Poppy Bilderbeck
Jamie Lee Curtis has spoken out about the 'catastrophe' of the California wildfires during an appearance on Jimmy Fallon's show.
With wildfires continuing to blaze through Los Angeles, California - reported as having taken the lives of at least five people and destroyed over 1,000 structures - Freaky Friday actor Jamie Lee Curtis has shared advice and urged people to offer support in any way they can.
Curtis took to Instagram to speak out about the devastation being caused by the wildfires in a post shared yesterday (January 8).
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She wrote: "My community and possibly my home is on fire. My family is safe. Many of my friends will lose their homes. Many other communities as well. There are so many conflicting reports. With all the technology there seems to be very little information. PLEASE POST FACTS! IT WILL HELP THOSE WONDERING!
"It is a terrifying situation and I'm grateful to the firefighters and all of the good Samaritans who are helping people get out of the way of the blaze. Neighbors have taken care of neighbors. We ALL take everything for granted because we are all living our lives but when it hits your community, it's particularly shocking. Life on life's terms. If ever there was need for the use of the phrase MY HAND IN YOURS, it is right now. Take care of each other. Stay out of the way and let the firefighters do their work. Pray if you believe in it and even if you don't, pray for those who do."
The actor appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon later that day, with the episode seeing Curtis admit she felt like she was 'literally about to cry' shortly after sitting down to chat with the host.
While noting she felt like crying 'mostly because of [receiving a] beautiful welcome', Curtis continued: "As you know, where I live is on fire right now. Literally, the entire city of the Pacific Palisades is burning."
The actor explained she found out about the devastation that was occurring while on a plane flying over to California, receiving texts informing her what was happening.
She said: "It’s f**king gnarly, you guys. It’s a catastrophe in Southern California. Obviously there has been horrific fires in many places. This is literally where I live. Everything. The market I shop in, the schools my kids go to, friends."
Curtis revealed 'many, many, many' of her friends have 'lost their homes,' emphasizing' it's a really awful situation' before urging people to help where they can.
She resolved: "I am obviously going to go home first thing tomorrow and be with my family and try to help my friends, but it is - just so I can tell you, if you know anybody on the West Coast or not, the American Red Cross, support them. They will come in and help people. Do anything you can, anything in your community to help people. Whether you need it or not now, you will need it.
"Give blood, donate, animal shelters.
"And remember, since I'm on the middle of a very big television show, for anybody living anywhere, have an emergency kit in your house. I'm an American Red Cross ambassador - have an emergency kit with prescription glasses, medicines, dog food, baby formula, all the things you need if you need to flee."
In another updated shared to Instagram, Curtis said: "Our home is safe. So many others have lost everything. Help where you can."
You can support those affected by the fires by donating to the Red Cross online, by calling (800) 733-2767 or texting REDCROSS to 90999.