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Reflecting on the Devastation of the LA Fires

Nicole Snell
Jan 11



My heart is broken for the horrific loss of life, property, indigenous land, and animals that is currently happening in my home of Los Angeles. The devastation is beyond words and is reminiscent of a dystopian apocalypse movie. I have friends who have lost their homes...lost everything. My deepest sympathies to everyone who has lost so much. If there is anything I can do to help or to connect you to resources, please don't hesitate to reach out.


I am safe and my home is safe right now. But a few days ago, when a new fire broke out only a mile from where I live, I was terrified. I was out of town, and my neighbors called to let me know what was happening, that they were preparing to evacuate, and asked if I wanted them to get anything from my apartment. In all the years that I've been on the road traveling for work, I've never had the thought that one day when I'm out of town, a fire will threaten our building and I'll have to get on FaceTime with a neighbor as they rush through my home grabbing the vital documents/items that will fit in a tote bag before they evacuate. I felt helpless and vulnerable and almost dissociated having to consider the possibility that I might return home and have no home. My experience doesn't compare to those who have lost their homes, their lives or their loved ones and I can't imagine the feelings of loss and trauma they are having.


As I write this, the fires are still raging, people are still evacuating, and the devastation continues. My heart goes out to everyone who is affected by the fires. My greatest thanks and appreciation goes out to the brave firefighters and first responders who are risking their own lives and safety to protect life, land, and property and save as much as they can.



Be safe, be prepared, look out for each other, and let's practice empathy and community support during this time of great tragedy.


Below, please find some resources from the LA Fire Dept and Assembly Member Zbur:


 WHAT TO PACK IF YOU NEED TO EVACUATE


  • Keep a pair of old shoes and a flashlight handy for a night evacuation.

  • Keep the six “P’s” ready, in case immediate evacuation is required:

    • People and pets

    • Papers, phone numbers, and important documents (e.g. Passports, birth certificates, insurance paperwork, etc.)

    • Prescriptions, vitamins, and eyeglasses

    • Pictures and irreplaceable memorabilia

    • Personal computers (information on hard drive, flash drive, and disks)

    • “Plastic” (credit cards, ATM cards) and cash


If you're told to evacuate, leave early enough to avoid being caught in fire, smoke, or road congestion. Don’t wait to be told by authorities to leave. In an intense wildfire, they may not have time to knock on every door. If you think it's time to leave, don't wait - get out.


MORE RESOURCES


Supporting Survivors

For those looking to donate to survivors of the wildfires, here is a list of community funds that have been vetted by Philanthropy California. Donations made to all organizations should be researched thoroughly to avoid falling victim to fraud.






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