California chief service officer urges safety, alert signups and neighbor checks amid Southern California fires

Josh Friday, California—s chief service officer and head of California Volunteers, urged residents affected by Southern California fires to "be safe," sign up for emergency alerts and follow evacuation orders from local officials. He also encouraged those who are not in immediate danger to check on neighbors, especially elderly or high-risk residents, and to consider donating to relief organizations.

Friday said the first priority for people who want to help is personal safety and staying informed. He recommended signing up for official alerts at ready.ca.gov and heeding evacuation orders issued by local authorities. "The most important thing that people can do now is to be safe," Friday said. He added that residents should prepare for power outages even if they are not directly impacted by flames, because outages can spread effects beyond the immediate fire zone.

Friday noted that many Californians want to volunteer and help those who have lost property. He urged volunteers to use organized channels and to check on neighbors who may be unable to evacuate or who face greater health risks. "You can... check on their neighbors, especially, those that are elderly, those that are high risk," he said.

On donations, Friday pointed listeners to established relief and philanthropic coordination sites, including philanthropyca.org, for people who wish to give to organizations assisting fire survivors. He emphasized that contributions through recognized charities can support those who have lost homes or are coping with extended outages.

The remarks combined guidance for personal preparedness, steps for people who want to help, and links to official alerting and donation resources. No formal volunteer mobilization order or new statewide policy was announced in these remarks.