Our Hearts Are With Southern California Residents

To the NALEO Familia,

Our deepest condolences are with the victims of the wildfires in Los Angeles County that have affected millions of residents in Southern California.

With many asking how they can help, please review these resources:

• The following advisory from FEMA with further instructions and explanations for receiving disaster assistance

• This article on filing insurance claims for fire damage

• The following press release from California Insurance Commissioner and former NALEO President Ricardo Lara on the department's efforts to protect insurance coverage for Southern California residents

• Donation portals for the American Red Cross and the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation

We want to thank the firefighters, paramedics, City and County workers, and all other first responders who continue to put their lives on the line to save those of others.

Furthermore, as our state and local elected officials continue to navigate the situation in their capacity as community leaders, we know that Latino policymakers and elected officials, many of whom come from some of the communities affected, have been tasked with operating within the confines of an unprecedented emergency event that has and will continue to test their leadership.

Situations like this are why we started our emergency preparedness work over a decade ago, and we will continue to prioritize these efforts in the years to come. We recognize the pain many are experiencing during this difficult time, and our hearts break for the families and lives affected. Now is a time to check in on each other, support our communities, and be cognizant of mis- and disinformation and fraud around resources and safety for the benefit of our communities. With hope for the future, we will keep our NALEO Familia in our thoughts and prayers.