Thoughts and prayers for everyone in Los Angeles County affected by the wildfires. Home to many of our family, friends and colleagues. Let’s keep our community and our brave first responders in prayer. Below are are few resources to help during this time of need:
- During a wildfire
- Stay inside: If you’re not ordered to evacuate, stay inside in a safe location or go to a community building with lower smoke levels.
- Use a filter: Use a portable air cleaner or filter in a room you close off from outside air. You can also use a high efficiency filter in your air conditioner to capture smoke particles.
- Avoid combustion sources: Don’t use wood-burning appliances, candles, or incense.
- Avoid physical activity: Don’t engage in vigorous physical activity.
- Be ready to leave: Be ready to leave quickly if necessary.
- After a wildfire
- Follow instructions: Listen to radio instructions for what to do.
- Check your home: Check the exterior, roof, rooms, below decks, and around fences.
- Put out fires: Put out any fires, sparks, or embers.
- Wear protective clothing: Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and gloves made of cotton or wool.
- Avoid hot areas: Avoid hot ash, charred trees, smoldering debris, and live embers.
- Check water safety: Check with your local health department about drinking water safety.
You can also prepare for wildfires by:
- Creating defensible space around your home
- Upgrading your home with fire-resistant materials
- Subscribing to wildfire text alerts
- Preparing your equipment and vehicle
- Creating a go bag
- Know where you will go, how you will get there and where you will stay. Plan well in advance if you’ll need help leaving or use public transportatio
- If you have a car, ensure the gas tank is full and park it facing the direction of your evacuation route.
- Keep your pets in one room so you can find them if you need to evacuate quickly.
- Monitor local weather and fires near you. Sign up for free emergency alerts from your local government. Stay up to date on evacuation routes and road closures that could impact your plans.
- If you feel you are in danger leave immediately. You might not get an official notice to evacuate.
- Limit exposure to smoke and dust by closing windows and doors.
- To help keep your indoor air clean, don’t use anything that burns, such as candles, fireplaces and gas stoves.
You can find more wildfire safety information here.