Fueled by strong winds and dry conditions, wildfires are destroying multiple communities in California. People are rushing to help, and one local roofing community is doing what it can to help while promoting how others can lend a hand.

How Roofing Contractors Can Maximize Relief Efforts in a Crisis

As wildfires ravage California, local businesses are aiding in relief efforts. Antis Roofing, Wahoo’s Fish Taco, and the American Red Cross are collaborating to provide meals and support to frontline workers and volunteers. In this episode, learn more about the importance of coordinating with established disaster relief organizations for effective assistance during crises.

As of Jan. 14, at least 10 people had died from the fires, more than 10,000 structures were damaged or destroyed and more than 36,000 acres have been razed. About 130,000 people are under mandatory evacuation orders.

Fires have torn through Hurst, Kenneth, Lidia, and Woodley, with the largest infernos raging in the Palisades and Eaton. On Jan. 9, a new fire erupted in West Hills. On Friday, there were signs of the fires easing, according to reporting from the Los Angeles Times, but the battle is far from over, meaning frontline workers and volunteers will need all the support that can be mustered.

RC Publisher Jill Bloom caught up with Charles Antis, CEO of Antis Roofing and Waterproofing in Orange County, Calif., along with President and COO Susan DeGrassi and Wing Lam, co-founder of Wahoo’s Fish Taco, to speak about how local businesses can combine efforts to help.

“We have a magic, magic culture and brand here because we both are aligned in purpose. And right now we have to do something,” Antis said. “Something is not whole in us unless we contribute.”

Wahoo’s Fish Taco, along with businesses like Antis Roofing, formed the California Love Drop in May 2020 to deliver meals to frontline workers. In continuing this mission, Lam is teaming up with other chefs to prepare a thousand meals to deliver to volunteers and frontline workers.

“Everybody wants to jump in, but you’ve got to ask the people in charge ‘Hey, what is it you guys need?’” he said. “We're going in and basically using the American Red Cross as our guide to let us know where it's needed the most.”

In addition to being COO, DeGrassi has been on the American Red Cross Orange County chapter board for multiple years, currently serving as vice chair and is the incoming chair. She explains how, in this crisis and others, roofing contractors should ally with groups familiar with operating in these conditions to maximize efforts.

“Follow the lead of a non-profit partner or a government agency that is trained and prepared in disaster response,” she said. “The best intentions aren't always helpful. When you're in a disaster … people first think: food, water, clothing. Be sure that that is what is actually needed and that there is an organized response that you can participate in.”

For more information, watch the full video here or download the podcast version.