Before an Earthquake: Be Prepared

• Practice drills: Regularly practice DROP, COVER & HOLD ON (or LOCK, COVER & HOLD ON for wheelchair/walker users).

• Make a plan: Create family and workplace emergency plans with local and out-of-state contacts.

• Know evacuation routes: Review safe exits at home, work, and school.

• Build a supply kit: Keep at least 10 days of food, water, and medications.

• Secure your space: Anchor TVs, shelves, and heavy items. Move breakables to low shelves.

• Check your property: Brace or strap down items that could fall or cause injury.

• Get trained: Take First Aid, CPR, and CERT classes.

• Protect your home: Consider earthquake insurance and retrofitting buildings at risk.

During an Earthquake: Stay Safe

• Indoors: Stay inside. DROP, COVER & HOLD ON under sturdy furniture. Don’t run outside.

• In bed: Stay put and cover your head/neck with a pillow.

• In a vehicle: Pull over in a safe spot away from hazards. Stay inside until shaking stops.

• High-rise/public building: Expect alarms/sprinklers. Don’t use elevators. Wait for instructions after shaking.

• Stadium/theater: Stay seated or drop between rows. Protect your head and neck.

• Outdoors: Move away from buildings, wires, and trees if safe. Otherwise, stay where you are.

• Near shore: If shaking lasts 20+ seconds, move inland 2 miles or 100 ft above sea level—don’t wait for a warning.

• Near slopes/cliffs: Watch for landslides and falling rocks.

⚠️ Myth-buster: Do not stand in a doorway, it’s not safe.

 After an Earthquake: What to Do

• Expect aftershocks.

• Check for injuries - help if trained.

• Leave damaged buildings and avoid re-entering.

• Save phone calls for emergencies.

• Move to higher ground if tsunami risk.

• Stay informed via news, radio, text alerts, or social media.

• Clean up safely: wear protective gear and don’t move heavy debris alone.

 If You Are Trapped

• Cover your mouth to avoid dust.

• Use a whistle, bang on pipes/walls, or text for help. Don’t shout unless necessary.

Preparing for Wildfires

Wildfires are a natural part of Southern California’s landscape, but hotter, drier conditions mean fire season is now year-round. With Santa Ana winds and dry vegetation fueling fast-moving fires, everyone. Especially those in wildland communities - must stay ready.

Follow the Ready! Set! Go! plan to protect yourself, your family, and your home.

🔴 READY – Prepare Your Home & Property

• Defensible Space (200 feet around your home):

  • Zone 1 (0–30 ft): Remove woodpiles/debris, keep grass under 3", trim tree branches.

  • Zone 2 (30–100 ft): Cut grass under 3", space trees/shrubs, clear debris.

  • Zone 3 (100–200 ft): Thin native plants by 30–50% to reduce fuel.

• Harden Your Home:

  • Use fire-resistant roofing.

  • Clear/enclose gutters.

  • Cover vents/eaves with metal mesh.

🟠 SET – Create a Wildfire Action Plan

• Contacts: List key phone numbers (emergency, schools, family).

• Important Documents: Keep insurance, IDs, passports, certificates in a grab-and-go file. Store backups with relatives or in the cloud.

• Go-Bag: Pack food, water, meds, clothes, pet supplies, and personal essentials.

• Evacuation Prep:

  • Choose meeting points outside hazard zones.

  • Identify multiple evacuation routes.

  • Plan for kids, people with disabilities, and pets.

  • Leave early if you need extra time.

🟢 GO! – Take Action When Fire Strikes

• Evacuation Alerts:

  • Warning = fire may threaten soon → be ready to leave.

  • Order = leave immediately (lawful order).

• When to Go: Leave early to avoid fire, smoke, or blocked roads. Don’t wait if you feel unsafe.

• Where to Go: Go to a safe pre-planned location - friend’s/relative’s house, shelter, motel, or other designated site.

• How to Get There: Use multiple evacuation routes and avoid paths near fire zones.

⚠️ Remember: Fires move fast. Don’t wait for a knock on the door - be ready to act at the first sign of danger.

Preparing for Floods

Flooding is one of the most common hazards in the U.S. In Los Angeles County, heavy rain, flash floods, and post-wildfire conditions can make flooding especially dangerous. Floods can cause injury, death, property loss, and utility outages - so preparation is key.

Be Prepared Before Flooding

• Know Your Risk: Check FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center, Cal OES MyHazards, or your local public works department.

• Stay Informed: Sign up for emergency alerts (e.g., Alert LA County). Monitor weather via the National Weather Service and local news.

• Make a Family Plan: Include evacuation routes, utility shut-offs, and out-of-state contacts.

• Build a Supply Kit: Have at least 10 days of food, water, medication, and pet needs ready.

• Protect Kids & Teens: Teach them not to play near rivers, streams, or flood-prone areas.

