Balboa Nephrology understands the devastating impact the Southern California wildfires are having on our communities. Our hearts go out to all those affected by these tragic events. We are committed to supporting our patients and the community during this difficult time. To that end, we will be posting helpful resources on our website and social media channels to assist those impacted by the fires, including information on evacuation centers, emergency contacts, and support services.

In light of the devastating fires impacting our community, we will provide updated resource information specifically tailored to the Chula Vista/Otay area. We stand in solidarity with our patients and neighbors who have been affected, and we are here to help in any way we can.

Crisis Counseling – If you are feeling overwhelmed or anxious due to the news or the wildfires, you’re not alone.  You can text “share” to 741741 to connect with a live volunteer crisis counselor 24/7.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA WILDFIRES RESOURCES

WILDFIRE RESOURCES

• Apply for assistance after a disaster: https://www.disasterassistance.gov/
• California Statewide Wildfire Recovery Resources: https://www.fire.ca.gov/
• Spreadsheet by area with resources on shelters, PPE, food, animal rescues and more updated regularly.
• Los Angeles County Shelter Information and Locations: List of shelters in Los Angeles County.
• Sign Up to Receive Emergency Alerts
  • Cal Alerts: Sends alerts about emergency situations that arise in your county.
  • Alert LA County: Sends alerts from Los Angeles County about emergency situations.
• CAL FIRE Incidents Updates: Shares the latest updates on all major wildfire incidents in California.
• CAL FIRE GO! Evacuation Guide: Offers guidance for safe and efficient evacuation during wildfires.
• LISTOS California: Provides several resources for individuals and community providers to prepare for emergencies and disasters.
• Response.ca.gov: A one-stop website for information about shelters, transportation, air quality, and more.
• Emergency Preparedness Guide: Offers guidance to help older adults and people with disabilities prepare for emergencies to ensure they stay safe before, during, and after disasters and other emergency events.
• @watchdutyapp (Watch Duty: wildfire maps) – real-time updates with maps
• www.LAFD.org/alerts

HOW YOU CAN HELP

For those who want to help, here are a few ways you can contribute:

• LA Dream Center – collecting donations in person today, also accepting monetary donations
• YMCA – receiving essential items for families at designated donation sites
• Celebration Nation – accepting donations, including feminine hygiene products
• LA Mission – looking for new and gently used clothing and protective wear
• Bike Oven – looking for supplies and toiletries
• LA Chargers – looking for clothing donations and shampoo/soap/deodorant
• Baby2Baby – provides diapers, food, formula, hygiene products for children and families
• Reaching out to rescues to foster animals and pets displaced by the fires
• Wildfire Recovery Fund – California Community Foundation

RECOMMENDED FOR PETS

The following is recommended for pets:

• Avoid leaving your pets outdoors, particularly at night. Pets should be brought into an indoor location, such as an enclosed garage or a house.
• It dogs or cats appear to be in respiratory distress, they should be taken to an animal hospital immediately. Symptoms of respiratory distress for dogs include panting and/or an inability to catch their breath. Symptoms for cats are less noticeable, but may include panting and/or an inability to catch their breath.

To stay updated with real-time/forecasted Air Quality in your area, download the South Coast AQMD Mobile App: http://www.aqmd.gov/mobileapp (Also available in Spanish!) or visit https://www.aqmd.gov/home/air-quality/air-quality-forecasts.

Crisis Counseling – If you are feeling overwhelmed or anxious due to the news or the wildfires, you’re not alone. You can text “share” to 741741 to connect with a live volunteer crisis counselor 24/7.

COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES PUBLIC HEALTH ALERT

Wildfire smoke is a mixture of small particles, gases and water vapor. The primary health concern is the small particles, which can cause burning eyes, runny nose, scratchy throat, headaches and illness (i.e., bronchitis). People at higher risk, children, the elderly, those with respiratory or heart conditions, and people with compromised immune systems, may experience more severe effects such as difficulty breathing, wheezing, coughing, fatigue, and/or chest pain.

Public Health urges everyone in areas where there is visible smoke or the smell of smoke or unhealthy air quality to avoid unnecessary outdoor exposure and to limit physical exertion (whether indoor or outdoor), such as exercise. Children, older adults, and people who are pregnant or have other air quality sensitive conditions, such as heart disease, asthma, and other chronic respiratory diseases, should follow these recommendations and stay indoors as much as possible even in areas where smoke, soot, or ash cannot be seen or there is no smell of smoke. If your condition worsens, contact your health care provider immediately for medical advice.

The following recommendations will help you protect yourself and your family from harmful effects of bad air quality:

• If you see or smell smoke, or notice particles and ash in the air, stay indoors to limit exposure, especially if you have heart or lung conditions, are elderly, or have children.
• Keep indoor air clean by closing windows and doors. Use air conditioners that recirculate air to filter out harmful particles. Wear an N95 or P100 mask if you must go outside in smoky conditions for long periods of time in areas with heavy smoke or where ash is present.
• Avoid air conditioners that only bring in outside air and don’t recirculate. Check and replace air filters regularly. Filters labeled “MERV13” or higher are most effective for removing smoke particles.
  HEPA air purifiers can further reduce indoor particles.
• If it’s too hot to keep windows and doors closed and you don’t have an air conditioner, go to a public place like a library or shopping center to stay cool and protect yourself from harmful air.
• Avoid using fireplaces, candles, or vacuums. Clean dusty surfaces with a damp cloth and don’t smoke.
• If you experience symptoms like severe coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing, chest pain, palpitations, nausea, or unusual fatigue, contact your doctor or go to urgent care. For life-threatening symptoms, call 911.
• When smoke lingers, fine particles may build up indoors even if you can’t see them. Masks can protect against larger particles, but most don’t block fine particles or toxic gases, which are more harmful.
• Practice safe clean-up following a fire. Follow the ash clean-up and food safety instructions at http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/wildfire/.