Windstorm and Power Shutoff Warnings and Resources

Preparing, Evacuating, Returning, and Rebuilding

With California's ever-changing wind and fire conditions, it's important to stay ready for evacuations. Below are essential resources and actionable steps to safeguard your family and home during wildfire season:

🟢 Pre-Evacuation Steps – Protect Your Family and Home

Find Local Wildfire Evacuation Shelters: Click Here

Create an Evacuation Plan:

●    Learn your community's evacuation plan, including escape routes and meeting points.
●    Ask friends or family members outside your area if you can stay with them.
●    Make a plan with family members and care providers if you have a disability.
●    Check with your county's emergency office for open shelters: LA County Info | LA City Info
●    Locate pet-friendly shelters through the ASPCA.
●    Identify sites sheltering large animals: Cal OES Animal Sheltering
●    Pack a "Go Bag" (see checklist below).
●    Secure important documents in a fireproof safe or take them with you.
●    Withdraw cash in case of power outages.
●    Monitor wildfire updates via Cal Fire and local alerts

👜 Your "Go Bag" Essentials

Pack a 3-day supply of essentials in a bag ready by the door or in your car:

●    A map of at least two evacuation routes
●    Medications and prescriptions
●    Personal hygiene items
●    First aid kit and sanitation supplies
●    Flashlight and extra batteries
●    Baby supplies (if applicable)
●    Pet food, medications, and supplies
●    Cell phone chargers and a portable power bank
●    N95 or KN95 masks
●    Important documents (SSN, car registration, passport)
●    Extra clothing (100% cotton recommended)

📎 Tip: Only pack irreplaceable valuables, photos, and digital backups if time allows.

💨 Protect Yourself from Wildfire Smoke

Wildfire smoke can severely impact respiratory health. Those most at risk include:

●    Children under 18
●    Adults over 65
●    Pregnant women
●    Individuals with chronic conditions (asthma, heart, or lung disease)

Monitor air quality:

●    AirNow Fire and Smoke Map
●    EPA Air Quality Index (AQI)

Wear an N95/KN95 mask to minimize smoke inhalation.

🛡️ Get Your Home Ready – Fireproof Your Property

●    Close all windows, doors, and garage doors. Remove flammable window coverings.
●    Move flammable furniture to the center of rooms.
●    Turn off gas at the meter and shut down pilot lights.
●    Bring in flammable outdoor items (e.g., patio furniture).
●    Clear a five-foot perimeter around your home: Defensible Space Guide
●    Turn off propane tanks and move grills away from the house.
●    Do not leave sprinklers running—this reduces water pressure for firefighters.
●    Leave your lights on to help firefighters locate your home.
●    Set out garden hoses, buckets of water, and ladders for firefighter use.

🏡 Returning Home Safely

●    Watch for hazards like downed power lines and unstable structures.
●    Inspect gas lines and propane tanks cautiously.
●    Check for hidden embers and remaining fire risks.

🌳 Long-Term Fire Recovery and Prevention

●    Harden Your Home: Protect against flames and embers. Learn how
●    Create Defensible Space: Establish buffer zones to slow fires. Defensible Space Tips
●    Fire-Smart Landscaping: Reduce fire risks with smart planting. Fire-Smart Landscaping Guide

Stay informed. Stay prepared. Stay safe.

For real-time updates: Follow Cal Fire and Ready LA County or Listos CA (ReadyCA).

Sign up for emergency alerts here.

Follow my socials for more updates. 

In solidarity,

Senator Henry Stern