The Santa Ana winds are dry, powerful winds that blow down the mountains toward the Southern California coast. The region sees about 10 Santa Ana wind events a year on average, typically occurring from fall into January. When conditions are dry, as they are right now, these winds can become a severe fire hazard.

To ensure your donation goes to a legitimate group doing relief work, you should: Avoid donating on the spot if you receive a phone call asking for money. If you want to donate by phone, you can visit the group’s website and call the phone number listed (or donate through the website itself).