Emergency Resources

January 21, 2025

UPDATE:
The Los Angeles campus will return to in-person instruction and work starting on Tuesday, January 21st. Typical campus operations and services will resume on Tuesday when the campus opens at 8:00 am.

January 15, 2025

UPDATE:
The Los Angeles campus is altering campus-based operations from Saturday, January 18 through Sunday, January 19. These changes mirror the same alternate operations schedule that has been in place and will continue throughout the remainder of this week. During this time, all classes will be conducted virtually while the campus will be open 8 am to 5 pm through Sunday to those wishing to study, conduct virtual classes, or receive virtual instruction.

January 13, 2025

UPDATE:

All Los Angeles campus courses are remote Friday, January 10 through Friday, January 17. The Los Angeles campus remains open during regular hours for work or study purposes. Leadership will continue monitoring local emergency guidelines including air quality conditions.

LA Campus Status: All Los Angeles campus courses are remote Friday, January 10 through Sunday, January 12. The Los Angeles campus remains open during regular hours for work or study purposes. The Chicago School is planning to reopen the Los Angeles campus on Monday, January 13. Leadership will continue monitoring local emergency guidelines including air quality conditions.

We hope you and your loved ones are safe during the wildfire emergency in the LA area. Your safety is the priority. We encourage everyone to follow local emergency management instructions and evacuation orders. If you are unable to attend class or work, please coordinate alternative plans with your faculty and colleagues when it is convenient for you.  

To support our community, we have compiled information about university services and local emergency resources below. This includes immediate assistance options, housing resources, and various support services. While we will update this information regularly, please verify current availability with the service providers directly.

University Support Contact Information 

For Students: 

• Contact your Student Support Counselor at [email protected] for guidance on academic accommodations and available support services 
• If you are in training and your site placement is affected by the wildfires, contact the Office of Placement and Training at [email protected] 

For Employees: 

• Contact [email protected] for work arrangements and available employee support resources 

Additional University Resources 

• Student Solutions: The Chicago School partners with ComPsych to offer FREE confidential services to help address the personal issues you are facing. This service is staffed by qualified professionals and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. A Guidance Consultant will listen to your needs and, if appropriate, refer you to relevant resources in your local community. 
• Employee Assistance Program: The Chicago School partners with ComPsych to offer FREE confidential services to help address the personal issues you are facing. This service is staffed by qualified professionals and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. A Guidance Consultant will listen to your needs and, if appropriate, refer you to relevant resources in your local community. 

Community Resources 

NOTE: The following information about available community resources is provided for informational purposes only. The Chicago School does not endorse or guarantee any external services. While we strive to maintain current information, programs and availability may change. Please contact organizations directly to verify current offerings, eligibility requirements, and terms.  

Emergency Alerts and Updates  

• LA County emergency updates: https://lacounty.gov/emergency/ 
• California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE): https://www.fire.ca.gov/ 
• Watch Duty (real-time updates and maps): https://www.watchduty.org/ 
• Cal Fire Evacuation Guide (preparation checklist): https://www.fire.ca.gov/prepare/get-ready-to-go 

Emergency Support & Housing  

• 211 LA County: Provides free temporary housing resources and connects individuals to various forms of assistance, including emergency shelter and support services.
• The Salvation Army – Southern California Fire Relief: Offers emergency shelter, meals, and recovery assistance, including support for evacuees, first responders, and families affected by the wildfires. Provides emotional and spiritual care during recovery efforts.
• United Way of Greater Los Angeles: Provides resources and services for disaster recovery, including emergency food, temporary housing, and emotional support.
• Mutual Aid LA Network List of Resources: Running list of resources available to support those affected by the wildfires. 
• Red Cross: Provides immediate disaster assistance and shelter information.

Food & Supplies 

• Los Angeles Regional Food Bank: Provides food assistance to individuals and families affected by the wildfires through local food pantries and agency partners.
• World Central Kitchen: Provides meals to those affected by disasters, offering hot meals to displaced individuals, first responders, and others in need during wildfire emergencies.
• Baby2Baby: Supplies essential items like diapers and clothing to children affected by the wildfires.

Financial Assistance 

• California Community Foundation Wildfire Relief Fund: Provides grants for intermediate and long-term recovery efforts, including rebuilding homes and mental health services.
• California Fire Foundation Wildfire & Disaster Relief Fund: Offers financial assistance for immediate needs and recovery efforts in communities impacted by wildfires.
• Federal Student Aid Disaster Information: For individuals with student loans who are affected by a federally declared natural disaster.  

Wildfire Response & Recovery Support 

• Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation Wildfire Emergency Fund: Supports LAFD firefighters with equipment and resources for effective wildfire response.
• California State Recovery Resources: Information for survivors of wildfires.  
• Cal Fire Evacuation Guide: A checklist for evacuating during a wildfire.
• Wildfire Smoke Toolkit: Guide for keeping yourself safe from wildfire smoke.  

Health & Medical Assistance 

• Direct Relief: Provides medical assistance to people affected by natural disasters, including supplies to healthcare facilities and first responders in impacted areas.  
• FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency): Provides emergency disaster assistance, including financial help for housing and other disaster-related needs.

Insurance 

• California Department of Insurance: Provides support for those impacted by wildfires, including information on insurance claims and assistance with filing.