LA Fires Are an Unprecedented Disaster. So What Can You Do?

Los Angeles is facing an unprecedented crisis: a series of wildfires more destructive than any in the city’s history. The fear, heartbreak, and uncertainty are overwhelming—and words can hardly capture the depth of what so many are experiencing. Rather than try to sum up these emotions, we want to do something more practical: answer a few of the urgent questions on everyone’s minds as our city navigates this emergency.

Stay Informed with a Disaster Response App

In moments like these, staying informed is one of the most important steps you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones. Because the situation on the ground can change in an instant, we strongly suggest downloading a reputable app that tracks wildfire activity in real time. These tools are designed to help you prioritize your safety, providing immediate updates about evacuation warnings and orders as they happen.

If you haven’t already chosen a go-to app, our top pick is WatchDuty. This non-profit app is known for its lightning-fast updates—we’ve even seen it deliver crucial information before major news outlets. With WatchDuty, you’ll have an extra layer of reassurance and awareness right at your fingertips.

Prepare to Evacuate

The recent fires in Los Angeles have reminded many of us how quickly disaster can strike—and how easy it is to be caught off guard. While it’s natural to hope for the best, now is the time to plan for the unexpected. One of the simplest and most effective steps you can take is to assemble a “go bag”—a kit of essentials that you can grab in a hurry if you need to evacuate.

So, what should go into your emergency bag? Here’s a checklist to get you started:

• Non-perishable food (enough for three days)

• Three gallons of water per person (pre-boiled if necessary)

• A physical map marked with at least two evacuation routes

• Prescription medications and any crucial over-the-counter meds

• A change of clothes (shirt, socks, underwear)

• Spare eyeglasses or contact lenses

• Back-up car keys

• Back-up credit cards

• Cash and/or traveler’s checks

• First aid kit

• Sanitation supplies (toothbrush, toothpaste, toilet paper, tampons, etc.)

• Flashlight

• Battery-powered radio

• Extra batteries

Being prepared doesn’t mean you’re expecting the worst—it just means you’re ready for anything. Taking these steps now can give you peace of mind and make all the difference if you need to act quickly.

Water Safety in Evacuated Areas

Some areas affected by the fires are now under advisories to boil water before using it, due to the risk of contamination from debris. As of this writing, this includes neighborhoods like Pasadena and Pacific Palisades. If you’re in one of these zones, it’s best to avoid drinking tap water until officials confirm it’s safe.

What to Do If You Think You’ve Lost Your Home in the Los Angeles Fires (and You’re Insured)

Losing your home—or even suspecting that you might have—can be overwhelming and surreal. In these difficult moments, taking swift action can help protect your interests and ease the recovery process. Whether you have insurance or not, one of the first things you should do is reach out to your legal advisor so you can make informed choices with confidence.