How to prepare for the "life-threatening and destructive" windstorm hitting SoCal
As Southern California residents brace for a "life-threatening and destructive" windstorm, weather officials urge safety precautions as strong Santa Ana winds hit the region.
The National Weather Service is warning that this weather event will "likely be the most destructive windstorm seen since 2011."
Areas like the 118 and 210 corridors are expected to be at the highest risk for wind damage. Wind gusts in parts of Los Angeles and Ventura counties could reach up to 80 mph and isolated gusts in mountain and foothill areas could reach up to 100 mph.
The winds are expected to peak Tuesday night into Wednesday morning. Southern California Edison currently has thousands of customers being considered for public safety power shutoffs as a precaution.
Cal Fire and SCE have crews on standby ready to deploy throughout Southern California if emergencies occur.
What to do before wind gusts pick up
- Secure loose objects, gates, fences and outdoor appliances in backyards
- Charge necessary electronic and lighting devices
- Park cars away from trees
- Adjust travel plans
What to do during strong wind gusts
- Stay away from windows and trees
- Watch out for flying debris
- Avoid traveling in high-profile vehicles
What to do during fire weather conditions
- Use caution with anything that can ignite a fire
- Pack bags in case evacuations are ordered
- Stay up to date with evacuation orders and warnings
How to prepare for a power outage
- Have access to a first-aid kit and other necessary prescription medications
- Have extra bottled water
- Get a portable generator, place it in a safe area to use
- Have extra flashlights and batteries
- Place refrigerated food in coolers or ice chests
- Keep gas tanks in vehicles at least half full
- Keep electronic devices charged
What to do if a power line falls
Southern California Edison warns residents that wind gusts could cause downed power lines. Even though a power line might be knocked down, it can still have an electric charge.
If a downed power line is near water, it can electrify puddles, wet grass and any surrounding area.
The important thing to remember is not to approach or touch anyone or anything that has been in contact with a downed power line.
If a fire breaks out near a downed powerline, SCE recommends people stay 100 feet away and call 911.
What to do when a fire sparks in your area
Cal Fire has outlined a few steps residents can take to protect their homes and lives, especially during a red flag warning, when a rapidly spreading fire could pop up at a moment's notice. Firefighters broke it down into three steps: Get ready, get set and be ready to go.
Get ready
Before a fire sparks, prepare a defensible space around your home to prevent a fire from burning it. Similar to control lines, defensible space can potentially stop the flames from spreading to homes while also creating a safe space for firefighters to control the blaze. Firefighters typically recommend a minimum of 30 feet of defensible space surrounding a property.
Get set
Cal Fire emphasizes the importance of preparing a plan before a wildfire sparks nearby.
This Wildfire Action Plan should include a meeting point, a handful of escape routes, arrangements for pets and livestock and a communication strategy, essentially one person family members can contact.
Firefighters created a phonetic list, dubbed the "6 P's of Evacuation," to remember everything:
- People & pets Papers
- phone numbers & important documents
- Prescriptions, vitamins & eyeglasses
- Pictures & irreplaceable memorabilia
- Personal computer, hard drive & disks
- "Plastic" (credit cards, ATM cards) & cash
All of these supplies can be put in a "go bag" and it's best to make one for every family member.
Be ready to go
With the preparations in place, residents will only have to executive their plans once a wildfire encroaches on their neighborhood.
Fire departments will typically post evacuation orders and warnings on their social media pages. Residents can also sign up for text alerts for updates or follow along on either Cal Fire's or their local fire department's website.
