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Fire Safety
Community Fire Safety
Fire in Sun Valley Hills, between Hollywood Way & Cabrini
September 03, 2005
To read more about this fire, go to the LAFD Blog
We live in a Very High Severity Fire Zone. (Download the fire zone map here.) We are required to keep our property clear of brush and obey the LAFD brush clearance rules (download the Brush Clearance PDF below).
Download this informative PDF that is also posted on the LAFD website on "Safety Tips for Living in a Brush Area." It tells you what as a homeowner is required of you in keeping your property clear, the distances from flammable vegetation to your home and more valuable information.
Find a list of Brush Management Contractors here. Some of us are unable to deal with the steep slopes and large trees on our property and therefore must hire these services. Here are just a few that are available as posted on the LAFD website (though none are endorsed by them,) but you can also check the yellow pages.
Home Fire Safety
Most importantly you should have 3 things in your home for fire safety,
- Fire extinguishers on at least every level
- Smoke detectors on every level
- Escape plan (see E.D.I.T.H. below) that you practice twice a year
Even though extinguishers come in a number of shapes and sizes, they all operate in a similar manner. Here's an easy acronym for fire extinguisher use:
P A S S-Pull, Aim, Squeeze, and Sweep
PULL- Pull the pin at the top of the extinguisher that keeps the handle from being accidentally pressed.
AIM- Aim the nozzle toward the base of the fire.
SQUEEZE-Stand approximately 8 feet away from the fire and squeeze the handle to discharge the extinguisher. If you release the handle, the discharge will stop.
SWEEP- Sweep the nozzle back and forth at the base of the fire. After the fire appears to be out, watch it carefully since it may re-ignite!
Here are some excellent publications put out by the LAFD. Just click the title and it will automatically download to your computer.
- 10 Of THE BEST Fire Prevention Tips (great to review with your children!)
- E.D.I.T.H. (Exit Drills In The Home)
- Fire Escape Plan Grid
- About Smoke Detectors
- Home Fire Safety Tips
- Household Haz-Mat Disposal Tips
- Holiday Fire Prevention
- Candle Safety (after an earthquake, DO NOT use candles. They can tip over and set fire to your home in the event of an after-shock!)
- Storm Safety