Here’s What to Do If You Are Under a Fire Evacuation Order: Prep, Packing and More

Multiple wildfires are raging across parts of the Los Angeles area, and thousands of Southern Californians have been ordered to evacuate their homes.

Since the fires began burning on Tuesday, Jan. 7, over 11,000 acres have been engulfed in flames between the Santa Monica and Malibu areas. More than 30,000 people have evacuated their homes in L.A. County, and two people are confirmed to have died during the blazes.

Before the fires began, the National Weather Service issued its highest alert for extreme fire conditions — citing widespread wind gusts of up to 100 mph, along with downed trees, power outages, low humidity and large amounts of dry vegetation — in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties.

Anyone who is under an evacuation order are advised to leave their homes as quickly as possible. If you are not under an order, but feel unsafe, it’s also best to evacuate.

However, if you haven’t been told to evacuate and are looking for ways to prepare — here are some things you can do in the meantime.

What are some of the first steps you can take to be prepared?

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, also known as Cal Fire, recommends that each member of a household and family have a wildfire action plan that everyone is aware of.

Residents should designate a safe meeting location for household members, identify potential escape routes, including knowing which highway routes are open and safe to use, as well as making arrangements for pets and livestock.

Additionally, they should establish a family communication plan that includes a designated contact person outside the affected area in case local phone lines are disrupted.

Cal Fire names the ‘6 P’s of Evacuation’ as things residents should strive to be hyper-aware of in the event an evacuation is necessary:

• People & pets
• Papers, phone numbers and important documents
• Prescriptions, vitamins and eyeglasses
• Pictures and irreplaceable memorabilia
• Personal computer, hard drive and disks
• “Plastic” (credit cards, ATM cards) and cash

Officials advise that residents also consider making evacuation plans for frequented spaces such as their office, child’s daycare center and schools.

Where can you go?

Residents should stay aware of road closures to plan safe and effective evacuation routes properly.

The Los Angeles Fire Department has established evacuation centers at the following locations for those fleeing the fires:

Cal Fire also has a list of animal evacuation shelters available on its website.

What should you pack?

In the event of an evacuation order, Cal Fire recommends that individuals have a “go-bag” prepped and ready to go with these essentials:

• A three-day supply of non-perishable food
• Three gallons of water per person
• Maps marked with at least two evacuation routes
• A first aid kit
• Prescriptions or special medications
• Extra eyeglasses or contact lenses
• Changes of clothing, including a cotton long-sleeved shirt and pants
• An extra set of car keys, phone charger, credit cards, cash, or traveler’s checks
• A flashlight
• Food, water and medications for pets
• A battery-powered radio and extra batteries
• Sanitation supplies
• Copies of important documents (birth certificates, passports, insurance, etc.)
• A can opener
• Face masks or coverings

If time allows, Cal Fire also recommends that residents grab easily carried valuables, family photos, and other irreplaceable items, as well as personal computer information on hard drives and disks and extra cell phone chargers and laptops.

What should you do if you are trapped?

If you find yourself trapped by the fires, the first thing that officials and experts advise is to stay calm.

Cal Fire advises filling bathtubs and sinks with cold water if you are trapped inside your home. Also, keep doors and windows closed but unlocked in case you need to flee, and stay away from exterior walls and windows.

If trapped in a car, try to park in an area clear of vegetation and close all car windows and vents. Cover yourself in a wool blanket or jacket.

If you’re escaping on foot, move to a clear area — like a ditch or flat ground — and lie face down while covering your body.

If possible, the department advises calling 911 in the above scenarios.