Volunteer case worker surveys the damage at Oakridge Mobile Home Park in Sylmar.
On November 13, 2008 flames roared through the San Fernando Valley and destroyed nearly 500 homes within the Oakridge Mobile Home Park in Sylmar and over 100 more structures across several counties. One year later, the residents of Oakridge are still recovering and rebuilding from the effects of the Sayre Fire. This fire destroyed the larget number of housing units in Los Angeles since the Bel Air fire in 1961.
As mandatory evacuations were set in the Sylmar area the American Red Cross of Greater Los Angeles responded by opening four shelters at local high schools. Nearly 1,800 people stayed over night in the shelters. 804 volunteers were deployed and 17,000 meals were served.
Looking back at the devastation, one is reminded to take precautionary measures for the wildfire season. The fire season is now year-round, requiring residents to constantly be on heightened alert.
You should find out what the fire risk is in your area, including your community’s ability to respond to wildfires. Create safety zones around your home by removing flammable vegetation and combustible growth and planting fire-resistant plants. Learn fire safety practices and always be ready for an emergency evacuation. Listed below are recommendations to follow before, during and after a wildfire:
Before:
- If you see a wildfire, call 911. Tell the dispatcher where the fire is located.
- Evacuate anyone with medical and physical limitations, children, and the elderly.
- Wear protective clothing.
- Remove any combustible or flammable items outside your home.
- Close and protect openings to your home (like pet doors). Remove as many flammable objects as possible.
- Shut off any natural gas, propane or fuel oil supplies at the source. Remember, only a professional will be able to turn these back on.
- Connect garden hoses and fill pools, hot tubs, garbage cans, and tubs.
- Back your car into the driveway in case of immediate evacuation.
- Disconnect any automatic garage door openers so doors can be opened by hand.
- Place valuables inside the car ready for quick departure.
- Contain pets in one room so that you can find them quickly if you need to evacuate.
- Turn on lights and close all doors, but don’t lock up. If necessary, firefighters can gain quick entry to your house to fight fire.
During:
- If you’re outside in a wildfire, try to seek shelter in a sparse fuel area. On a mountainside, the back side is safer. Stay down until the fire passes.
- If you’re completely trapped, it’s safer to stay in a car than run from the fire. This is dangerous and should only be done in an emergency. Roll up windows, drive slowly with headlights on, and do not drive through heavy smoke.
- If you must stop, park away from heavy brush and leave headlights on. Get on the floor and cover up with a blanket/coat. Stay inside until the fire passes.
After:
- Put out any roof fires and check the attic for hidden burning sparks.
- The water you put into your pool or tubs will come in handy; connect a house to the outlet on your water heater if the power is out.
- Maintain a “fire watch” after the fire. Keep an eye out for any smoke or sparks in your home.
For more fire safety information visit www.PrepareLA.org. If you would like to help wildfire recovery efforts by making a donation visit www.RedCrossLA.org.
