Resources and Support for Members Affected by Wildfires

Dear Local USA 829 Members, 

We know that many of you in the LA County area are facing an incredibly challenging and frightening time right now as wildfires threaten your communities. Please know that we are here for you and that you are not alone. Our leadership, your union kin, and Local staff are all thinking of you and your families, and we are here to offer support. 

Please see the IATSE's resources hub here for the most up-to-date information.

Additionally, we’ve also compiled a list of vital resources, including: 

• Evacuation maps and emergency resources to help you stay safe now 

• Social media links for real-time updates on evacuation zones and alerts 

• PPE recommendations for protecting yourself from wildfire smoke 

• High winds safety tips to keep you safe during extreme weather conditions 

• Ongoing recovery resources, including financial aid, mental health support, and assistance with replacing important documents 

Please take a moment to review the information below. We're here for you, and we'll continue to stand by you as you navigate these challenges. 

If you are interested in helping those affected by the CA wildfires, please click here.

Get to Safety First 

The most important priority right now is ensuring your safety. Please use the following link to access up-to-date evacuation maps and critical emergency resources: 

LA County Emergency Resources & Evacuation Maps 

This site has everything you need: evacuation zones, shelter locations (for both humans and animals), health information, and emergency alerts in multiple languages. It’s a vital resource for immediate assistance, so please refer to it. 

Stay Informed on Social Media 

To stay updated on alerts and evacuation notices, please follow the LA County Public Safety Partners on social media: 

• LA County Office of Emergency Management: @ReadyLACounty 

• LA County Fire Department: @LACoFDPIO 

• LA County Sheriff’s Department: @LASDHQ 

• LA County: @CountyofLA 

Protect Yourself with PPE 

If you are in an area where air quality is a concern due to smoke, make sure to protect yourself. Here’s a quick guide to PPE: 

• Choose a well-fitting N95 mask if possible. Any mask is better than no mask, but N95 masks without ear loops (those with neck and head straps) provide a better seal. 

N95 Mask Distribution Points

• All Los Angeles Public Library Locations
• Mask Bloc LA 
• Clean Air Los Angeles

Stay Safe in High Winds 

If you're experiencing high winds, please take extra precautions: 

• Stay indoors as much as possible. If you must go outside, take cover next to a building or shelter. 

• Be aware of flying debris, loose street signs, or falling tree limbs. 

• In case of downed power lines, do not touch them or anything in contact with them. Call 911 and alert your local utility. 

Evacuation Shelters Available to Members/Families 

 
Outpost LA 

12685 Van Nuys Blvd. 

Pacoima, CA 91331 

Volt Lites 

3000 N. Kenwood St. 

Burbank, CA 91505 

Local 80 

2520 W. Olive Ave., Ste. 200 

Burbank, CA 91505 

(818) 526-0700 

Local 892 

3919 West Magnolia Blvd. 

Burbank CA 91505 

(818) 848-2800 

Local 728 

1001 W Magnolia Blvd, Burbank, CA 91506 

Airbnb.org and 211LA Temporary Housing

Airbnb.org is partnering with 211LA to offer free housing to people impacted by the Los Angeles wildfires.

Fill out the intake form

CAL OES Shelter List

Emergency Housing for Evacuated Pets

Animal Wellness Foundation
4134 Lincoln Boulevard
Marina del Rey, CA 90292

Additional Evacuation Sites

Planet Fitness Locations in Los Angeles County
Residents, first responders, and others affected by the wildfires can receive free access to locker rooms, showers, HydroMassage loungers, electrical outlets and Wi-Fi. Find a full list of locations here.

YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles

ALL non-affected YMCA locations will be open with free day passes. Evacuees can use YMCA amenities, including showers, locker rooms, fresh water, and charging outlets.

Local Restaurants Offering Relief

The Los Angeles Times has compiled a list of local restaurants offering food and relief to fire evacuees and first responders.

City of Santa Monica Fire Resources

The City of Santa Monica has compiled a list of hotels offering specials, as well as local restaurants and businesses providing free food and services to first responders and evacuees.

Los Angeles Hotel Availability

The Hotel Association of Los Angeles is continually updating a spreadsheet of hotels offering discounted rates, as well as instructions on how to access them and check availability.

After You’re Safe: Ongoing Resources and Future Support 

Once you and your loved ones are safe, there are many resources available to support your recovery and long-term needs. Here’s a list of useful links and programs for financial assistance, mental health support, and other recovery resources: 

Financial Assistance Resources

• Financial Assistance for USA 829 Wildfire Evacuees: If you're in an evacuated zone due to the wildfires, you can apply for a $1,000 emergency relief grant by completing this form. Funds will be deposited into your account within 3-5 business days. For those who have experienced catastrophic loss or severe impact, please contact Caitlin McConnell at 979-450-2248 or WesternBusRep@usa829.org for additional support.

• Los Angeles Federation of Labor: Assistance paying outstanding utility bills, first and last month rental assistance, boxes of food, and resources to find permanent housing.

• IATSE Safety Hotline: 844-422-9273 

• IATSE Annuity Fund - Hardship Distributions for Economic Losses Due to California Wildfires

• Walsh/Di Tolla/Spivak Foundation Disaster Relief: Financial assistance for IATSE members affected by the winds and fires. 

• UnionPlus Disaster Relief Grant: $500 disaster relief grant for those impacted by flooding (if applicable). 

• Entertainment Community Fund: Emergency financial assistance for union members. 

• Congressman Brad Sherman's Additional Assistance for Fire Victims: This press release from Congressman Sherman outlines various types of federal housing assistance available to fire victims.

• FEMA Disaster Assistance: If you’ve been displaced or impacted by wildfires, apply for federal disaster assistance here. 

