Fire Resources

List of 7 items.

• Virtual Events

  ‘Wildfire Recovery: FEMA and Insurance Orientation’ — Tuesday, Jan. 14

  This evening at 7:00 p.m., families are invited to join Pepperdine Caruso School of Law faculty for a community education webinar on the basics of FEMA, insurance, and related issues for the early phases of disaster relief and recovery. This will not be formal legal advice but education and information on the law, procedures, and resources for homeowners and renters who have lost their homes. Register here.

  
  

  ‘Raising Children in Uncertain Times’ with Dr. Lisa Damour — Wednesday, Jan. 15

  On Wednesday, Jan. 15, at 12:00 p.m., Carlthorp parents are invited to attend a Willows School virtual presentation with Dr. Lisa Damour, who will explore how adaptability, emotional durability, outward focus, and conscientiousness can prepare children and parents to navigate uncertainty. Join the Zoom here (passcode: Willows).

  
  

  ‘Supporting Children, Strengthening Communities’ with Dr. Melissa Brymer — Wednesday, Jan. 15

  During this free virtual program on Wednesday, Jan. 15, at 12:00 p.m., Dr. Melissa Brymer, Director of Terrorism and Disaster Programs at the UCLA-Duke National Center for Child Traumatic Stress, will discuss skills for talking about wildfires. Parents are welcome to attend; RSVP here.
  
  

  ‘Wildfire Public Health Information Panel for Families’ — Wednesday, Jan. 15

  On Wednesday, Jan. 15, at 7:00 p.m., join KCRW and R&S Kayne Foundation for a virtual public information panel and Q&A session regarding immediate and long-term health considerations for families and individuals returning to homes within the immediate vicinity of the fires. RSVP here for the Zoom link.

  
  

  ‘Parenting During the LA Wildfires’ with Dr. Becky Kennedy — Thursday, Jan. 16

  Carlthorp parents are invited to attend a virtual conversation hosted by the Archer School for Girls with Dr. Becky Kennedy on Thursday, Jan. 16, at 2:00 p.m. Dr. Becky will focus on how to talk with children about the LA wildfires and will also answer attendees’ questions. Register here for the Zoom link.

• Housing

  One of the most significant needs among impacted community members is access to available residences for short- and long-term rentals and permanent homes. If you are a realtor or property owner and can offer leads for interested families, please fill out our Carlthorp Community Housing Form and include as much detail as possible (availability, location, size, cost, etc.). This could include ADUs, guest homes, and properties not publicly available. This form will not be made public and will only be used to discreetly support affected Carlthorp community members. If you have any questions, please contact Steve Springer at sspringer@carlthorp.org.

  
  

  • Furnished residences for lease (spreadsheet with location tabs)
  • If you lost your home or business in the wildfires, here’s what to do next (LA Times)
  • Primer on insurance response to wildfires (ACREL)
  • Recovery resources, damage maps, and FAQs (LA County)

• Parenting Resources

   

  • Resources for Parents Navigating the California Wildfires (Good Inside)
  • Guidelines for parents on discussing the fires with children (Betsy Brown Braun)
  • Talking to Children About the Fires (The Center for Connection)
  • Talking to Young Children About the Wildfires (PBS)
  • Helping Children After a Wildfire: Tips for  Parents and Teachers (NASP)
  • 5 Ways to Help Kids Process Disturbing News (Common Sense Media)
  • Helping Kids Deal with Trauma and Process Adversity Through the Power of Play (Tina Payne Bryson and Georgie Wisen-Vincent)
  • Helping Children Cope with Disaster (FEMA/Red Cross)

  
  Navigating Frightening News and Events
  

  With the recent wildfires in the news, it's normal for kids to feel worried, anxious, and overwhelmed by what they're seeing and hearing on the news, online, and/or on social media. Help kids feel safe, informed, and empowered during unsettling times with these tips:

  • Validate and reassure: When scary things happen, kids need to know they're safe and loved. It's important to validate their feelings, not dismiss them. Fear is normal, but they'll feel more secure being reassured by you. 
    
    
  • Pause and check in with yourself: Your kids are watching you to figure out how to respond. If you stay calm and grounded, they're more likely to follow your lead. That doesn't mean hiding your emotions — it means showing them how to process those feelings in a healthy way. 
    
    
  • Encourage curiosity and their questions: Kids are naturally curious. Let them ask questions, including the difficult ones. Even if you don't have all the answers, it's important to let them talk about what they've heard. You can make sure they have all the facts straight. 

  Your presence, your comfort, and your guidance will help them feel safe and capable, even when the world feels overwhelming. To get more support for having conversations with your kids, check out these tips for Boosting Safety, Privacy, and Security.

• Mental Health

  In the coming weeks and months, Sharon Lee is available for students and families who would like support in navigating these challenging times. You can reach her at slee@carlthorp.org.

  
  The Center for Mental Health Excellence is offering free mental health services for individuals and families impacted by the LA wildfires. Their goal is to provide immediate support during this difficult time. If you or someone you know needs help, please contact them at admin@CFMHE.org or call 619-356-0072.

• Recovering Documents

  LA County Registrar-Recorder: Los Angeles County residents directly impacted by fires can request property and vital records (birth, death, marriage, etc.) free of charge to help with recovery efforts. If you have been impacted, please call 800-201-8999 or email recorder@rrcc.lacounty.gov for assistance. For more information, visit lavote.gov/home/recorder.

  
  Photo Replacements: Katie B. Photography, who has taken Carlthorp School’s yearbook pictures and student portraits in recent years, has kindly offered to re-release digital files and replace prints for families who have been affected by the fires. For more information, click here.

• Volunteering / Fundrasising

  • CS Wildfire Support Fund (Carlthorp School)
  • How to Aid Fire Relief (LA Works)

  Note: For Carlthorp families who would like to offer support to affected community members, please refer to the Resources board of the Parent Portal for more details.

• Other Resources

  • Wildfire smoke and ash health and safety tips (AQMD)
  • Property tax relief: Anyone who incurs more than $10,000 worth of damage can file a property tax appeal using the link below, even if your house was not destroyed. If your home sustained more than $10,000 of damage, you can appeal for property tax relief.
  • Resources database (Mutual Aid LA Network)
  • Resources for Californians impacted by the Los Angeles fires (CA.gov)
  • Fire Resource List (various leads and links)
  • $100 clothing gift cards for affected families (Joah Love)

  
  If you have a resource or link that might be helpful for Carlthorp families, please send it to Jeff Goodman at jgoodman@carlthorp.org.