Beverly Hills is one of the most beautiful places to live, but beauty can come with risk. Living in the urban wildland interface means that wildfires are a year-round reality. The Beverly Hills Fire Department works tirelessly to protect you and your property, but in a major wildfire, there simply may not be enough resources to reach every home in time. That’s why the most important person to protect your life and property is you. With the right tools, information, and preparation, you can be ready. Consider the most recent fires a dress rehearsal for what may lie ahead. Were you prepared?
Get Your Go Bag Ready
The most common mistake people make is not being prepared long before the fire starts. Being prepared means having a “Go Bag” also known as an emergency kit, packed long before you might need to leave, and make sure you include the five Ps and a C:
1. People and pets
2. Papers and documents
3. Prescriptions and eyeglasses
4. Photos and memorabilia
5. Personal computers
6. Credit cards and cash
Harden Your Home
Wildfires are unpredictable and destructive. Homes ignite from embers, flames, or radiant heat, but flying embers are your home’s greatest risk, capable of traveling miles ahead of a wildfire. The key to protection is hardening your home before disaster strikes. But what does it mean to harden your home?
Your Roof
Seal any gaps between the roof decking and covering to prevent embers from getting in. Vents create openings for embers to enter. Cover all vent openings with ember-and flame-resistant vents. Never use fiberglass or plastic, as they can melt. For even better protection, install ember-and-flame-resistant vents.
Your Windows
Wildfire heat can cause windows to break before flames even reach your home, allowing embers to enter. Upgrade to dual-paned windows with one pane of tempered glass to reduce the chance of breakage. Also, limit large windows facing heavy vegetation. Flammable siding materials like wood panels or shingles are not ideal for fire-prone areas. Instead, opt for ignition-resistant materials such as stucco, or fiber-cement siding, extending them from the foundation to the roof.
Your Deck, Rain Gutters, Chimney and Garage
Decks should be built with noncombustible materials and cleared of flammable items underneath. Rain gutters should be kept clean or enclosed to prevent the buildup of plant debris. Take extra precautions by securing your chimney with a non-flammable screen, installing weather-stripping on garage doors, and keeping a fire extinguisher and emergency tools nearby. Store flammable liquids safely away from ignition sources.
Your Driveway, Access Road and Water Sources
Ensure emergency vehicles can reach your home by maintaining clear driveways and access roads. Have multiple garden hoses long enough to reach all areas of your home. If you have a pool or well, consider investing in a pump.
Prepare to Evacuate
During the recent wildfires, the number one question that we received at the fire department was, “Do we need to evacuate?” Even before you get the order, a few quick actions will help you evacuate safely, should the need arise, and help firefighters protect your home.
· Bring flammables indoors.
· Leave lights on for visibility.
· Back your car into the garage.
· Shut all windows and doors.
· Move furniture away from windows.
· Turn off gas and air conditioning.
Evacuate Safely
Leave early. Don’t wait for someone to knock on your door. There may not be time. Head to a predetermined safe location, a friend’s home, hotel or emergency shelter. Always plan multiple routes in case roads are blocked.
Dress appropriately; wear cotton clothes, boots, goggles, and a mask. Drink water, stay calm and always prioritize your family and pets.
The city will be conducting an evacuation drill later this year; more information will be available soon.
Stay Informed
Sign up for Beverly Hills Nixle alerts by texting BEVHILLS to 888-777. Monitor local news, radio station AM 1500, and visit beverlyhills.org/redflagwarning for evacuation routes, updates and other valuable information.
Sign up for Just In Case BH, an education program that brings volunteers, and all city services together to seamlessly assist each other before, during and after emergencies through disaster preparedness, organizational leadership and communications. Just In Case BH trains residents and members of the business sector to serve as backup to the city’s first responders in the immediate aftermath of a major emergency disaster. The program provides a roadmap to self-sufficiency by empowering the community to work together.
Find your neighborhood zone number, locate where emergency supplies are stored in your zone, and download the emergency manual, which can all be found at beverlyhills.org/jicbh.
It only takes minutes to learn what you need to know about preparing yourself for any disaster, and that knowledge could be lifesaving! Wildfire readiness starts with you! Help us to help you protect your home and lives.
Join us at the Just In Case BH Fun in the Sun Emergency Preparedness Fair this Sunday, June 8 from 12 to 3 p.m. at Roxbury Park for games, food, music, and mini emergency classes that could save a life. It’s free and open to the public with something for all ages!
