As of July 24, 2016, over 20,000 remained out of their homes because of the 51-square-mile Sand Fire that continues to burn in Southern California’s Santa Clarita Valley.
The American Red Cross Los Angeles Region has put together the following information to help people in the greater Los Angeles area stay safe.
AIR QUALITY
Keep indoor air clean by closing windows and doors to prevent outside smoke from getting in. Use the recycle or re-circulate mode on the air conditioner in your home or car. If you don’t have air conditioning and it’s too hot to stay inside with closed windows, seek shelter elsewhere. When smoke levels are high, do not sure anything that burns and adds to indoor air pollution (i.e., candles, fireplaces, and gas stoves). Avoid vacuuming because it stirs up particles that are already in your home. If you have asthma or another lung disease, follow your health care provider’s advice and seek medical care if your symptoms worsen.
WILDFIRE SAFETY
For those living near Sand Fire impacted areas we suggest that you are ready to leave at moment’s notice. Listen to the local radio and television stations for updated emergency information and for air quality reports and health warning about smoke. Always back your car into the garage or park it in an open space facing the direction of escape. Make sure that pets are confined to one room, so that you can find them if you need to evacuate quickly. Arrange for temporary housing at a friend or relative’s home outside the threatened area.
EVACUATION CHECKLIST
When local government officials issue evacuation orders when disaster threatens, listen to their instructions and do so immediately. They have a good reason for making this request. Be sure to bring essential items with you. We highly suggest that you bring water—one gallon per person, per day, and food—non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items (3-days supply, at least). Have a flashlight with you and a battery-powered or hand-crank radio with additional extra batteries. Other items include first aid kit, medications (7 days-supply) and medical items, multi-purpose tool, sanitation and personal hygiene items, cell phone with chargers, map(s) of the area, emergency blanket, extra cash, and other essential items that could not be replaced if they were destroyed. You should have your copies of personal documents (i.e., medication list and pertinent medical information, deed/lease to home, birth certifications, and insurance policies).
SHELTERING
Please follow American Red Cross Los Angeles on Twitter at @RedCrossLA to get more updates about the Sand Canyon Fire and information regarding the latest evacuation center and shelter locations where Red Cross volunteers are serving evacuated residents by providing food, drinks, a safe place to stay, information and health services.
