There is a special unit of CERT called the CERT Call-out Team. They have been deployed by the LAFD CERT unit for specific tasks as required by the LAFD and the needs of the horrendous situation in Los Angeles starting Jan. 8, 2025. Deploying anyone that has taken the CERT course will not be done unless they have also gone through the additional trainings required of the Call-out team. For information about that, please go to this page, CERT-LA Call Out Team.

To learn more about the Los Angeles fires, please go to: Cal Fire Incident page, and click on any of the fire incidents to see the burn, mandatory evacuation and evacuation warning areas.

For those that live in the LA area, a very helpful free app for your smart phone is called Watch Duty. It will alert you to new fires. When you set it up, do allow for it to track your location as that is what is important with this app. You can always turn off notifications of any incident.

All we can say is THANK YOU to our first responders…to our fire fighters, those who have been fighting through the night and to those that are coming from out of state…your work is truly humbling and we are so very grateful. To our wonderful CERT Call-out team…you are fantastic. So proud of you.

HOW TO HELP – VARIOUS VETTED AGENCIES

Unless you know for absolute certainty that the Go Fund Me account really is on the up and up,  please consider donating to one of the very reputable, and important charities below:

American Red Cross. What it does: The American Red Cross is working alongside its partners to provide shelter, food, emotional support and health services. The Los Angeles regional division is still identifying what resources will be needed in the coming days to support evacuees, said Mimi Teller, development communications manager for the Red Cross Los Angeles Region, but there are already a number of ways to support the organization’s efforts. How you can help: You can support the Red Cross by making a donation online, by calling (800) 733-2767 or texting REDCROSS to 90999.

World Central Kitchen. World Central Kitchen, founded by chef José Andrés, said it has mobilized across Southern California to support first responders and families affected by the fires, providing nourishing meals to people in need. How you can help: You can help by making an online donation.

Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation. The Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation has called for donations to its wildfire emergency fund. The proceeds will go toward equipping firefighters with tools and supplies to contain the infernos.

Los Angeles Regional Food Bank: The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank is accepting food donations and volunteers.

California Fire Foundation: The California Fire Foundation said it is working with local fire departments and community organizations to support impacted residents financially. The group’s wildfire and disaster relief fund directly supports victims of blazes and other disasters throughout the state, according to its website. How you can help: An online monetary donation to the California Fire Foundation Wildfire and Disaster Relief Fund directly supports victims of wildfires and disasters throughout California, including the L.A. County area.

League of California Community Foundations. The League of California Community Foundations, a coalition of the state’s nonprofits, is coordinating relief efforts for people affected by the Palisades and Eaton fires. The California Community Foundation said funds raised after previous disasters have helped rebuild homes, restore lost belongings and provide support services such as mental health management.

California Community Foundation. What it does: The California Community Foundation distributes grants to affected communities through its Wildfire Recovery Fund. The foundation’s team utilizes data from CalFire and CDC’s Social Vulnerability Index to ensure their grants target the neediest communities with both intermediate recovery and long-term support. What you can do: You can make a monetary donation online or by mailing a check to the “California Community Foundation” at 717 W. Temple St., Los Angeles 90012. Include “Wildfire Recovery Fund” in the memo.

International Medical Corps: The Los Angeles-based International Medical Corps has been coordinating with local health groups to deliver relief supplies, including hygiene and first-aid kits, to communities affected by the fires. The group said it also is ready to provide additional support and services to health facilities if needed.

Direct Relief: The aid group Direct Relief is bringing in emergency health care supplies for community clinics, evacuation centers and local residents affected by the fires. It’s also providing N95 masks, hygiene kits, emergency medical packs and other essentials to partner organizations on the ground in L.A. How you can help: Those interested in supporting wildfire response efforts can donate to Direct Relief’s Wildfire Response Fund online. The donations directly benefit individuals impacted by the fires in Palisades, Altadena and across California providing critical aid where needed.