As the summer heat continues to increase, so does the possibility of wildfires.
As the Los Angeles County Fire Department and other public safety agencies do their part to help prevent fires, such as clearing potentially hazardous vegetation, the public is encouraged to be prepared by creating personal safety plans in the event of wildfires or any other emergencies.
“In LA, we’re so big – 88 cities in the county, ranging from desert to beach to mountains – [so] when the county is looking at emergency preparedness, we’re looking at all [potential] hazards,” said Emily Montanez, associate director with the LA County Office of Emergency Management.
Given the devastating LA wildfires in 2025, fire prevention and preparation are common concerns for many Angelenos, noted Montanez. But she stressed the importance of taking an “all-hazards approach” to preparedness, including fires, power outages, flooding, tsunamis and earthquakes, which pose a threat statewide, especially in Southern California and the Bay Area.
Montanez said there are four pillars of emergency preparedness. The first one is to create a plan, which begins by learning the biggest potential threats in your area. From there, each individual or family should look at their specific situation – such as whether they live alone, have physical limitations, have pets or young children in the home, have a nonambulatory elderly relative or if they would require translation services for non-English speakers – to identify their unique needs.
“Each family’s needs vary and [the] things you and your family will need to get those specific networks established ahead of time [will] look different for everyone,” she said. To be prepared for an emergency scenario, a plan should also include establishing a communications strategy, including who and where to call if an emergency strikes while family members are at work, in school or at a senior center. In addition, all relatives should have a common out-of-state contact.
Emergency plans should also include identifying the safest spots in the home to take cover if needed (such as under a sturdy table); knowing the location of utility shut-offs, if an emergency requires turning off the gas, water or electricity; selecting a meeting place outside the home or neighborhood; planning evacuation routes from the home; and scheduling regular disaster drills.
The second pillar of emergency preparedness is stocking up on essential supplies, including: up to 10 days worth of food and water (including for pets); prescription glasses or medications; first aid kit with instructions; a battery-powered radio and flashlights (with extra batteries); toys; cash (small bills) and vital documents (such as driver’s license and health insurance cards); tools (such as a fire extinguisher); personal hygiene supplies; and extra clothing and sturdy shoes.
Another helpful item is a double-sided window sign, with a green side that says “OK” – indicating that everyone inside the home is safe – and a red side that says “Help” to alert neighbors or emergency responders that assistance is needed.
“I think people get overwhelmed at the potential expense of creating emergency kits, [but] if people really look around their home, chances are they’ve got some of these things lying around their house already,” said Montanez. One easy money-saving tip she offered: Put an older pair of sneakers, socks, pants or other clothing into your emergency pack rather than throwing them out.
“The third pillar is to stay informed, and I think that’s a really big one too, because people receive information in so many different ways and not everybody’s digitally inclined,” she added. “We have an aging population who still watch the news, who still listen to the radio.”
Montanez advises signing up for city or county emergency phone alerts, but acknowledged that during some emergencies landlines or mobile phones may stop working or become unreliable. That’s why including battery-powered radios in emergency kits is essential, she explained.
During emergencies “it’s really important to stay informed” in every way possible, she continued. “Pay attention to what the news is saying,” – whether it’s an order to evacuate or to shelter-in-place – “and rely on trusted information sources, family and friends,” she urged.
The fourth pillar of preparedness is to “get involved” – whether it’s taking a first aid training course or becoming certified in CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), suggested Montanez.
“Or get involved in your neighborhood on your street – know the two neighbors on each side of [your home]. If you’re in an apartment building, know who’s downstairs from you,” she said. “Get involved with your kid’s school, in church, with community groups you may be a part of.”
The goal, said Montanez, is to have “that connection and create the network [of people] that you rely on to help you, or to help each other.”
For more tips about emergency preparedness or to sign up for emergency notifications, go to: