As fires rage across Los Angeles, the devastation has been heartbreaking. Yet, amidst the smoke and ash, stories of resilience and community shine through. Local teens are leading efforts to provide relief to families and peers, showcasing the power of youth in times of crisis.
Aliyah and Kyle: Teens4LA Fire Relief Fund
Aliyah and Kyle, two high school students, are rallying resources for families displaced by the Palisades and Eaton fires. They’ve raised funds to deliver food, PPE, and supplies to local distribution centers and are advocating for mental health support for students affected by school closures and trauma.
Avery’s Altadena Girls Initiative
Avery Colvert, a Pasadena eighth-grader, launched Altadena Girls to help teen girls impacted by the fires. With donations pouring in from celebrities and brands, Avery’s initiative has provided clothing, beauty products, and essentials, bringing a sense of normalcy to her peers.
Important Info on Air Quality and Health Precautions
The ongoing fires have also left hazardous air accross the region, posing severe health risks. This disaster, now the largest fire-related urban catastrophe in U.S. history, spans 56 square miles and has led to unprecedented levels of toxic air pollution, comparable to a bomb being dropped on the city. Public health experts warn that this “disaster after the disaster” could have long-term health impacts similar to the aftermath of 9/11, where nearly three times the people died due to illnesses and cancer (6,781) than the number who died in the initial tragedy (2,977).
Doctors recommend you protect your family in the following weeks after the fires have been contained by:
At a minimum, wear N95 or P100 masks (available for free at local libraries).
Stay indoors with carbon and HEPA air purifiers (available for free for residents of Boyle Heights, East L.A., and Commerce from South Coast AQMD).
If you drive, put your air system on "recycle" to keep out external air.
Avoid outdoor activities and when indoor avoid candles/incense.
Immediately contact your doctor about any irregular health symptoms.
Avoid dry sweeping or vacuums without ash approved HEPA filters.
While the Air Quality Index (AQI) can help gauge pollution levels, it does not account for toxic chemicals like lead, asbestos, hydrogen cyanide, benzene, and other common cancer causing pathogens released by wildfires currently being inhaled. Experts advise considering the air dangerous whenever the AQI exceeds 40, as the air is 10x more dangerous than normal. Evacuated areas should only be accessed by trained professionals equipped with hazmat suits, as harmful particles linger in the air and settle on clothing. For more info, the Coalition for Clean Air recently hosted a webinar with health experts on LA's air quality.
Hazardous conditions could persist for up to two years, with the greatest risks lasting until Los Angeles experiences significant rainfall after the fires are extinguished. The severity of danger depends less on your distance from the blazes and more on wind patterns and intensity.
How You Can Help
Join us in empowering foster youth and supporting our community during this crisis:
Donate: Just $3.30 a month helps us provide resources to youth year-round.
Stay Informed: Visit our blog for updates and resources.
Spread the Word: Share these inspiring stories to amplify the impact of youth-led initiatives.
Why Foster Youth Need Us Now More Than Ever
During crises like this, foster youth face heightened risks, from displacement to mental health struggles. Living Advantage, Inc. is working tirelessly to provide these youth with resources, connections, and support systems to ensure they thrive.
Resources for Those Affected
Free temporary housing via 211 LA and Airbnb.
Emergency shelters listed on our blog.
Free legal support from @legalmiga.
Pet assistance from @k9globalrescue.
Local YMCAs offer shelter, showers, and mental health support. Register here.
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