Wildfire Preparedness

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WILDFIRE READINESS

As fire season approaches residents are encouraged to be prepared for wildfires. Residents can play a key role in not only helping to prevent wildfire, but by making the area around their property more defensible.

The Fire Department’s “Ready-Set-Go” Personal Wildfire Action Plan provides information on creating a defensible home along with additional information on evacuations and other pertinent material.

For a complete handbook with checklists, to make your own action plan, and to learn about tips and tools please download the Ready! Set! Go! Wildfire Action Plan at fire.lacounty.gov/rsg/  or scan the QR code with your smartphone. 

 

Before a Wildfire

Create a defensible space so that your home has a higher chance of surviving a wildfire. Avoid having high-hazard plants near your homes such as Shrubs, Eucalyptus, Juniper, Palm, Pine Trees and Pampas Grass. Make sure smoke detectors are on and test them monthly. Make sure you have unexpired fire extinguishers on hand as well and train each family member how to use it properly. Make sure family members know where the main utilities shut-off is. Clear pine needles, leaves, and other debris from your roof and gutters. Cut any tree branches within 10 feet of your roof. Screen or enclose rain gutters to prevent accumulation of plant debris. 

 

When You Need to Go:

Go early. By leaving early, you will give your family the best chance of surviving a wildfire. You also help firefighters by keeping roads clear of congestion, enabling them to move more freely and do their job. Leave as soon as evacuation is recommended by emergency personnel to avoid being caught in fire, smoke or road congestion. Emergency personnel will determine the areas to be evacuated and escape routes to use. You must take the initiative to stay informed and aware. Monitor the City’s website, official social media accounts and listen to your local radio/TV for announcements from law enforcement and other emergency personnel.

For more information on wildfires, fire safety and extended versions of preparedness lists please visit the Los Angeles County Fire Department website at fire.lacounty.gov/rsg.

To stay up to date with LA County fires follow L.A. County Fire Department on twitter at twitter.com/lacofdpio.


Build an Emergency Kit

To create your kit, store items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers. A basic emergency supply kit could include the following recommended items:

  • Water: one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
  • Food: at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
  • Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
  • Flashlight
  • First aid kit
  • Extra batteries
  • Whistle to signal for help

 For more information and full extended version of this list visit www.ready.gov/build-a-kit.


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MORE USEFUL INFORMATION

SCE Wildfire Web Page – sce.com/wildfire

SCE NOTIFICATIONS

•Sign up for PSPS alerts – sce.com/pspsalerts

SITUATIONAL AWARENESS 

•PSPS maps and information – sce.com/psps 

•Role of weather in PSPS – sce.com/fireweather

•CPUC wildfire maps – cpuc.ca.gov/wildfiresinfo

•Fire cameras – alertwildfire.org

PREPAREDNESS

•CAL FIRE fire preparedness – readyforwildfire.org

VEGETATION MANAGEMENT

•Vegetation Management – sce.com/safety/power-lines; contact 1-800-655-4555 or safetrees@sce.com

SOCIAL MEDIA

•Follow @SCE on Twitter and Facebook