California fire evacuations: What to pack, how to prepare, what to do if you’re trapped and more
Tens of thousands of Southern Californians have been ordered to evacuate their homes after raging wildfires engulfed several parts of the Los Angeles area.
The largest of the untamed fires has already torn through roughly 3,000 acres of the Pacific Palisades, a neighborhood between the Santa Monica Mountains and the Pacific Ocean.
The blazes are threatening homes, with destructive wind gusts projected to peak at 100 mph throughout Wednesday. Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony C. Marrone warned that the National Weather Service has predicted a continued red flag weather event with strong winds and low humidity “placing all residents of Los Angeles County in danger.”
If you’ve been told to evacuate, officials advise you do so immediately — don’t wait.
If not, a small amount of preparation can make a huge difference if things change. And, again, don’t wait to be ordered to evacuate if you feel you’re at risk.
What’s the first step to being prepared?
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, or Cal Fire, says residents should plan on a place to meet other household members, know who to call and how to flee safely if you’re forced to evacuate. Guidelines from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security stress that everyone in your household should be in agreement on a single plan.
Subsequent evacuation plans should also be in place for spaces you frequent, including your office or child’s day care center, if you’re not home when you need to flee, federal officials advise.
Residents should stay informed of road closures to plan evacuation routes and know which evacuation centers are nearby.
As of Wednesday morning, the Los Angeles Fire Department was operating evacuation shelters in the area, including the Westwood Recreation Center for evacuees of the Palisades Fire and the Ritchie Valens Recreation Center for evacuees of the Hurst Fire.
Monitor updates closely
To receive real-time updates and alerts from the National Weather Service, residents can download the FEMA App. In emergencies, the Department of Homeland Security also sends real-time alerts to broadcast networks and all mobile phones, which do not require sign up.
The Los Angeles Fire Department is posting real-time updates on its X account and on its website.
What to pack in a ‘go-bag’
Cal Fire advises that residents prepare a “go-bag” that includes the following:
a three-day supply of nonperishable food
three gallons of water per person
a map with at least two evacuation routes
necessary prescribed medications
a change of clothes, extra eyeglasses
an extra set of keys
credit cards and cash
a first aid kit
a flashlight
a battery-powered radio with extra batteries
copies of important documents such as passports or birth certificates
pet food and water
Only if time allows, evacuees can consider grabbing family photos and other irreplaceable items, computer hard drives and chargers for cellphones and laptops.
What should you do if you’re trapped?
In the unfortunate event that you’re trapped, the first thing experts advise is to stay calm.
If you’re at home, Cal Fire advises filling sinks and tubs with cold water, keeping doors and windows closed but unlocked and staying inside, away from outside walls and windows.
If you’re in a car, park in an area clear of vegetation, close your car windows and vents and cover yourself in a wool blanket or jacket.
If you’re fleeing on foot, the department suggests moving to a clear area — such as a ditch or flat ground — lying face down and covering your body.
In all of these scenarios, the department advises calling 911 if possible.
