Wildfire Resources

Resources For Living (RFL) is offering support and resources to individuals who have been affected by the Los Angeles wildfires. Provided by Aetna for the Caltech community, those in need of support can access RFL services whether or not they have it as part of their benefits. Individuals can contact RFL at 1-833-327-AETNA (1-833-327-2386). 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
• Brochures about dealing with a crisis:
  • Coping with Disaster
  • Helping Children Cope with Disaster
  • Facing the Unknown After a Disaster
  • Care.com Disaster Preparedness
• Guides that include support services in local areas:
  • Pacific Palisades, Eaton, and Hurst Wildfires Resource Guide. Click here for Spanish.
  • Los Angeles Area Wildfires Resources
  • Wildfire Resource Guide
  • After a Disaster Guide
  • Helpful Tips After the Fires
  • Recursos útiles Después de un Incendio

Institute Contacts:

• The Staff and Faculty Consultation Center (SFCC) is available for immediate confidential support. Staff, faculty, and postdoctoral scholars can access counseling resources through the SFCC by calling (626) 395-8360 or email [email protected].
• The Caltech Employees Federal Credit Union (CEFCU) is offering a Wildfire Relief program which is a special low rate short term loan and special assistance for existing CEFCU loans. The CEFCU can be contacted at (800) 592-3328 or [email protected].

Benefit Contacts:

• TIAA Retirement Savings: Employees covered by Caltech's retirement plans with TIAA may be eligible for a hardship withdrawal or loan from their retirement plans. Under the Secure 2.0 Act new options for withdrawals and loans are available for disaster relief in case of federally declared major disasters. Call TIAA at (800) 842-2252 for more information about options and eligibility.
• Anthem members needing Anthem services can contact our Anthem Concierge at (626) 626-395-6628 or [email protected]. Anthem's Customer Service Team is also available at (866) 820-0765 (M-F 8am-12am PT).
  • Help for Members Impacted by Wildfires in Southern California
• Kaiser members needing Kaiser services can contact Member Service at (800) 464-4000 (English) or (800) 788-0616 (Spanish) (M-F 8am-5pm PT).
  • Kaiser Southern California Wildfires Resources

• Care.com is available if you need backup childcare and is available 24/7 at (855) 781-1303 or Caltech.care.com.
• VSP members who have lost or broken their eyewear due to the wildfires can call VSP at (800) 877-7195 for assistance accessing no-cost eye care and replacement eyewear. Individuals without VSP coverage can contact their local American Red Cross chapter or shelter, or call (800) RED-CROSS (800-733.2767) to ask about support for replacement eyewear, which may include VSP Eyes of Hope gift certificates or an alternative solution.
  • VSP State of Emergency/Natural Disaster Vision Care Resources

• LegalShield members have access to law firms that can provide help with reviewing and applying for insurance claims, dealing with property damage, reviewing contract agreements for repairs, and more. Call LegalShield at (888) 807-0407 (M-F 5am-5pm PT).
• Visit hr.caltech.edu to learn more about Caltech's benefits and contacts.
• The Caltech Benefits Office is available at (626) 395-6443 or [email protected] (M-F 8am-5pm PT) if you need any assistance with your benefits or wildfire resources.

For more information, visit Caltech's Emergency Updates page at caltech.edu/emergency.