WILDFIRE PREPAREDNESS TIPS
Each year, wildfires threaten communities all across Los Angeles, and impact hundreds of thousands of Angelinos. The Los Angeles Fire Department does a remarkable job of protecting lives and defending property, but they cannot battle these fires alone. Knowing what to do before, during, and after a wildfire can make all the difference.
Before a Wildfire
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Create an overall emergency plan. Review it with every member of your household.
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Assemble an emergency supply kit with basic essentials. Store it in a safe and easy to access location. Remember to include important documents (i.e. bank accounts, insurance policies, legal documents), medications and personal identification.
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Develop your emergency evacuation plan and practice it with everyone in your home.
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Pets – Plan accordingly for the needs of your pet/s. Have leashes, harnesses, and/or carriers ready.
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Plan two ways out of your neighborhood and designate a meeting place.
During a Wildfire
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Stay aware of the latest news and updates from local news outlets and the LAFD.
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Get your family, home and pets prepared to evacuate. Gather essential items, valuables, and pack two sets of clothing.
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Load your emergency supply kit and other valuables into your vehicle.
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Move patio or deck furniture, cushions, door mats and potted plants in wooden containers either indoors or as far away from the home, shed and garage as possible.
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Close and protect your home’s openings, including attic and basement doors and vents, windows, garage doors and pet doors to prevent embers from penetrating your home.
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Connect garden hoses and fill any pools, hot tubs, garbage cans, tubs, or other large containers with water. Firefighters have been known to use the hoses to put out fires on rooftops.
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Leave as early as possible, before you’re told to evacuate. Do not linger once evacuation orders have been given. Promptly leaving your home and neighborhood clears roads for firefighters to get equipment in place to fight the fire, and helps ensure your neighborhood’s safety.
After a Wildfire Has Been Contained
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Listen to local news updates for information about the fire.
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Monitor the LAFD’s incident updates at: https://www.lafd.org/alerts
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Return home only when authorities say it is safe.
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If your home is damaged, or uninhabitable after the fire, help will be available. Organizations like the American Red Cross can be a vital resource if you are displaced.
