As LA suffers through one of the worst natural disasters for the area, there are some things you can do right now:
- Leave. Staying in the area carries risk. If you have any possibility of leaving, do it. And in the future, whenever you’re wondering, “should I leave?” the answer is yes. An overabundance of caution is good. Go to a different state, or leave the country. Whatever you can manage. The air is toxic. The water probably is too.
- Prepare to leave. If you haven’t yet left, there’s a good chance you’ll have to at some point. Create an emergency plan and evacuation route for your household. Assemble an emergency supply kit with essentials like medications, important documents, and a change of clothes.
- Monitor the area. Apps like Watch Duty, IQAir, Paku and Zoom Earth are helpful in keeping up to date on air, evacuations and fires.
- Breathe better. Do not inhale outside if you can. It’s probably full of asbestos and other carcinogens. If you have to be outside, wear a really really good mask. KN95 or N95. And get HEPA filters for every room. Seal your home if you’re sticking around.
- Set up your sprinklers. There’s a small chance you could save your house.