Amidst two wildfires occurring in Los Angeles County since July 1, prior to the bulk of wildfire season, the Los Angeles County Fire Department is providing fire safety tips to protect households amid high temperatures and Santa Ana winds.

Continuing to be fueled by the build-up of dry vegetation and driven by hot, dry Santa Ana winds, Los Angeles County wildfires pose a threat to the community alongside the recent surge of house fires across the County beginning in April, according to officials.

As the Safer-At-Home Order continues to be enforced, County officials encourage families to be mindful of potential fire hazards at home and to develop a fire escape plan with those in case of emergency.

The LACoFD released an updated set of guidelines to maintain appropriate fire safety within and around homes.

“In home fires, a properly-prepared and maintained window, clear of obstacles, may provide the quickest, safest way out,” Fire Chief Daryl Osby said. “In the event of a fire, crawling low in the smoke and trying to find your way to the front door isn’t the most effective way to escape, because residential fires often originate in the living room or kitchen where these doors are located. Now is the time to speak with all family members and individuals living at home about how to stay safe from home fires.”

While the ability of a home to survive both house fires and wildfires ultimately depend on the materials of home construction and “defensible surrounding space,” there are additional measures that can be taken to safeguard homes, according to the LACoFD.

Related: Los Angeles County Fire Department Offers Safety Tips As Temperatures Rise

While you may not be able to accomplish all of the measures listed below, each will increase your home’s, and possibly your family’s, safety and survival.

Tips To Safeguard Homes Include:

• Address:
  • Make sure your address is clearly visible from the road. The address needs to be a contrasting color to the surface that it is mounted on, so it can be seen.
• Deck and Patio Cover:
  • Use heavy timber or non-flammable construction material for decks and patio covers, especially within the first 10 feet of the home.
  • Enclose the underside of balconies and decks with fire-resistant materials to prevent embers from blowing underneath.
  • Keep your deck clear of combustible items, such as baskets, dried flower arrangements and other debris.
• Driveways and Access Roads:
  • Driveways should be designed to allow fire and emergency vehicles and equipment to reach your home (current fire code requirement is 15 feet wide).
  • Access roads should have a minimum 10-foot clearance on either side of the traveled section of the roadway and should allow for two-way traffic.
  • Locked or electric gates should have a disconnect or a lock box.
  • Ensure that all gates open inward and are wide enough to accommodate emergency equipment.
  • Trim trees and shrubs above all roads clear to the sky, with the exception of Oak trees which only need to be cleared to a height of 13½ (or 13.5) feet.
• Garage:
  • Have a fire extinguisher and tools, such as a shovel, rake, bucket and hoe, available for fire emergencies.
  • Install a solid door with self-closing hinges between living areas and the garage.
  • Install weather stripping around and under the doors to prevent ember intrusion.
  • Store all combustibles and flammable liquids away from ignition sources.
  • Keep the garage closed whenever possible.
• Home Site and Yard:
  • Ensure you have up to a 200-foot radius of defensible space (cleared vegetation) around your home. If the 200-foot distance is on adjacent property, contact your local fire station for assistance in obtaining adequate clearance.
  • Cut dry weeds and grass before noon when temperatures are cooler to reduce the chance of sparking a fire when using metal tools.
  • Landscape with fire-resistant plants that are low-growing with high-moisture content.
  • Keep woodpiles, propane tanks and combustible materials away from your home and other structures, such as garages, barns, and sheds (recommended 30 feet).
  • Ensure trees and branches are at least four feet away from power lines. Notify your power company if this condition exists; they will complete required work.

If asked by officials to evacuate a property due to fire proximity, it is advised to have a planned agenda in mind by leaving the scene early to limit traffic congestion and have a predetermined low-risk destination in mind. Do not return home until emergency officials determine it is safe.

Survival Tips if You Become Trapped

In your home:

• Stay calm and keep your family together.
• Call 9-1-1 and inform authorities of your location.
• Fill sinks and tubs for an emergency water supply.
• Keep doors and windows closed, but unlocked.
• Remove curtains from the windows.
• Turn your interior and exterior lights on.
• Stay inside your home.
• Shelter away from outside walls.

In Your Vehicle:

• Stay calm and park your vehicle in an area clear of vegetation.
• Close all vehicle windows and vents.
• Cover yourself with a wool or cotton blanket or jacket.
• Lie on the vehicle floor.
• Use your cell phone and call 9-1-1 to inform authorities of your location.

On Foot:

• Stay calm and go to an area clear of vegetation, a ditch or depression on level ground, if possible.
• Lie face down and cover up your body.
• Use your cell phone and call 9-1-1 to inform authorities of your location.

To download a copy of the official Ready! Set! Go! Personal Wildfire Action Plan visit.

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