When the LAFD Says to Evacuate

7/27/2018 (Permalink)

When LAFD says it is time you leave... you leave

If you're told to evacuate, leave early enough to avoid being caught in a fire, smoke, or road congestion. Don’t wait to be told by authorities to leave. In an intense wildfire, they may not have time to knock on every door. If you think it's time to leave, don't wait - get out.

• Keep a pair of old shoes and a flashlight handy for a night evacuation.
• Keep the six “P’s” ready, in case an immediate evacuation is required:
  • People and pets
  • Papers, phone numbers, and important documents
  • Prescriptions, vitamins, and eyeglasses
  • Pictures and irreplaceable memorabilia
  • Personal computers (information on hard drive and disks)
  • “Plastic” (credit cards, ATM cards) and cash

If you see smoke or fire in your area, immediately report it by dialing 9-1-1. Remember to take note of the location so that the dispatcher can send emergency equipment to the correct location before you hang up.

Evacuation May Be Necessary

• Back your car in the garage heading out with windows closed. Be sure to keep your keys with you so that you can evacuate quickly should it become necessary.
• Close the garage door, leave it unlocked, and disconnect automatic door opener in the case of power failure.
• Keep a flashlight and portable radio with you at all times and stay tuned to your local news station.

Outdoors

• Move combustible yard furniture away from the house or store it in the garage.
• Cover windows, attic openings, eaves, and vents with a less combustible material, such as 1/2-inch or thicker plywood.
• Close window shutters and blinds if they are fire-resistant.
• Attach garden hoses to faucets and place them so that they can reach all areas of your house.
• Place a ladder against the house on the opposite side of the approaching fire for access to the roof.
• Shut off Butane/propane or natural gas valves.

Indoors

• Close all windows and doors around your home to prevent sparks from blowing inside.
• Close all doors within the house to slow fire spread inside the house.
• Turn on the lights in all rooms of your house, on the porch, and in the yard. Your home will be more visible through the smoke or darkness.
• Move furniture away from windows and sliding glass doors to avoid ignition from the radiant heat of the fire.