Evacuation to Air Quality: Southern California Wildfire Tips

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SoCal Wildfire Tips from Evacuation to Air Quality - January 9, 2025

Situation: Multiple wildfires, including the Palisades Fire, are raging across Southern California fueled by strong winds and low humidity. Tens of thousands of residents have been ordered to evacuate, with over 1,000 homes and structures destroyed.

Urgent Actions:

• Evacuate immediately if ordered: Residents in affected areas must evacuate without delay when instructed by officials. Do not wait for the fire to approach. ("California fire evacuations- How to prepare, what to pack and what to do if you'.pdf")
• Sign up for emergency alerts: Stay informed about fire spread, evacuation orders, and other critical information by signing up for alerts from Cal Fire, LA County, and Ventura County. Utilize resources like the Watch Duty app for real-time updates. ("How to Stay Safe as Fires Sweep Southern California - The New York Times.pdf")
• Protect yourself from smoke: Minimize exposure to wildfire smoke by staying indoors, closing windows, and running air purifiers. If going outside is necessary, wear an N95 mask. ("How to protect yourself from the smoke caused by L.A. wildfires - Los Angeles Ti.pdf", "Wildfire smoke poses health hazard in LA - NPR.pdf")

Health Impacts:

• Respiratory Issues: Wildfire smoke can trigger asthma attacks, exacerbate COPD, and cause other respiratory problems.
• Cardiovascular Risks: Smoke exposure can worsen heart conditions and increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
• Long-Term Effects: Studies suggest a link between wildfire smoke exposure and an increased risk of dementia. Evacuation & Shelter Resources:

• Evacuation Centers: Multiple evacuation centers are open, including Westwood Recreation Center, El Camino Real Charter High School, and Pasadena Civic Center. ("Palisades fire- Evacuations, road closures, shelters, forecast - Los Angeles Tim.pdf", "SoCal wildfire evacuation centers - ABC7 Los Angeles.pdf")
• Animal Shelters: Dedicated shelters are available for small and large animals at various locations throughout the affected areas. ("Palisades fire- Evacuations, road closures, shelters, forecast - Los Angeles Tim.pdf", "SoCal wildfire evacuation centers - ABC7 Los Angeles.pdf")
• School Closures: Many schools in Los Angeles and surrounding areas are closed due to evacuations, air quality, and safety concerns. LAUSD is providing meal distribution at select locations for students. ("Palisades fire- Evacuations, road closures, shelters, forecast - Los Angeles Tim.pdf")

Further Information:

• Cal Fire website: https://www.fire.ca.gov/
• LA County Emergency website: https://lacounty.gov/emergency/
• Air Quality Information: https://www.airnow.gov/ and https://www.arb.ca.gov/
• Watch Duty App: Download from app stores
• FEMA Shelter Locator: Text “SHELTER” and your ZIP code to 43362