• Safeguard Your Home:

  • Keep sandbags, plywood, and plastic sheeting handy.

  • Clear gutters and storm drains; report public drainage issues.

  • Move valuables to higher levels.

  • Store important documents in waterproof containers and digital backups.

Staying Safe During Floods

• Avoid Moving Water: Just 6 inches can knock you down; 1 foot can carry away a car.

• Avoid Risky Areas: Stay away from streams, rivers, and flood control channels.

• Obey Evacuation Orders: Leave immediately, never drive around barricades.

• Drive Safely: If trapped in fast water, stay in your car. If water rises inside, climb onto the roof.

• Seek Higher Ground: Move up, but don’t enter closed attics, go to the roof only if necessary and signal for help.

• Stay Informed: Follow radio, TV, and emergency alerts for updates.

💡 Quick Tip: If a flood watch or warning is issued, move valuables upstairs and shut off electricity (if safe).

After the Flood

• Return home only when authorities say it’s safe.

• Avoid driving unless necessary.

• Watch for hazards: snakes, sharp debris, gas leaks, and downed power lines.

• Stay safe inside: wear boots/gloves, don’t touch wet electrical equipment, and avoid floodwater.

• Protect health: discard contaminated food, test water before drinking, and boil if unsure.

• Use flashlights, not candles, to reduce fire risk.

💡 Quick Tip: Flood Insurance
Most homeowners’ policies do not cover flood damage. FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) offers special coverage - check with your insurance agent or visit FEMA.gov.

Preparing for Excessive Heat

Extreme heat is dangerous and can cause power outages, illness, and even death. Stay safe by preparing your home, planning ahead, and protecting those most vulnerable.

☀️ Before Excessive Heat

• Find Cooling Centers: Use the interactive map to locate the nearest Cooling Center.

• Keep Your Home Cool: Cover windows with drapes or shades, add insulation, use attic fans, and install/insulate window air conditioners.

• Prepare for Power Outages: Review safety tips and be ready if electricity goes out during high demand.

🌡️ During Excessive Heat

• Avoid the Sun: Stay indoors between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., when rays are strongest.

• Stay Hydrated: Drink 2–4 glasses of water per hour.

• Replace Nutrients: Use low-sugar juices or sports drinks to replenish salt and minerals lost from sweating.

• Skip Alcohol: Avoid drinking alcohol before or during heat exposure, it increases dehydration risk.

• Pace Yourself: Reduce activity and avoid outdoor exercise during peak heat hours.

• Dress Smart: Wear wide-brimmed hats and light-colored, loose-fitting clothes.

• Stay Cool Indoors: Keep A/C at 75–80°F, take cool showers, or visit air-conditioned public spaces.

• Check on Vulnerable People: Infants, young children, adults 65+, and outdoor workers are at highest risk.

• Protect Your Skin: Use sunscreen (SPF 15+).

• Protect Pets: Keep them indoors with water and shade. Never leave them in vehicles, even briefly.

⚠️ Remember: Heat-related illness can set in quickly. Know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, and act immediately if symptoms occur.

Preparing for Power Outages

Power outages can happen during storms, heat waves, or other emergencies. Planning ahead helps protect your family, your health, and your food supply.

🔌 Before a Power Outage

• Plan for Critical Devices: Identify medical and essential items needing power. Have safe backup batteries or a generator.

• Medical Needs: Talk with your provider about plans for medical equipment and refrigerated medications. Know storage limits for vital medicines.

• Stay Informed: Check weather forecasts and keep a battery-powered radio for updates.

• Phone Service: Know whether your home phone will work during an outage and how long its backup lasts.

• Supplies: Stock flashlights with extra batteries, nonperishable food, water, and medications for several days.

• Food Safety: Use thermometers in fridges/freezers. Discard food above 40°F.

• Keep Devices Charged: Charge phones and power banks in advance.

💡 During a Power Outage

• Keep Food Cold:

  • Refrigerator: ~4 hours if unopened.

  • Freezer: ~48 hours if full. Use coolers with ice if needed.

• Monitor Temps: Use thermometers to track fridge/freezer safety.

• Eat Safely: Use non-refrigerated food supplies.

• Medical Devices: Follow your backup plan for medicines and equipment.

• Stay Safe: Never use gas ovens or stoves to heat your home.

• Check on Neighbors: Older adults and young children are especially vulnerable.

• Cooling/Warming Centers: Go to community locations with power if conditions are extreme.

🔋 After a Power Outage

• Food: “When in doubt, throw it out.” Discard food kept above 40°F for 2+ hours or with unusual odor/color/texture.

• Medications: Discard refrigerated meds after 24 hours unless otherwise instructed. If life depends on them, consult a doctor or pharmacist before use.

⚠️ Quick Tip: Keep at least one corded phone or portable charger that does not rely solely on electricity - cell towers and internet may be down too.