resources

Southern California Wildfire Resources

The wildfires in Southern California are causing widespread devastation and displacement. IMA is committed to providing essential resources and support to those affected. Navigate our resources below to get the help you need in these challenging times.

Filing a Smoke
Damage Claim

How to Document a Business Income Loss

Documenting a business income loss claim due to civil authority involves several key steps. Here’s a general guide to help you through the process.

By following these steps, you can effectively document and support your business income loss claim due to civil authority. If you have any specific questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask your IMA representative.

General Resources

Pre and Post Safety

  • Red Cross Safety during and post wildfires
  • After the Disaster Guidebook
  • Gather essential supplies and organize them into two kits:
    • Go-Kit: Pack a 3-day supply of food, water, and medicine in a portable bag for easy transport.
    • Stay-at-Home Kit: Stock up on a 2-week supply of essentials in case you need to shelter in place.
    • Ensure you have a month’s worth of medication in a child-proof container and keep important personal, financial, and medical records safe.
  • Staying Connected – During a wildfire, local authorities will provide critical updates. Sign up for emergency alerts, have a backup phone charger, and keep a battery-powered radio handy to monitor weather and fire updates.
  • Learn Emergency Skills – Know First Aid and CPR in case of emergencies. Be prepared for power outages, and plan for your electrical needs, including medical devices and cell phones.
  • Health Awareness – Wildfire smoke can harm your health, so take steps to minimize exposure. Make sure you understand the risks and how to stay safe during these events.
  • Ready-Set-Go

Live Updates

Fire Specific Updates

Residential Evacuation Shelters

  • Los Angeles (Westwood)
    • Westwood Recreation Center; 1350 S Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025; Details: Open for evacuees, small animals allowed, now serving as an overnight shelter.
  • Woodland Hills
    • El Camino Real Charter High School; 5440 Valley Circle Blvd, Woodland Hills, CA 91367
  • Pasadena
    • Pasadena Convention Center; 300 E Green St, Pasadena, CA 91101; Parking is available at the parking structure across the street from the Convention Center, located at 155 E. Green St.
  • Arcadia
    • Arcadia Community Center; 365 Campus Dr.
  • Ritchie Valens Recreation Center; 10736 Laurel Canyon Blvd

Resources for Parents Navigating the California Wildfires

Use the resources below to guide your child through processing a natural disaster experience.

Animal Evacuation Shelters

  • Woodland Hills
    • Pierce College Equestrian Center; 7100 El Rancho Drive, Woodland Hills
  • Burbank
    • Los Angeles Equestrian Center; 480 W Riverside Dr, Burbank, CA 91506; Details: Open for evacuation of large animals.
  • Agoura Hills
    • Agoura Animal Care Center; 29525 Agoura Rd, Agoura Hills, CA 91301
  • Rose Bowl Stadium; 1001 Rose Bowl Dr, Pasadena, CA 91103
  • Pasadena Humane Society; 361 S Raymond Ave, Pasadena, CA 91105

Financial Aid and Resources

  • FEMA has made disaster assistance available to Fire victims, and they can begin applying for assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-3362
  • Resources for emergency food and other assistance are readily available

Pets

Other

  • Lost documentation can be gathered through a Constituent Advocate.
  • Medication needs, such as early refills, may be approved. Calling insurance companies to explain circumstances during a natural disaster is common and insurance companies are notified of these instances.
  • Report incidents of price gouging

What to do if your property is damaged or destroyed in a wildfire.

California is once again dealing with devastation. For those who have suffered damage to their homes, there is help available.

Aetna

RFL phone lines are open

Resources For Living (RFL) is offering support and resources to individuals and organizations who have been affected by the Los Angeles wildfires. Through this liberalization, those in need of support can access RFL services whether or not they have it as part of their benefits.

  • Individuals and organizations who don’t have RFL can contact RFL at 1-833-327-AETNA(1-833-327-2386)
  • Members and Plan Sponsors who do have RFL should call their designated RFL number available in program materials

Liberalized services include:

  • In-the-moment phone support to help callers cope with the emotional impact of the event
  • Resource research and referral to guide callers to local services to meet their needs
  • Informational brochures about dealing with a crisis [use the “Coping with different types of crises” dropdown at the bottom of the list]
  • Crisis support website including support services in the local area [Click the link to “Current national events” for the most current listing of resources, if available.]
    • Note: This site is available to the public – those who do not have RFL for EAP services. Plan Sponsors and Members should use their RFL website to get full access to the online resources and tools
  • Management consultation to help organizations respond to the needs of their employees, even if they’re not RFL customers
    • Employers may contact our specialized support line at 1-866-579-4684
    • Onsite services are available on a fee-for-service basis for companies to help their employees recover from the impact of these events on the workplace

Anthem Resources

For assistance during this emergency, please call us at 833-285-4030

We are here to help make sure you have access to the healthcare you need. We can help with finding available doctors, refilling prescription drugs, and other health plan questions. We’re available by phone Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. PT.

Receiving care during the emergency

  • You can receive care from any doctor or hospital, even if they are not in your plan’s network. We will cover the claims as if they are in your plan’s network.
  • If your doctor’s office or healthcare facility is closed because of the emergency, or if you are unable to travel there, call us at 833-285-4030. We can help you find another doctor.
  • If you’re in a care management program and need to reach them, call 833-285-4030.