  • Common Reasons FEMA May Find You Ineligible for Assistance and How to Address Them

  • Rumor: If I receive donations from a GoFundMe page or something similar, FEMA will not help me

• FEMA "Serious Needs" Assistance: Serious Needs Assistance is money to pay for emergency supplies like water, food, first aid, breast-feeding supplies, infant formula, diapers, personal hygiene items, or fuel for transportation. It is available in all disasters declared for Individual Assistance. Grant size is $750. 

• Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) officially launched this week and EDD issued these formal announcements in English and Spanish. DUA benefits help people affected by a federally-declared disaster who are not eligible for regular unemployment benefits. Check the link for additional details about the eligibility guidelines and where to select the appropriate disaster type when filing.

• Los Angeles County Assessor's Disaster Response: Assessor staff will be present at Local Assistance Centers established by the County, offering guidance and resources to property owners. Property damaged or destroyed by the windstorms or wildfires may qualify for temporary property tax relief through the Misfortune and Calamity program.

• United States SBA Disaster Assistance: SBA disaster assistance for homeowners, renters, nonprofits, and businesses of all sizes affected by the wildfires and straight-line winds in California.

Recovery Resources 

• MALAN Fire & Wind Storm Resources: An assorted list of resources provided by various organizations in the Los Angeles area
• Brands Providing Care Packages, Services, and Discount Codes to Fire Victims: A continually updated list of companies offering free products and discount codes to those affected by the wildfires
• Los Angeles Emergency Management Department | Wildfire Recovery Resources: Centralized list of aid resources available. Disaster Recovery Centers opened on Tuesday, 1/14 at 1pm. These centers will support individuals with lost vital records, navigating insurance and referrals for mental health counseling and other services. They are located at UCLA on the westside and PCC on the eastside.
• HomeBank LA: This organization assists evacuees by providing new furniture and home goods.
• Missing Animals: 213-270-8155 - This is a recorded line you can leave all information about your animal and it is being provided to Animal Services to help them identify any pets they have and reunite with owners.
• California Office of the Attorney General: FAQs on Price Gouging
• NEW 1/23/25  Motion Picture Television Fund | Wildfire Recovery: Next Steps and Next Next Steps Webinar: This webinar provides guidance on how to navigate insurance claims, property taxes, tax payments, and many other topics.

Mental Health Resources 

• Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990 (text "TalkWithUs" to 66746). 

• CalHOPE Warmline

• Local USA 829 Member Assistance Program (MAP) 

• Local USA 829 Mental Health Resource Center

• Pro Bono Therapy for Los Angeles Wildfire Evacuees

Child-Specific Mental Health Resources 

• Psychological First Aid for Children & Families In Times of Disaster Brochure

• Children & Recovery from Wildfires

Healthcare Resources

• Teladoc Health Disaster Hotline: Free 24/7 telehealth hotline for any non-emergency illnesses, including those who need help getting authorization for non-narcotic medications.
• Vetster: Free telehealth for pets up to 500 animals through January 23.

Replacing Documents 

If you’ve lost vital documents in the wildfire:

LA County residents directly impacted by fires can request property and vital records (i.e., birth, death, marriage) free of charge to help with recovery efforts. Call 800-201-8999 (Option 1 followed by Option 2) or Email recorder@rrcc.lacounty.gov

You can also replace them by contacting the issuing agency directly: 

• California Drivers License: 800-777-0133 (or visit your DMV office). 

• Social Security Card: 800-772-1213 SSA website. 

• Birth, Death, and Marriage Records: Contact your county registrar’s office. 

Senator Alex Padilla’s Disaster Resources 

Senator Padilla’s compiled a comprehensive list of disaster recovery resources, including federal assistance for those affected by wildfires, floods, and other emergencies. Learn more about the support available and how to apply for aid: 

• Sen. Padilla’s Disaster Resources 

We understand that recovery takes time, and we’re here for you. If you need assistance navigating these resources, please reach out to Caitlin McConnell, Western Region Business Representative at 979-450-2248 or WesternBusRep@usa829.org. 

Home affected by the fires?

Here is some information for what you can do right now. 

• First and foremost, you should contact your home insurance and make them aware of the situation. They should be able to provide you with next steps on the insurance side of things. Be sure to document your conversations with insurance. If you run into issues with them there are state resources to help you.
  • These are a few suggested questions to ask your insurance:
    • Does my policy cover the property damage to my home? 
    • How long will it take to process my claim? 
    • Will I need to obtain estimates for repairs to the structure? 
    • What is my deductible? (The deductible is the portion of the loss you pay before your insurance company begins to pay.)
• Review your policy, they may also cover temporary living costs (hotels, apartments, etc) if needed.
• Track the additional living expenses (ALE) that you incur as a result of the fire (temporary rent, additional mileage, etc). These may be covered by your policy.
• Keep in mind any services  you may want to stop/cancel to avoid additional costs (internet, cable, electric, etc).

The California Department of Insurance has a website with wildfire resources you can review: https://www.insurance.ca.gov/01-consumers/140-catastrophes/WildfireResources.cfm

The Beverly Hills Bar Association has provided a recording of their January 14th webinar: A Guide to Property Damage Claims Following Natural Disasters.

Pasadena and Altadena residents have compiled a checklist to use if your home has been impacted by the fires: PFD Home Destroyed Checklist

Here are two linked documents from the CA Department of Insurance that can prove helpful:

• Wildfire Claimants Tips: A quick guide of the top ten things you should do as you work with your insurance.
• Residential Property Claims Guide: A guide regarding what to do after a loss and how to deal with your insurance adjuster.

In Solidarity, 

Western Region Board 
United Scenic Artists, Local USA 829, IATSE