Wildfire Safety Tips And Resources
India-West News Desk
LOS ANGELES, CA – As wildfires continue to threaten several counties in Southern California, below are essential tips and resources to help protect yourself and your loved ones during these challenging times.
Key Safety Tips
1. Sign up for alerts:
- Visit listoscalifornia.org/alerts.
- Each county has its own alert system, accessible via this free tool.
- Search by zip code and choose how you want to receive alerts: cell phone, home phone, email, text messages, or TTY devices (where available).
2. Prepare a Go Bag:
- Essential items include:
- Important documents (e.g., birth certificates, insurance policies, passports).
- Prescription medications.
- Protective gear (masks, sturdy shoes).
- Backup batteries, cash, and pet supplies.
- Food and water.
3. Don’t wait—evacuate:
- Plan multiple evacuation routes ahead of time.
- Pay attention to evacuation warnings and orders:
- Evacuation Warning: Get ready to leave or leave immediately if extra time is needed (e.g., for elderly individuals, people with disabilities, young children, or large animals).
- Evacuation Order: Leave immediately.
4. Access multilingual resources:
- Visit listoscalifornia.org/resources for wildfire safety guides, videos, and posters available in 12 languages.
5. Prepare for power outages:
- Charge cars, cell phones, and portable radios in advance.
- Be prepared for disruptions even outside active wildfire areas.
6. Shelters are open for everyone:
- Emergency shelters welcome all Californians, regardless of immigration status.
- Identification cards are not required to enter shelters.
- Contact your local county emergency services office for shelter locations.
Trusted Information Sources
Cal OES (Governor’s Office of Emergency Services):
- Website: www.news.caloes.ca.gov
- Coordinates California’s response to natural disasters, emergencies, and other incidents. Provides vital updates and resources to protect lives and property.
Listos California:
- Website: www.ready.ca.gov
- Offers emergency planning guides, evacuation checklists, and multilingual resources tailored to California’s diverse communities.
CAL FIRE (California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection):
- Website: www.fire.ca.gov
- Tracks wildfire incidents and provides evacuation orders, fire prevention tips, and safety resources. Access their interactive Fire Map for real-time fire activity.
Los Angeles County Fire Department:
- Website: www.fire.lacounty.gov
- Find local fire updates, evacuation notices, and fire safety tips specific to Los Angeles County.
Los Angeles City Emergency Management Department (LA EMD):
- Website: www.emergency.lacity.org
- Provides alerts and emergency preparedness resources for Los Angeles residents.
Additional Helpful Links
- National Weather Service (NWS) Fire Weather Alerts: www.weather.gov/fire
- Air Quality Monitoring (AirNow): www.airnow.gov
- American Red Cross Wildfire Safety Tips: www.redcross.org/wildfire-safety
- Animal Evacuation Support (ASPCA): www.aspca.org/disaster-preparedness
Current Wildfire Conditions
Stay informed with a live map of active wildfire incidents maintained by CAL FIRE: www.fire.ca.gov.
Take action today to protect yourself and your community. Preparedness saves lives. (Ethnic Media Services)
