Elected and agency officials hosted a Town Hall meeting regarding Santa Clarita wildfires Monday evening. 

The wildfire panelists included State Senator Scott Wilk, County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, Assemblyman Tom Lackey, Santa Clarita Mayor Marsha McLean, Los Angeles County Fire Department Chief Daryl Osby and Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station Captain Lewis.

California Highway Patrol Newhall Captain Ed Krusey, Sally Kim from the California Insurance Commission Office, and Senior Vice President of Transmission and Distribution from SoCal Edison Phil Harrington were also on hand to discuss wildfire preparation.

Each of the officials expressed the importance of preparedness as Santa Clarita can be prone to wildfires. Being prepared for a wildfire can mean many things. It is recommended to clear brush and other vegetation from properties that may be deemed valuable.

“Santa Clarita is nicknamed the Ring of Fire,” Osby said. “I can’t emphasize brush clearing enough.”

Clearing brush from the property is not all it takes to be ready. The importance of knowing what to do in an emergency was expressed by McLean, who said, “Learn how to react in an emergency.”

Not all roads in Santa Clarita are the same width and some can be utilized as evacuation routes out of neighborhoods. It is important to know all the ways to safely exit an area.

“We live in a beautiful area,” Krusey said. “Go out and learn your neighborhood. Find your way out. Make sure you know your alternate routes.”

Evacuation notices should be taken seriously as well. Fire can spread quickly given the right conditions.

“Malibu burned 30 miles in six hours,” Osby said. “The three who elected not to leave are no longer with us.”

Two Animal and Wildlife officials, Fred Agoopi and Lisa Eldgridge, spoke from the crowd, cautioning Santa Clarita residents their pets need similar emergency supplies humans do, with food and water being the paramount supplies one might need in an emergency.

For large animals that cannot be safely evacuated, there is a large-animal sanctuary being built by the Castaic Animal Shelter, according to officials.

Both Sheriff’s deputies and CHP officers maintain the safety of people before property. Lewis recommends the use of social media for the best way to open communication with officials.

Taking photos or video of belongings and property can help ensure insurance companies cover damages during a wildfire. Insurance policies are important when living in a fire-prone area, according to Westlake.

“Not all insurance is the same,” Westlake said. “It’s up to you to protect your biggest financial asset: your home. Americans spend more time shopping for their TV than insurance and hope they are covered.”

Power outages can be both a problem and a solution during a fire. Edison can send out specialists for customers living with disabilities or are otherwise impaired to ensure their safety after an outage, according to Harrington.

Edison reacts to threats like heat and brush near electrical systems, and utilizes helicopters to survey high-risk areas like Santa Clarita.

A small transistor radio can help retrieve news during an outage. KHTS offers live, up-to-date information during emergencies on 1220-AM and 98.1-FM.

The Ready, Set, Go program was promoted by both Cpt. Lewis and Chief Osby.

KHTS FM 98.1 and AM 1220 is Santa Clarita’s only local radio station. KHTS mixes in a combination of news, traffic, sports, and features along with your favorite adult contemporary hits. Santa Clarita news and features are delivered throughout the day over our airwaves, on our website and through a variety of social media platforms. Our KHTS national award-winning daily news briefs are now read daily by 34,000+ residents. A vibrant member of the Santa Clarita community, the KHTS broadcast signal reaches all of the Santa Clarita Valley and parts of the high desert communities located in the Antelope Valley. The station streams its talk shows over the web, reaching a potentially worldwide audience. Follow @KHTSRadio on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.