Wildfire Prevention & Preparation

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Wildfire season is fast approaching and it’s time to step up our prevention efforts and prepare. This year alone, CAL FIRE responded to 4,337 wildfires that burned 114,562 acres across the state. Although fire season is effectively year-round, the most destructive fires often happen in September and October. In recent years, officials have said that fires are burning faster and hotter than they have before, so you could only have minutes to safely leave your home or business. I urge you to use the following resources and complete this checklist.

1. Make An Evacuation & Communication Plan

• Get your grab-and-go bag ready.
  • https://ready.lacounty.gov/disaster-supply-kits/
  • https://www.readyforwildfire.org/prepare-for-wildfire/get-set/emergency-supply-kit/
  • https://www.readyforwildfire.org/prepare-for-wildfire/go-evacuation-guide/animal-evacuation/
• Become familiar with all evacuation routes in your area.
• Designate a place to meet should an evacuation occur.
• Choose a person out of the area to be the point of contact to communicate all updates.
• Communicate these plans to all relevant household members and/or employees.
  • https://ready.lacounty.gov/individuals-in-need-of-special-assistance/

2. Protect Your Structure From Wildfire

• Create defensible space by clearing vegetation between your structure and the surrounding area.
  • https://www.fire.ca.gov/dspace
  • https://fire.lacounty.gov/fire-hazard-reduction-programs/

3. Stay Connected with Officials  

• Sign up for emergency alerts.
  •  https://ready.lacounty.gov/alerts/
  • https://incidents.readyforwildfire.org/

For additional information about creating a wildfire action plan visit https://www.readyforwildfire.org/prepare-for-wildfire/get-set/wildfire-action-plan/.