Wildfire Relief Updates and Information from Supervisor Kathryn Barger’s Office
Dear Friends,
As residents return to their property and begin the debris removal process, I am committed to ensuring Los Angeles County equips you with every resource you need to stay safe. Today, the County established our first permanent PPE distribution location for residents to get free N95 masks and protective supplies. The Department of Public Health has set up at Grocery Outlet on Lake Ave. and will be onsite every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. A second permanent location will open tomorrow, Friday, Jan. 24 at the check cashing store on the corner of Fair Oaks Ave. and Woodbury Rd. I directed Public Health to distribute tens of thousands of kits because I am steadfast in my commitment to keeping residents safe and giving them every source of support they need to rebuild. For debris cleanup tips, consult this helpful guide. Your health and well-being is always my priority.
Best wishes,
Kathryn Barger
Chair of the Board
Supervisor, Fifth District
Los Angeles County Launches One-Stop Funding and Relief Portal to Help Residents, Businesses and Communities Recover from Wildfires
The recent wildfires have devasted communities, displacing thousands of residents and bringing unimaginable grief, suffering and loss to our friends, families, neighbors and co-workers. At the same time, this tragedy has also spurred an outpouring of incredible generosity and desire to help those in need—along with questions about where best to direct donations.
In response to this overwhelming show of support, and to help guide people with questions about how to help, Los Angeles County has launched a one-stop portal to connect the public with trusted organizations that are providing crucial relief and support in our communities.
The LA County Relief: Funding & Resource Portal hosts a range of funds dedicated to supporting first responders, offering housing assistance, providing relief for small businesses and workers, and removing barriers for students and communities.
People interested in donating are encouraged to scroll through the various organizations to find one—or more—to support as we work together to rebuild lives, strengthen communities and recover stronger and safer than before.
Go to lacounty.gov/relief to learn more.
As I’ve been out in the community speaking with residents, a common logistical question I hear is how to make sure swimming pools are safe from ash and debris. Public Health has put together a comprehensive guide for all the steps residents need to complete before their pool is safe to use again.
Do not use your pool until the following steps have been completed:
1. Clean debris from the skimmer baskets and skim the water surface with a pool net to remove floating debris.
2. Brush the sides and the bottom of the pool to loosen contaminants, then vacuum the pool.
3. Backwash and clean the filters. Release waste and wastewater into a municipal sanitary sewer only. If connected to a septic tank system, release the backwash to a pervious surface like gravel, lawn, or open space to allow for infiltration without erosion. Backwashing into the storm drain system (alleys, driveways, streets, storm drains) and creeks is prohibited by law.
4. Check pH and adjust level between 7.2 and 8.0.
5. Check free chlorine level and adjust to a minimum of 2.0 ppm for a pool and 3.0 ppm for a spa.
6. Ensure the recirculation system is operating properly by checking filter pressure and/or the flow meter.
7. Resume use only when pH levels are between 7.2 and 8.0 and the free chlorine is at a minimum of 2.0 ppm for a pool and 3.0 ppm for a spa.
For more questions about pool safety, contact the Environmental Health Division Recreational Waters Program at rhealth@ph.lacounty.gov or (626) 430-5360. If you need to drain your pool, please contact the Public Works Building and Safety Division at (626) 458-5100.
Click here to see the full guide
Rain is in the forecast and I want to make sure our residents are prepared. We’ve worked with our local partners to set up sandbag distribution sites to make pickup as convenient as possible for residents impacted by the Eaton Fire. If you need sandbags, you can receive up to 25 at the Altadena Golf Course, Robinson Park, Victory Park, or any of our local fire stations.
I am dedicated to helping our local businesses and nonprofits impacted by wildfires remain afloat during the recovery process as they work to fully rebuild. Los Angeles County is inviting our business community at large to lend a helping hand to businesses displaced by the Eaton Fire. If you have room to spare at your workplace, the Department of Economic Opportunity has launched a Business-to-Business Space Share program where businesses and nonprofits can offer temporary workspaces to others. If you have a space to offer, or need to request a space, click the flyer below to get connected.