With the recent outburst of fires in LA, many families and people were greatly affected. Some people lost a lot due to these fires, their family members, homes, valuables, and many more. These fires have also affected people’s overall health causing smoke exposure, post traumatic stress disorder, and depression. We have already experienced the effect of these fires this time, so we need to prepare for their next occurrence.
A very important, easy thing to remember for the next fires are the Seven P’s: people, pets, prescriptions, papers, photos, personal needs, and priceless items. People include family members, or individuals that live with you to make sure they are safe. Pets include any animals that are contained within your house. Prescriptions include equipment and treatments needed by any person that needs to evacuate. Papers include any important documentation like medical records or birth certificates. Photos include, taking photos around your home to speed up the process of insurance claims. Personal needs include things like clothes, phones, computers, chargers, and hygiene products; the essentials to live out each day. These P’s of preparation will come useful in the instance of an emergency.
After preparing what’s needed to evacuate you should also be mentally prepared to leave your home safely; making sure there is no panic, everything happens in an orderly manner, and with little to no injury. In order to do this there are certain procedures we have to take. First, make sure all 7 P’s are secured and ready for you to take them and leave. After, bring as many cars your household owns and look for any fire shelters closest to your area.
Monitoring wildfire updates would also be a great help in knowing when to prepare for an evacuation, giving you plenty of time to get things ready. Remember to be safe, prepare accordingly and follow proper protocols; with this, a fire evacuation will be a breeze to do.
