At EPIC-FSC, we believe that preparedness provides peace of mind, particularly in safeguarding your family, home and community against wildfires or other natural disasters.
In response to the devastating Woolsey fire in Los Angeles and Ventura counties in November 2018, a group of Calabasas citizens banded together to form EPIC-FSC, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to helping local residents mitigate risks, survive emergencies and recover from fires, earthquakes and other natural disasters.
Here are steps to help you manage emergency situations with confidence.
Helping children cope with emergency situations
Emergencies can be especially frightening for children, but taking proactive steps can ease their fears and reduce parental stress:
Talk about it – Have open, age-appropriate conversations about wildfires and other emergencies. Reassure them that being prepared helps keep everyone safe.
Practice makes perfect – Conduct regular family evacuation drills so children know what to do and where to go. Familiarity helps reduce panic. Children will be less frightened in a power outage if they’ve practiced ahead of time and know where to find their flashlights.
Create a comfort kit – Include a favorite stuffed animal, book, photos of family or pets or handheld game to provide emotional comfort if you need to evacuate.
Assign simple tasks – Giving children a role, such as packing their go-bag or remembering to grab the family pet’s leash, can make them feel empowered rather than helpless.
Maintain routine – If displaced, try to keep regular meal and bedtime routines to create a sense of normalcy.
Write a comfort letter – Emergencies sometimes happen during school hours. A letter from a parent can ease your children’s worries and help them cope with the situation.
Protecting your pets
When an emergency strikes, make sure your checklist for your pets include these items and actions:
Vaccination certificates and ID papers – Have rabies vaccination records, the microchip number or certificate, other medical records and recent photos of your pets with family members.
“Animals Live Here” stickers on windows – Available at most pet stores or online, these decals on windows near doors let emergency responders know there could be pets that need rescuing.
Practice crate training your pets – For dogs and cats, practice getting them into the carriers and inside your vehicle. Include a favorite stuffed animal.
Check your pets’ emergency food, water and medication supplies – Pets are family. You want them safe and sound.
Safeguarding important documents and sentimental items
A well-organized system for storing vital documents and cherished memories is crucial. Follow these steps to ensure nothing important is lost in an emergency:
Make digital copies – Scan essential documents (birth certificates, insurance policies, medical records) and store them on a secure, cloud-based service like Google Drive or Dropbox.
Use a fireproof and waterproof safe – Store original copies of important documents in a fireproof, waterproof safe at home.
Backup photos and videos – Digitize old photos and store them on external hard drives and cloud storage to prevent loss.
Create a grab-and-go folder – Keep physical copies of IDs, insurance, emergency contacts and bank details in a portable folder in your go-bag.
Store a USB drive in your go-bag – Load it with scanned documents, important photos and even home inventory videos for insurance claims.
Prepping your house for an emergency
Calabasas residents can schedule a free home hardening assessment from EPIC-FSC. After completing training provided by Cal Fire experts, EPIC member volunteers share their knowledge to help neighbors become more prepared for emergencies and fire-safe.
During the free assessments, a certified expert from the nonprofit meets with local homeowners, providing insights and suggestions to help safeguard against flying embers, direct flame contact and radiant heat exposure.
No matter where you live, however, a few key steps can help ensure your home is ready to withstand potential emergencies like wildfires and power outages:
Home hardening for fire safety
Home hardening, according to Cal Fire, is the term used to describe vegetation management compliance and building materials used to resist the intrusion of flames or embers projected by a wildfire. It can be applied to new construction or for retrofitting an older home.
- Create defensible space – Keep at least 100 feet of clearance around your home by removing dry vegetation and flammable materials, particularly within 5 feet of your home.
- Upgrade vents and screens – Use metal mesh screens (1/8 inch or finer) on vents and windows to keep embers out.
- Check your roof and gutters – Regularly clear debris from roofs and gutters to eliminate fire hazards.
Power and light during an outage
- Invest in a generator – For a safer, more eco–friendly option, consider a portable generator (gas-powered) or a solar-powered generator. Always operate generators outdoors.
- Portable camp stove – A propane or butane camp stove allows cooking during power outages; just ensure proper ventilation and never operate indoors.
- Flashlights and batteries – Every household should have several LED flashlights (one for each family member) and additional batteries. Headlamps are also beneficial for hands-free lighting. Glow-in-the dark flashlights or stickers can make it easier for children to find them in the dark.
Where to store emergency supplies
- Go-bags and essentials – Store emergency kits near an exit, such as a hallway closet or garage, for quick access.
- Long-term storage – Use labeled, waterproof bins in a cool, dry area such as a garage or basement for bulk emergency supplies.
Additional tips for readiness
Sign up for alerts – Stay informed with local emergency alerts. Examples include Alert LA County, Nixle or the free EPIC app.
Have an evacuation plan – Know at least two evacuation routes and share them with your family.
Keep a full gas tank – If evacuation is necessary, you don’t want to be caught without fuel. If you drive an electric vehicle, keep it charged.
Download the EPIC app – The app is available for free on Apple and Google Play. This essential tool provides emergency tips, resources and critical updates that can be saved to your mobile device and accessed even when the power is out.
By taking emergency preparedness steps now, you can minimize stress and ensure your family, home and memories are as protected as possible. Don’t wait until disaster strikes — start prepping today!
Brian Cameron is president of EPIC-FSC, Emergency Preparedness in Calabasas. For more emergency preparedness resources, visit epic-fsc.com.
