What to do before you evacuate during California wildfires

LADWP addresses water supply for firefighters

Officials with the LADWP are urging residents and businesses to conserve as much water as possible as firefighters are in dire need of the water supply to continue battling four major wildfires.

LOS ANGELES - With wildfires ravaging parts of Los Angeles, being ready to evacuate at a moment’s notice is essential. Proactive steps can protect your family, safeguard your property, and make recovery efforts smoother in the aftermath.

For more information on how to stay safe, visit CAL FIRE's Go Evacuation Guide.

Pre-evacuation steps to take

If you have time before evacuation orders, these actions can increase the chances of your home surviving a wildfire and ensure your family’s safety:

Inside the house:

Pack your emergency supply kit with essentials like medications, important documents, chargers, and a change of clothes.
Close all windows and doors, but leave them unlocked for firefighter access.
Remove flammable items like curtains and move furniture away from windows and doors.
Turn off gas at the meter and extinguish pilot lights.
Leave lights on for visibility in smoky conditions.

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Outside the house:

Bring in flammable items, such as patio furniture, toys, doormats, and trash bins, or place them in a pool.
Shut off propane tanks and move grills away from structures.
Attach garden hoses to outdoor faucets for firefighter use and fill buckets with water.
Avoid leaving sprinklers running, as this can reduce water pressure for firefighting.
Park your car facing outward in the driveway, loaded with supplies and ready to go.

FILE - Pacific Palisades residents seen walking through a shopping plaza after escaping the Palisades Fire in Pacific Palisades, California, Los Angeles, United States on January 8, 2025. (Photo by Jon Putman/Anadolu via Getty Images)

LADWP tips for evacuation

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) offers additional recommendations for residents preparing to evacuate:

Turn off utilities: Shut off water and gas before leaving your home.
Drive carefully: Avoid blocking streets by parking or abandoning vehicles, and navigate cautiously.
Limit outdoor activity: Avoid walking outside and stay clear of trees to reduce risks from falling debris.
Boil water if necessary: Residents in the Pacific Palisades area should boil their water before drinking to ensure safety.

Document your belongings for insurance

To simplify the claims process if your home is damaged, document your possessions in advance. If you were affected by fire and you're looking for next steps, the California Department of Insurance provides helpful guidance.

Visit their website for tips on filing claims, documenting expenses, and understanding your policy: California Department of Insurance Wildfire Resources.

LADWP addresses water supply for firefighters

Officials with the LADWP are urging residents and businesses to conserve as much water as possible as firefighters are in dire need of the water supply to continue battling four major wildfires.

Create a home inventory: List valuable items, appliances, and other belongings.
Take photos and videos: Record every room, including closets and storage spaces, and capture make and model details for appliances.
Secure your records: Save documentation in cloud storage or on a hard drive stored outside your home.

Wildfires don’t just bring flames—they often lead to power outages, disrupted services, and unexpected hazards. Knowing how to prepare before the lights go out or evacuation orders are issued can make all the difference in protecting your family and home.

Follow this guide for more detailed information on staying safe during wildfire emergencies.

What to do during a power outage

Wildfires often lead to power outages. Prepare with these steps:

Learn to manually operate garage doors and gates.
Keep at least half a tank of gas in your vehicle.
Include flashlights, extra batteries, and a battery-powered radio in your emergency kit.
Avoid downed power lines and stay at least 10 feet away from electrical equipment.

Don’t wait for evacuation orders

Officials may issue evacuation orders based on fire conditions, but it’s safer to leave early if you feel at risk.

Stay informed through local news and alerts from CAL FIRE.
Know your community’s emergency plan and evacuation routes.
Help neighbors, especially those who may need extra assistance.

Returning home safely

Once evacuation orders are lifted, follow these precautions when returning home:

Wait for official clearance to re-enter your neighborhood.
Watch for hazards like downed power lines or smoldering embers.
Inspect propane tanks and gas lines before use.

By preparing early, you can protect your family, pets, and property from the devastating effects of wildfires. For more tips and detailed guides, visit CAL FIRE's Ready for Wildfire website.

The Source:

Information sourced from the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP), CAL FIRE's Ready for Wildfire website, and official wildfire preparedness guidelines.

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