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Weather Related Events

What You Need to Know to Stay Safe During Wildfires

As of Jan. 8, 2025, 2:00 p.m. PST, multiple wildfires are tearing through the Los Angeles area, including the Palisades Fire, the Eaton Fire, and the Hurst Fire.

Here’s what you need to know to stay safe.


Understand the Differences Between Alerts Issued During Wildfires

  • Evacuation ORDER: If you receive an evacuation order, this means you need to leave immediately. Emergency responders have determined there is an imminent life safety risk and you need to evacuate.

  • Evacuation WARNING: If you receive an evacuation warning, this means you need to start preparing to leave. If you have animals, children, or need additional time evacuating, this is the time to leave.

  • A Red Flag Warning means that warm temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds are expected to combine, creating a heightened risk of fire danger. This alert prompts residents and agencies to stay on high alert to prevent fires or respond quickly if one ignites.

  • In especially severe situations, a “Particularly Dangerous Situation” (PDS) Red Flag Warning may be issued. This rare alert signifies an extreme wildfire risk due to conditions like high winds, very low humidity, drought, or a combination of these factors, which make fires likely to spread uncontrollably. A PDS warning signals a serious need for caution, urging residents to follow evacuation orders, avoid outdoor activities that might ignite fires, and stay prepared for rapid changes.

  • A Fire Weather Watch is a preliminary alert issued 12-72 hours in advance when critical fire weather conditions may develop. While less urgent than a Red Flag Warning, it encourages communities to stay prepared for potentially escalating fire risks.

Don’t Wait—Just Go

Delaying evacuation during a wildfire is extremely dangerous, especially under high wind conditions. Fires can spread unpredictably and rapidly—often faster than you can move. High winds intensify the danger, driving flames and creating additional hazards like downed power lines, thick smoke, abandoned vehicles, flying debris, and heavy traffic, which can block escape routes.

If you sense danger, don’t wait—leave immediately, even if you don’t have a fully prepared go-bag or wildfire action plan. If you’re in an evacuation order zone, leave immediately. Minimize time spent on roadways by heading directly to a safer area. Quick action is essential to ensure your safety.

Staying behind not only puts your life and your loved ones at serious risk but also endangers first responders, who may need to divert resources to rescue those who hesitated.

Your safety is the top priority. If you’re in a life-threatening emergency, call 9-1-1 immediately. Evacuating early protects you and allows emergency crews to focus on controlling the fire and safeguarding the community.

Create an Evacuation Plan

  1. People

  2. Pets

  3. Pills (Medications)

  4. Photos (Including photo documentation of your home for insurance purposes)

  5. Papers (Documents such as utility bills, birth certificates, etc.)

Create a Go-Bag

Create a go-bag with the following at a minimum…

  • Map

  • Medications

  • Change of clothes

  • Extra set of keys

  • Glasses/contact lenses

  • First-aid

  • Shoes

  • Phone chargers

  • Food and water

  • Copies of ID, credit cards, passports, important documents

  • Cash in small bills

  • Flashlights (with working batteries)

  • Hard drives/flash-drive

  • Family photos/comfort items

  • Sanitation supplies (include masks)

  • Activities for children

  • Create a separate bag for pets; include a leash and vaccine records

What to Pack When It’s Time to Evacuate: A Guide Based on How Much Time You Have

If I Have NO TIME

  • People and Pets

  • Go-bag (with SHOES)

If I Have 5 MINUTES

In addition to the above…

  • Medications

  • Glasses/contact lenses

  • Essential medical equipment (if applicable)

  • Cell phone/laptop/chargers

If I Have 30 MINUTES

In addition to the above…

  • Change of clothing

  • Photo albums/family portraits

  • Stuffed animals (comfort items)

Protecting Your Home

If time permits, take steps to prepare your property and make it safer for firefighters if they need to defend it:

  • Set Up Water Sources: Connect water hoses and fill large containers such as garbage cans, tubs, or pools with water. These can serve as valuable resources for firefighters.

  • Secure Your Home: Close all windows, doors, and vents to prevent embers from entering and igniting the interior.

  • Turn Off Utilities: If you know how to do so safely, shut off the gas and power to your home to reduce the risk of fire spreading.

What to Do If You Are Trapped

If you are unable to evacuate due to a car breakdown or another unexpected issue, it’s important to stay calm and take immediate steps to ensure your safety.

  1. Call 911: Look around and figure out where you are. Can you see a street name, an address, or a landmark? Let 911 know your location so they can send help. Even if you’re not sure where you are, calling quickly gets the process started.

  2. Move to Safety if Possible: If it’s safe to do so, walk to a safer spot. Stick to main roads or open areas—this makes it easier for passing cars or emergency crews to spot you.

Staying Safe from Wildfire Smoke

Wildfire smoke can pose serious health risks to both people and pets, even if you are far from the fire. Taking steps to reduce exposure is essential for protecting your household.

Health Risks of Wildfire Smoke

Breathing in wildfire smoke can lead to symptoms such as:

  • Coughing and wheezing

  • Trouble breathing

  • Stinging eyes and irritated sinuses

  • Scratchy throat and runny nose

  • Headaches, chest pain

Who is Most at Risk?

Certain groups are more vulnerable to the harmful effects of wildfire smoke:

  • Young children, especially those under 4 years old, are at high risk when the Air Quality Index (AQI) exceeds 100.

  • Pregnant women and their developing babies face increased risks.

  • Individuals with existing health conditions, such as asthma, COPD, heart disease, diabetes, or chronic kidney disease, are particularly susceptible.

How Does Wildfire Smoke Impact Pets?

Pets can also suffer from smoke exposure, and some may require veterinary attention. Keep your pets in a clean air space with you, and watch for the following symptoms:

  • Coughing or gagging

  • Red or watery eyes

  • Nasal discharge

  • Trouble breathing

  • Fatigue, weakness, or disorientation

  • Reduced appetite or thirst

Animals with heart or lung disease, older pets, and pet birds are especially vulnerable to wildfire smoke. Contact your veterinarian if your pet exhibits any of these symptoms.

Tips to Stay Safe from Smoke

  • Monitor Air Quality: Regularly check the Air Quality Index (AQI) for your area and follow local emergency management guidance.

  • Create a Clean Air Space: Select a room in your home to seal off from outdoor air. Use a portable air filter in this room to maintain clean air.

  • Avoid Indoor Pollutants: Refrain from burning candles, using wood stoves, or smoking indoors to keep air quality as clean as possible.

  • Upgrade HVAC Filters: If your home has central air conditioning, use high-efficiency filters like HEPA or MERV 13 to improve air filtration.

  • Wear a Mask Outdoors: If you must go outside, wear an N95 or P100 mask with two straps to filter out smoke particles.

Soraya Sutherlin