instead, go to the website directly or call the organization.
- Keep your numbers to yourself: don’t give out your Social Security, Medicare or SCAN ID numbers.
- Don’t share personal information—this includes your banking, checking and credit card info.
Legitimate helpers won’t push you for information or to make a decision. When in doubt, take time to check it out.
Jump to a section: SCAN Support | LA County Recovers Website | Emergency Information & Updates | Housing Support | Evacuation & Preparedness Resources | Health Resources | Shelters | Resources for Your Pets | Fires with ACTIVE Evacuation Orders | Returning Home | Donation Centers | Food Distributions | Recovery Centers | News Updates
SCAN Support
Remember, SCAN is here to help, too. This page explains how to receive care during a state of emergency. And if you need help getting needed care, medical supplies or prescription medications, please call SCAN Member Services at 1-800-559-3500.
LA County Recovers Website
The LA County Recovers website has information on cleanup help, public health guidance, disaster recovery centers, fire damage maps and other recovery resources.
The website also has information on how to contact FEMA and apply for assistance: https://recovery.lacounty.gov/resources/.
Emergency Information & Updates
Emergency Weather Information
With the recent wildfires, the burned areas are especially at risk for debris flows. Rain can trigger fast-moving flows of mud, rocks and water.
Here are a few tips to protect yourself, your family and your home from potential mudslides and debris flows.
• Learn Evacuation Routes: Know multiple routes in case roads are blocked.
• Avoid Moving Water:
o As little as 6 inches of water can knock you over.
o Never walk through rushing water; it’s hard to tell how deep it is or what’s below the surface.
• Don’t Drive Through Floods or Debris Flows:
o Twelve inches of water can float most cars.
o Two feet of rushing water can sweep away vehicles, including SUVs and trucks.
• Stay Alert:
o Monitor weather updates and pay attention to evacuation notices.
o Be aware of normal water flow for nearby streams, creeks and rivers.
Prepare, stay informed and act quickly if conditions change. For more information, visit: Red Cross Landslide Safety Tips
Other Emergency Information
• Free EPA Wildfire Resource: The Wildfire Smoke Course offers helpful advice, including "Air Quality and Smoke" and "Reducing Exposure".
o Check out their Fire or Smoke Event Plan for detailed strategies to reduce your smoke exposure.
• lacounty.gov/emergency: For the latest emergency information, evacuation updates and impacts to county services.
• Los Angeles County Shelter Information and Locations: List of shelters in Los Angeles County.
• Sign Up to Receive Emergency Alerts
o Cal Alerts: Sends alerts about emergency situations that arise in your county.
o Alert LA County: Sends alerts from Los Angeles County about emergency situations.
• CAL FIRE Incidents Updates: Shares the latest updates on all major wildfire incidents in California.
• Response.ca.gov: A one-stop website for information about shelters, transportation, air quality, and more.
• SCE Power outages- Visit this website to check power outages.
• California bolsters Disaster Recovery Centers to help Los Angeles firestorm survivors online and in-person | Governor of California
Housing Support
• Airbnb.org: Airbnb is working with local organizations to help identify those in greatest need of temporary housing and may expand support to other areas affected by the wildfires. Currently, they are focused on residents who have either lost their home or been forced to evacuate in the Altadena, Malibu, Pacific Palisades, Pasadena, Santa Monica and Sylmar areas. Impacted residents can request assistance for temporary housing support from Airbnb.org by contacting 211 LA.
• Big Bear: The popular retreat spot has also offered evacuees a peaceful place to turn to for rest and regathering. A collection of vacation homes and hotels is listed on this page, which has been created specifically for the needs of fire evacuees.
• Visit Anaheim: People affected by the wildfires can visit Visit Anaheim's official website and find special hotel offers and assistance.
Evacuation & Preparedness Resources
• California Wildfire Resources: To help those impacted by California wildfires, our Care Specialists have created a robust collection of resources to help you prepare for and cope in the aftermath of these events.
California Wildfire Resources 2025
• CAL FIRE Go! Evacuation Guide: Offers guidance for safe and efficient evacuation during wildfires.
•LISTOS California: Provides several resources for individuals and community providers to prepare for emergencies and disasters.
• Findhelp: 2025 California Wildfires: Enter your postal code to be connected with resources in your area.
• Emergency Preparedness Guide: Offers guidance to help older adults and people with disabilities prepare for emergencies to ensure they stay safe before, during, and after disasters and other emergency events.
• Verizon: Verizon announced it will waive call, text and data charges for customers in hardest hit areas through February 28th. The company also deployed free Wifi and charging stations at three wildfire shelters.
Health Resources
• The Los Angeles County ACCESS Center remains open and operational. The center can be reached at 1-800-854-7771.
• The 988 Suicide and Crisis hotline can be reached by calling or texting 988. The 988 Lifeline Chat can also be accessed here.
• The Jewish Federation Los Angeles is offering mental health services, warm meals, shelter and space for displaced individuals, families and institutions. More information can be found here.
• The Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health Resources has compiled a list of mental health resources to aid people affected by the wildfires. More information can be found here.
• The California Department of Public Health is offering tips on how people can cope with loss, talk to their children about wildfires, and more. Information can be found here.
Shelters
For a current list of shelters, click here.
Resources for your Pets
• Keep pets indoors
o Smoke inhalation can be dangerous for pets. Keep pets indoors to limit exposure. Learn more about the signs of smoke inhalation in pets.
• Make sure your pet is wearing their collar
o If you are separated from your pet during an emergency, a collar with identification and contact information will help ensure you’re reunited quickly.
• Pack an evacuation bag for your pet
o Make sure you are prepared if you need to evacuate by packing an evacuation bag in advance. This includes medicine, food, important documents and comfort items. Get a full packing list here.
• Create a plan for how you will evacuate your pets
o Set aside any crates, carriers, or leashes for your pet so you can quickly and safely transport them.
o For more information, visit the American Veterinary Medical Association’s disaster preparedness guide.
Fires with ACTIVE Evacuation Orders
To see the current list of evacuations, click here.
Returning home: moving on from disaster to recovery
Returning home after a fire can be overwhelming. Reed Smith is here to support you with expert advice and next steps to help you rebuild and move forward.
Donation centers
• Santa Anita Race Track (285 W Huntington Drive Arcadia, CA 91007): Offers food, clothing, essential items and pet supplies.
• 433 S Vermont Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90020: Open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Offers clothing, diapers and essential items.
• 112 W 9th Street #200 Los Angeles, CA 90015: Offers clothing.
Food distributions
World Central Kitchen is offering free meals to those who were affected by the fires. Meals are offered at multiple locations and times. Please visit the website for full details:
https://wck.org/news/meal-locations-ca
Recovery centers
For a current list of recovery centers, click here.
News Updates
1. Governor Newsom signs executive order to quickly help L.A. schools, children and families affected by firestorms
2. Governor Newsom mobilizes L.A. debris removal teams to begin work immediately once cleared for safety
3. Governor Newsom issues order to protect fire victims from predatory real estate speculators