Filing a claim

  • You and your doctors have more time to file claims. Call us at 833-285-4030 if you need an extension.

Mental health support

  • Anthem’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers mental health support and resources to help with legal and financial concerns, dependent-care needs, and other life challenges. Call the 24/7 EAP crisis line at 877-208-8240.
  • Our Anthem website also offers resources for mental health support.
  • Crisis support is available if you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts or behavior, is experiencing emotional distress, or is behaving in a way that could harm others. Call 988 or go to 988lifeline.org to reach the confidential Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Help is available 24/7.

In addition, Anthem is also offering free access to its online health option, LiveHealth Online to anyone living in the impacted area. LiveHealth Online offers video visits with U.S.-based board-certified doctors on a mobile device or computer from anywhere for non-emergency health conditions. The free visit offer will be available through the end of the state of emergency.

Blue Shield of California Resources

At Blue Shield of California, we are committed to supporting our members, employers, and brokers during challenging times, especially those affected by wildfires. Here are the key resources available to assist those impacted:

  • Immediate Prescription Refills: Members in mandatory evacuation zones can receive immediate refills of their prescriptions, even if they are not yet due for a refill.
  • Continuity of Care: Blue Shield Medical Care Solutions will proactively reach out to members enrolled in care and disease management programs in mandatory evacuation zones to ensure they continue receiving the care they need.
  • Virtual Care Options Members can access various telehealth services, including Teladoc and NurseHelp 24/7℠. Visit blueshieldca.com to review the specific virtual care options available under your plan.
  • Mental Health Support Our mental health service administrator provides free access to resources, materials, and counseling services through a dedicated hotline: 800-327-7451.
  • Vision Plan Assistance Vision plan members in affected areas who have lost or broken eyewear may be eligible for replacement lenses and/or frames. For assistance, call Vision Customer Service at (855) 492-9028 (TTY: 711) during operating hours, Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. PST.
  • Out-of-Network Provider Access Displaced members can see an appropriate out-of-network provider at in-network benefit levels and can replace medical equipment and supplies if needed.
  • Member Identification (ID) Card Replacement If members have lost their ID card, they can view and print a new card by logging into their online account at www.blueshieldca.com/login. Alternatively, the Blue Shield of California mobile app allows access to the ID card on mobile devices.


If a member needs assistance, please have them call the Customer Service number on the back of their ID card. We want to respond to the urgent needs of all affected members.

We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as needed. Please visit Blue Shield of California Wildfire Assistance for the latest information and additional resources.

For fire status updates and locations, please visit CalFire.

Learn about the air quality in your area and encourage members to do so as well – https://www.airnow.gov.

Cigna Resources

  • Recognizing the toll these types of weather events can take on each of us and the community, we want to extend to all Cigna client workforces and their family members the opportunity to talk with a qualified mental health representative through our toll-free number 866.912.1687.

    Note that our Cigna OneGuide lines are open 24/7, and are also open to non-Cigna members during times of disaster to help with referrals to local and community resources, as well as mental health support.

    We will leave it open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for as long as necessary to help people manage their stress and anxiety during this difficult time.
  • We also offer online resources at the Cigna Online Resource Center to help visitors manage the emotions of coping with tragedy. The site includes:

HealthAdvocate Resources

As the wildfires in Southern California, including Los Angeles, continue to grow and force evacuations, we’ve compiled a list of online resources to help you find and access essential aid. 

HealthNet

Health Net of California offers special assistance to members affected by wildfires, including:

  • Behavioral health services: Call 1-800-675-6110 (TTY: 711), available 24/7
  • Emergency prescription supplies: Call 1-800-400-8987
  • Mental health hotline: Call 1-800-227-1060, available 24/7

Kaiser

If you’re looking for information about Kaiser Permanente’s wildfire support services in California, you can call the following numbers:

  • Employee Emergency Call Line: (855) 599-9922 for support with lodging reimbursement, grants, and loans for employees displaced by wildfires
  • Appointment and Advice Call Center: (833) 574-2273 for medical advice if you’re having difficulty breathing
  • Northern California Pharmacy Call Center: (888) 218-6245 for nonurgent prescriptions
  • Member Services Contact Center: (800) 464-4000 for member services

You can also visit kp.org/exploreoptions for more information about keeping your Kaiser Permanente coverage if you’ve been impacted by wildfires

Reliance Matrix Resources & Support

As fires sweep across California, it’s essential to prioritize safety and well-being. Below are some resources to assist. 

allonehealth.com

Sun Life Resources

If you or your employees need help, please contact Sun Life at the following phone numbers (we encourage you to share these phone numbers with your employees as well):

  • Client/Member Services: 800-247-6875
  • Dental insurance: 888-811-1240
  • Vision insurance: 800-877-7195

Additional resources for support to share with your employees

You and your employees may also find these resources helpful for additional support and information while dealing with the aftermath of a natural disaster:

  • For Clients who have EAP By Design through Sun Life, sign into your guidanceresources.com account and enter your Web ID
  • For Clients who do not have EAP through Sun Life, you can find helpful resources by visiting, guidanceresources.com/crisis
  • For Clients who have Vision insurance through Sun Life, members may find helpful resources by visiting disaster.vsp.com

United Health Care

If you’re experiencing emotional distress related to a disaster, you can call the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990. This toll-free, confidential service is available 24/7, 365 days a year.