Prepare for Local Hazards

Wildfires can spread quickly, especially during hot, dry, and windy conditions. Even homes outside traditional wildland areas can be affected by fire, smoke, embers, road closures, or evacuations. Preparing your home and knowing when conditions increase wildfire risk can help you act quickly.

Prepare now:

• Create and maintain defensible space around your home.
• Reduce combustible materials near structures.
• Know your evacuation zone and routes.
• Keep your vehicle fueled or charged.
• Have a Go Bag ready.
• If an Evacuation Order is issued for your area, leave immediately. Do not wait for someone to come to your door.
• Sign up for emergency alerts and be prepared to leave when instructed.

Red Flag Warnings

A Red Flag Warning is issued by the National Weather Service when critical fire-weather conditions are occurring or expected. These conditions can contribute to rapid fire growth and extreme fire behavior.

During a Red Flag Warning, use extra caution, avoid activities that could create a spark, monitor official information, and be prepared to act quickly if a wildfire occurs. 

Wildfire Smoke & Air Quality

Wildfire smoke can affect air quality even when a fire is not nearby. If you see or smell smoke, or air quality is poor, take steps to reduce your exposure. Children, older adults, and people with heart or lung conditions may be especially sensitive to wildfire smoke.

During smoky or poor air quality conditions:

• Limit time outdoors and reduce strenuous outdoor activity.
• Stay indoors with windows and doors closed when possible.
• Use air conditioning on recirculate and keep filters clean to help reduce smoke entering your home or vehicle.
• If indoor conditions become uncomfortable or unhealthy, consider spending time in a location with filtered air or moving to an area less affected by smoke.
• If you have asthma or another lung condition, follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and continue prescribed medications. Contact your healthcare provider if symptoms worsen. 

Extreme heat can cause serious illness and increase the risk of wildfires and power outages.

Prepare now:

• Know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
• Drink plenty of water and limit strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day.
• Take breaks in the shade or in an air-conditioned space when possible.
• Identify air-conditioned places you can go if your home becomes too hot.
• Check on older adults, young children, neighbors, and others who may need assistance.
• Never leave children or pets in a parked vehicle.
• Make sure pets have plenty of fresh water and access to shade.
• Call 911 immediately if you believe someone is experiencing heat stroke.
• Use extra caution with outdoor equipment that could create sparks, especially during hot, dry conditions.

Heavy rain, strong winds, and storms can create localized flooding, downed trees and power lines, hazardous driving conditions, and power outages.

Prepare now:

• Monitor weather forecasts and official emergency information.
• Never walk, swim, or drive through floodwaters. Turn Around, Don’t Drown!
• Keep storm drains and drainage areas around your property clear when it is safe to do so.
• Secure outdoor furniture and other loose objects before strong winds arrive.
• Keep flashlights, batteries, portable chargers, and other emergency supplies available.

Earthquakes can happen without warning and may disrupt roads, utilities, communications, and emergency services.

Prepare now:

• Secure heavy furniture, appliances, and other objects that could fall.
• Store enough food, water, medications, and essential supplies for several days.
• Know how and when to shut off utilities if necessary.
• Practice Drop, Cover, and Hold On.
• Make a household communication and reunification plan.

Protect yourself during an earthquake. Drop (or Lock), Cover, and Hold On

1. Drop where you are onto hands and knees.
2. Cover your head and neck with one arm and hand. If a sturdy table or desk is nearby, crawl underneath it for shelter. If no shelter is nearby, crawl next to an interior wall (away from windows). Stay on your knees; bend over to protect vital organs.
3. Hold until the shaking stops. If under shelter, hold on with one hand and be ready to move with it when the shelter moves. If not under shelter, hold on to your head and neck with both arms and hands.

Using a Cane?

If you use a cane, Drop, Cover, and Hold On. If you are unable to drop to the ground, sit on a chair, bed, or other stable surface and cover your head and neck with both hands. Keep your cane nearby so you can use it when the shaking stops.

Using a Walker or Wheelchair?

If you use a walker or wheelchair, Lock, Cover, and Hold On:

1. Lock your wheels, if applicable.
2. If using a walker, carefully get as low as possible.
3. Cover your head and neck with your arms, a book, pillow, or other available object.
4. Hold on and remain in place until the shaking stops.

 

Power outages may occur during severe weather, extreme heat, wildfire conditions, equipment failures, or Public Safety Power Shutoffs.

Prepare now:

• Keep phones, portable chargers, and backup batteries charged.
• Have flashlights available and avoid relying on candles.
• Plan for refrigerated medications or medical equipment that requires electricity.
• Keep your vehicle fueled or charged.
• Know how you will receive emergency information if internet or cellular service is disrupted.

Transportation routes, businesses, industrial activities, or other incidents can result in the accidental release of hazardous materials. Depending on the type and location of a hazardous materials incident, emergency officials may instruct you to evacuate or shelter in place. Do not make that decision based solely on your proximity to the incident. Follow instructions from public safety officials.

If a hazardous materials incident occurs:

• Follow instructions from emergency officials. Instructions will depend on the material involved and conditions at the scene.
• Do not approach the incident area.
• If told to shelter in place, go indoors and close doors and windows.
• Turn off fans, heating, air conditioning, or other ventilation systems if instructed.
• If told to evacuate, leave promptly and follow designated evacuation instructions.
• Monitor official emergency information for updates.