Fire preparedness and safety: What you need to know

By Jennifer Waldron, Disaster Program Manager, Huntington Health

As temperatures soar and we continue to see the impact of wildfires in many areas, it’s more important than ever to stay alert and prepared. This month also marks six months since the Eaton Fire—a powerful reminder that in California, fire season is year-round and doesn’t follow a traditional timeline. With dry conditions and high winds becoming more common throughout the year, fire safety and preparedness must remain top of mind for all of us.

Please take a moment to review a few preparation considerations, checklists and safety tips from fire experts.

Wildfire Preparedness Checklist

Maintain an adequate defensible space: Reduce flammable materials (grass, trees, shrubs) near your home. See the National Fire Protection Association page for tips.
Create a family evacuation plan.
Gather emergency supplies in advance:
Make a Go Bag: three days of supplies to take with you if you are evacuated.
1. Make a Stay Bag: two weeks of supplies if you need to stay at home.
2. Prepare a 1-month supply of medication in a childproof container.
3. Keep personal, financial and medical records together in a safe and accessible location.
Learn emergency skills: first aid and CPR.
Stay connected:
1. Sign up for free emergency alerts from your local government. Here are a few to get started:
  1. Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA): National Weather Service automatically sends severe weather alerts to compatible phones. Learn how to manage these alerts:
    1. iPhone: Manage WEA settings in Settings > Notifications > Government Alerts > Emergency Alerts
    2. Android: Find WEA settings under Settings > Safety & Emergency > Wireless Emergency Alerts.
  2. Use the weather app on your phone: Enable notifications for severe weather
  3. Download the FEMA app to receive real time weather and emergency alerts, info about local shelters, and more
2. Monitor weather conditions and fires near your location.
3. Have a backup battery or alternative means to charge your cell phone.
4. Have a battery-powered emergency radio.

Evacuation Checklist: The Six “Ps” (from Los Angeles City Fire)

People and Pets
Paper: phone numbers and important documents
Prescriptions: medications, vitamins, eyeglasses, hearing aids
Pictures: photos, albums, irreplaceable memorabilia
Phone/Personal Computer: laptops, tablets, chargers
Plastic: credit/debit cards, cash

Final Considerations

If you see smoke or fire in your area, call 911 immediately. If you need to evacuate, be ready to go: review your checklists, grab your Go Bag, evacuate early and protect against heat and flying embers (cover legs, arms, face and eyes). Lastly, make sure to take care of your health during fire season.

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