Are You Fire Safe In Los Alamitos?

LOS ALAMITOS, CA — With recent fires eating through over 9,000 acres of Orange County and spreading widely across northern California, Orange County Fire Authority have posed an important question to their residents. Is your family fire safe?

During National Fire Prevention week, wildfires have raged through Orange County and continue to burn in California. Now, more than ever, it is important for all residents to establish their home evacuation plan and determine if your house is fire safe.

Protect your home from house fires. You know to be smart with candles and not to drape fabric over lamps. You should also know how - and how frequently - to check your smoke alarms.

Protect your home from wildfire. We call it "Ready, Set, Go!" as a way to remember what you should to to be READY for the time a wildfire approaches your home, SET knowing which personal items you need when you evacuate, so you can GO quickly to stay safe. Our Ready! Set! Go! PDF is a tool to help you be prepared. Ready! Set! Go! Risk Assessment Checklist.

"Every second counts, plan two ways out," Laguna Beach Fire Department engineer and paramedic Pat Cary said. "Draw a map of your home and plan two exits out of your house and a meeting place outside. Practice your plan at least twice a year, both in the day and at night."

Also of key importance, LBFD reminds that everyone, including children, should understand the emergency escape plan. "Also make sure your home address is clearly marked for emergency responders," he said.

Another key element?

"Make sure the doors are closed behind you if you flee your home from a fire, as it may slow the spread of smoke or fire upon your exit," Cary said.

The type of roof (fireproof tile over shake), and one-eighth of an inch mesh over vents into attic space, can also prevent fire, especially from blowing embers during a wildfire event. Cutting tree limbs away from the home can also save your structure, and clearing back from the property, which was attributed to saving homes from burning during the first Canyon Fire event.

There is an easy way to find out and make sure, according to the Laguna Beach Fire Department in a recent Twitter video. LBFD Pat Cary, an engineer and paramedic for the fire department narrated the descriptive video explaining how to have a home evaluation.

"With the recent fires the LBFD wanted to make sure that you and your family are fire safe," he said.

For more information,meet your firefighters on October 14 during the OCFA Open House Event.

OCFA File Photo: Rancho Santa Margarita house fire. What would you do in case of this emergency?