Red Flag weather conditions mean that humidity is very low (usually below 15%) and winds exceed 25 mph. When a Red Flag Warning or Alert has been issued there is a greater possibility for communities to experience power outages and brush fires to spread rapidly.
Extreme Fire Danger
Fire is, and always has been, a natural part of Southern California’s landscape. Wildfires are often fueled by dry vegetation and driven by hot, dry “Santa Ana” winds, making them extremely dangerous and difficult to control. Fire season is now year-round and requires everyone to be on heightened alert, especially for those living in wildland area communities.
Follow the steps from the Los Angeles County Fire Department’s Ready! Set! Go! Your Personal Wildfire Action Plan to protect yourself, your family and home from a devastating wildfire.
Why Power Outages Matter?
Extended power outages may impact the whole community and the economy. A power outage is when the electrical power goes out unexpectedly. A power outage may do the following:
- Disrupt communications, water, and transportation
- Close retail businesses, grocery stores, gas stations, ATMs, banks, and other services
- Cause food spoilage and water contamination
- Prevent use of medical devices and operations or medical/senior center facilities
To view current Southern California Edison outages in your area, click here.
Staying Safe: Before a Power Outage
You can reduce the potential impacts of a long-lasting power outage by doing the following:
- Identify which items you may need that rely on electrical power. Then, plan for extra batteries and other ways you can to meet your needs when the power goes out.
- Talk to your medical provider about a power outage plan for disability medical devices powered by electricity and refrigerated medications. Find out how long medications can be stored at higher temperatures and get specific guidance for any medications that are critical for life.
- Check your local weather forecast regularly by visiting the National Weather Service. Also, make it a habit to watch news reports so that you’re aware when there will be weather conditions that could cause a power outage, such as a heat wave or heavy rains.
- Determine whether your home telephone will work in a power outage and how long battery backup will last.
- Take stock of your disaster supplies that are available in case of a power outage. Have flashlights with extra batteries for every household member. Have enough nonperishable food and water, as well as medications.
- Use a thermometer in the refrigerator and freezer so that you can know the temperature when the power is restored. Throw out food if the temperature is 40 degrees or higher.
- Keep mobile phones, recharging devices and other equipment fully charged.
Staying Safe: After a Power Outage
- When in doubt, throw it out! Throw away any food that has been exposed to temperatures 40 degrees or higher for two hours or more, or that has an unusual odor, color, or texture.
- If the power is out for more than a day, discard any medication that should be refrigerated, unless the medical instruction label says otherwise. If a life depends on the refrigerated medications, contact and consult a doctor or pharmacist and use medicine only until a new supply is available.
Resource Links
- Southern California Edison – Find Local Current Power Outage
- Generator Safety – Using Backup Generators
- USDA Food Safety in an Emergency Information
- Federal Emergency Management Agency – Power Outages
- County of Los Angeles Fire Department
- Los Angeles County Department of Public Works
- California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE)
- California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services My Hazards
- Federal Emergency Management Agency
Los Angeles County residents and business owners, including persons with disabilities and others with access and functional needs may call 211 LA County for emergency preparedness information and other referral services. The toll-free 2-1-1 number is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 211 LA County services can also be accessed online by visiting www.211la.org.
