Ed. note: This article has been backdated due to the ongoing coverage of the Placerita Fire. 

Several neighborhoods near Placerita Canyon Road are currently under mandatory evacuation orders due to the Placerita Fire, which has engulfed at least one structure in flames.

Mandatory evacuations have been issued for Tenderfoot Trail Road, Disney Ranch, Running Horse Road and Placerita Canyon Rd. as the brush fire continues to grow.

There are also now voluntary evacuations as of 5:08 p.m. Sunday:

Lost Cyn Road
Via Princessa
Cardinal Drive
Winter Pine Way
Ravenglen Road
Pineview Road
Cambria Sts Lane
Placerita Cyn Road

The evacuation center is Golden Valley High School: 27051 Robert C. Lee Pkwy, Santa Clarita, CA 91321

There are a few ways that you can prepare your home and your family for a potential evacuation. Having family disaster plan ahead of time is key to making the evacuation process as easy as possible.

However, if you only have a few moments to pull together the things you need, the LA County Fire Department suggests this checklist:

Keep a pair of old shoes and a flashlight handy for a night evacuation.

Keep the six “P’s” ready, in case an immediate evacuation is required:

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

“The ideal is for the Command Staff to evacuate residential neighborhoods early. The fire might not feel threatening to you and your neighborhood at the time Sheriff’s deputies are asking you to evacuate,” said Stephanie English, a fire department PIO. She went on to explain that early evacuation is planned to give residents a chance to collect their things and avoid panic during evacuation.

“It ensures your safety by leaving your house and helps the firefighters do their best job by being able to get in and out and maneuver and work easily without a lot of traffic. In addition, they don’t have to worry about life safety, they’re just worrying about protecting your structure,” English added.

Fire and evacuation information can be found on your local news stations. During a fire, KHTS AM-1220 offers current updates on evacuations, road closures, fire containment, and everything you need to know on our website (hometownstation.com), in our breaking news alerts (to sign up, click here), and 24/7 on air.

If you are not in danger from a fire, but are close to an area that is, take time to evaluate your home’s fire defenses. Last year, more that $65 million of property and structure losses were reported by the LA County Fire Department. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection gives these suggestions so you can protect your home and property against a fire:
Create Defensible Space:
Here are some instructions from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection on making an effective family disaster plan:

1. Create a family disaster plan that includes meeting locations and communication plans and practice it regularly. Include in your plan the evacuation of large animals.
2. Have fire extinguishers on hand and train your family how to use them.
3. Ensure that your family knows where your gas, electric and water main shut-off controls are and how to use them.
4. Plan different evacuation routes and a meeting location outside the fire hazard area.
5. Appoint an out-of-area friend or relative as a point of contact so you can communicate with family members who have relocated.
6. Maintain a list of emergency contact numbers posted near your phone and in your emergency supply kit.
7. Assemble an emergency supply kit.

Supplies to take with you if you need to evacuate:

Water—one gallon per person, per day (3-day supply)
Food—non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items (3-day supply)
Flashlight
Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
Extra batteries
First aid kit
Medications (7-day supply) and medical items
Multi-purpose tool
Sanitation and personal hygiene items
Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, deed/lease to home, birth certificates, insurance policies)
Cell phone with chargers
Family and emergency contact information
Extra cash
Emergency blanket
Map(s) of the area

Other essential items that could not be replaced if they were destroyed
Keep an extra emergency supply kit in your car in case you can’t get to your home because of fire.
Have a portable radio or scanner so you can stay updated on the fire.

When a wildfire warning is issued:

Listen to the radio for reports and evacuation information and instructions.
Leave early enough to avoid getting caught in fire, smoke or road congestion. Don’t wait to be told by authorities to leave. In an intense wildfire, they may not have time to knock on every door. If you are advised to leave, don’t hesitate, GO!