
Unfortunately due to the devastating and ongoing L.A. wildfires, so many Angelenos have had to evacuate from their homes with little prior notice. Everyone is eager to return home as soon as possible, but it’s vital to return home in the safest possible way.
Wait until local authorities announce the all-clear to return to your area, and don’t rush back without proper caution. Here’s a full guide on how to safely return home after evacuation.
Wait for official clearance to return home
First of all, it’s extremely important to wait for local authorities declare zones safe for re-entry. You can check L.A. County’s disaster website here for clearance updates. Remember that the danger doesn’t end once the wildfire is over. Extreme caution is still needed due to various hazards from compromised structures and trees.
Safety precautions at your home
- Wear protective gear: It’s important to protect yourself when returning home by wearing protective gear, like full coverage clothing, safety goggles, a filter mask, leather gloves, and sturdy leather boots.
- Inspect surroundings around your home: Be extremely cautious around trees, power poles, and other structures that may have been weakened or compromised by the fire.
- Watch for lingering fires: Regularly check your property for any signs of residual fires, like smoke or hidden embers.
- Gas safety check: Before inspecting your property, sniff for gas leaks. If you detect the smell of gas, do not attempt to turn on the power. Leave immediately and contact professionals for a proper inspection.
- Safe inspection practices: When inspecting your home, use a battery-powered flashlight. Turn it on outside before you enter in order to avoid potential ignition of any leaked gasses.
Utility precautions at your home
- Water use caution: Do not drink or cook with tap water until authorities confirm it’s safe to drink. Wildfires can damage water supply systems which causes contamination.
- Well inspection: If your property relies on well water, and the well has been exposed to fire, have it inspected by a certified professional to ensure its safety.
- Food safety: Throw away any food items that have been exposed to fire elements like heat, smoke, or contaminated water.
- Electrical check: If there’s no electricity when you return home, check if the main breaker is turned on. If the power is still off, contact your utility provider for further assistance.
- Propane & heating oil systems: For homes with propane tanks or oil heating systems, safety checks are crucial to prevent dangerous leaks or other hazards. Shut off all the valves and have a proper inspection before returning to normal use.
- Solar power systems: If your home is equipped with solar panels, have them inspected by a licensed technician to ensure that the system is still safe for use.
You can read CAL FIRE’s post wildfire returning home checklist here.
Apply for FEMA wildfire assistance
Those with uninsured or underinsured home losses may be eligible for FEMA assistance. This could include temporary lodging costs and costs associated with rebuilding. Read more about FEMA wildfire assistance here.
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