Here's How To Prepare For Emergencies, Los Angeles

BEVERLY HILLS, CA -- Wildfires are tearing through Southern California, destroying homes, and burning down everything in its path, so getting prepared is becoming increasingly important. As residents navigate the impacts of the fires across the Southland, residents and visitors should closely monitor updates and avoid fire areas to allow emergency personnel the access they need.

There are some vital steps that should be taken care of as soon as possible, including: preparing your home, building a supply kid, and forging a plan with friends and family.

Ready-Set-Go

1. Ready: disposing of combustible material around your home and trimming trees and bushes.
2. Set: preparation measures such as putting together a “Go-Kit” (medication, documents, supplies), creating an action plan with family and neighbors, including practice exit plans, and signing up for emergency notifications and alerts via social media.
3. Go: means go. Get your Go-Kit and leave well before the threat approaches. Stay aware of the situation and stick to your plan. Cooperate with local authorities, including the re-entry process.

In the event of an evacuation, residents should sign up for Nixle alerts in Los Angeles County and for their cities to stay up-to-date. If there was an imminent threat and evacuation becomes mandatory, law enforcement would notify all residents similar to the efforts seen in the current wildfire evacuations across the region.

Downed trees, power lines, and power outages are a possibility. To report downed trees or fallen limbs in the public right of way, contact your city's Public Landscape Division. Otherwise, contact Southern California Edison for power line or outage issues.

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