Important notice regarding Southern California wildfires

• Practice

The Los Angeles Fire Department has declared a citywide Red Flag Alert in response to the Creek and Skirball fires. As of today, a new mandatory evacuation is in order for all locations within the following boundaries: south of Mulholland Drive, east of the 405 Freeway, north of Sunset Boulevard and west of Roscomare Road.  There may be additional closures, because adverse wind conditions are expected to continue until Friday.

 

For the latest information on the Los Angeles fires, please visit: http://www.lafd.org/alerts.

 

Our hearts go out to all those affected. If you or a loved one has been impacted by the fires, please know that our school is here to support and assist you.

 

Please read the following instructions for students, staff and faculty impacted by the fires:

 

If you live near an affected area or if your field placement is located in an impacted zone, it is advised that you not attend class or your field placement. Impacted students are encouraged to notify their classroom and field instructors on their absence via e-mail or phone. Students will receive a follow up e-mail from their instructors and our school’s Field Department on make-up classroom assignments and field hours. 

 

Staff who are impacted by the fires and road closures may make special arrangements to take the day off or work from an alternate location with the approval of their supervisor.

 

Faculty who are impact by the fires and road closures may cancel their classes, but must notify Leslie Wind (213-821-6436; wind@usc.edu), Monica Ellis (213-821-0903;monicael@usc.edu) and Rona Smith von Almen (213-821-1308; ronasmit@usc.edu).  Monica Ellis will notify students, and Rona Smith will ensure that there is posting in the classroom.

 

Affected students, staff and faculty are encouraged to utilize the resources and services of the following departments and organizations:

 

213-821-1242

 

213-821-4710

 

213-740-7711

 

 

1-800-456-6327

This 24/7 service is available free of charge to all VAC and OCAC students.

 

(213) 821-0800

 

In the spirit of caring for those around us, we have identified ways for our community to support rescue and recovery efforts, as well as those affected by the fires.

 

To donate funds, please visit:

 

 

 

Water and snacks for evacuees can be donated to the Salvation Army Ventura Corps, which is set up at the Ventura County Fairgrounds.

 

Clothing and holiday gifts for displaced families can be donated to Catholic Charities’ Ventura Community Services Center at 303 N. Ventura Ave. Ventura, CA 93001. You can also visit their website at https://catholiccharitiesla.org/donate/.

 

While we cannot predict when and where society’s next crisis will occur, we can remain vigilant in supporting victims at times of tragedy and throughout the months and years it takes for them to fully recover. As social workers and nurses, we must be resilient so that we can help those who look to us for support and guidance.

 

As always, take care of yourselves and each other.

 

Dean Marilyn L. Flynn