Fires are no surprise to residents in Southern California. After the recent Palisades, Eaton and Hughes fires, the threat has never felt more real.
“They evacuated us pretty quickly because in the past, when there were fires around us,” says Maia Paragas, A resident of Castaic who was evacuated during the Hughes Fire.
“But since it was less than a hundred yards away from us, I felt pretty shaken up,” said Paragas.
With fire fuel like this, individuals are easily vulnerable to fires. So, what can you do to prepare?
“Go to any fire Los Angeles County fire station and you can get a guide to defensible space around your home to help prepare for brush season.
We also have ‘Ready, Set, Go!’ at any fire station,” says Captain David Haws at Fire Station 149. “This will give you tips and procedures to get ready for fire season and just have better home safety.”
“I only had a backpack, but some of my family members weren’t at home at the time, so I had to pack for them as well. It was very stressful packing for myself and then packing for them as well,” says Paragas. “My dad has always had us prepared, whether it’s an earthquake or fire.”
Being ready before disaster strikes can ease the chaos. Experts say preparation is your best defense.
“The only thing we did was hose down the trees so it didn’t burn as crucially if it ever hit us. But we were on the other side of the neighborhood, so it didn’t affect us too bad,” says Paragas.
The “Ready, Set, Go! Guide” from L.A. County Fire helps residents stay organized and calm when seconds count.
“It has a form on here where you can put all your emergency contacts, your evacuation, when to go, where to go and how to get there,” says Captain Haws.
“If you already have it prepared and you thought of it ahead of time and you have it written down, it’ll be muscle memory and you’ll be safer that way,” said Captain Haws.
