Hidden Hills

Wildfire Preparedness

Wildfire

Wildfires are unpredictable and can spread rapidly, posing significant risks to lives, homes, and communities. Emergency preparedness is key—create defensible space around your property, stay informed about fire conditions, and have an evacuation plan ready. Taking proactive steps can help protect your family and property during wildfire events.

Ways to prepare for a wildfire:

  • Protect yourself using the LA County Fire Department’s Ready! Set! Go! Personal Wildfire Action Plan.
  • Harden your home by maintaining defensible space around your property. Removing dry vegetation, trim trees, and space landscaping to prevent the possibility of flying embers causing fire spread. For information on annual brush clearance requirements, visit: fire.lacounty.gov/fire-hazard-reduction-programs.
  • Safeguard structures by using fire-resistant materials. Invest in fire-resistant roofing, siding, and decking materials for custom-built or architecturally unique homes. Apply fire retardant treatments to wood structures like gazebos, pergolas, and guest houses.
  • Use automated irrigation systems to keep landscaping and outdoor areas hydrated during high-risk fire conditions. Protect high-value outdoor structures like cabanas, outdoor kitchens, and pools by clearing flammable materials around them.
  • Prepare your family and home in case of evacuation. Keep a working fire extinguisher on hand in an easily accessible location and train your family on how to use it. Install smoke alarms on each level of your home, and be sure to check them regularly and develop a comprehensive evacuation plan
  • Install whole-home generators to maintain power for critical systems during outages caused by wildfires. Pair solar panels with battery storage to ensure continued operation of security systems and appliances during evacuations.
  • Train household staff to identify fire risks, implement evacuation procedures, and manage emergency communications during a wildfire. Equip staff with fire extinguishers and teach them how to protect high-value items during an emergency.
  • Photograph and inventory high-value assets for insurance purposes, including artwork, collectibles, and jewelry. Use fireproof safes or off-site storage for irreplaceable items like documents and heirlooms.
  • Ensure long driveways are clear of overhanging vegetation to facilitate emergency vehicle access.
  • Review insurance policies to ensure adequate coverage for high-value homes and properties, including rare materials or custom construction. Maintain “loss-of-use” insurance for temporary relocation during wildfire events.

Here are essential wildfire preparedness tips for horse owners and boarders to protect their animals:

  1. Develop a Wildfire Evacuation Plan
    • Identify multiple evacuation routes in case one is blocked by fire.
    • Pre-arrange transportation, including trailers and drivers, for all your horses.
    • Establish a backup location to house your horses, such as fairgrounds, equestrian centers, or a friend’s ranch.
  2. Keep Identification Ready
    • Ensure horses have permanent identification, like microchips, tattoos, or brands.
    • Attach temporary identification to halters or braid information (name, phone number, and address) into their manes or tails using tags or duct tape.
  3. Maintain Emergency Supplies
    • Prepare a horse emergency kit, including water buckets, feed, medications, halters, lead ropes, and first-aid supplies.
    • Store enough feed and water for at least three days in a location that is easy to access during an emergency.
  4. Prepare the Property
    • Create defensible space around barns and paddocks by clearing dry vegetation and debris.
    • Use fire-resistant materials for barn construction when possible.
    • Maintain gates and fencing to facilitate quick evacuation.
  5. Practice Evacuation Drills
    • Train horses to load into trailers quickly and calmly.
    • Familiarize them with haltering and handling during stressful situations.
  6. Coordinate with Neighbors and Authorities
    • Work with neighbors to create a community evacuation plan.
    • Register with local emergency management or animal services for evacuation assistance.
  7. Plan for Shelter in Place (if evacuation isn’t possible)
    • Confine horses in a large, cleared pasture or arena without overhead power lines or trees.
    • Avoid keeping horses locked in barns, as they can become trapped.

Los Angeles Emergency Preparedness Foundation

The Los Angeles Emergency Preparedness Foundation (LAEPF) is a privately funded organization dedicated to supporting the City and County of Los Angeles in disaster preparedness, risk mitigation, crisis management, and long-term resiliency.

Hidden Hills residents can take advantage of free Home Ignition Zone assessments offered by the foundation to help prevent wildfire-related structure loss. Additionally, the City of Hidden Hills is proud to be one of only seven cities in Los Angeles County selected to participate in the foundation’s Community Brigade.

For more information on the Community Brigade or to sign up for a Home Ignition Zone Assessment, click HERE.

Helpful contacts:

Southern California Edison may activate a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) within LA County. For detailed updates on Public Safety Power Shutoffs, please visit https://www.sce.com/safety/wildfire/psps.

For additional tips and resources on how to prepare for a wildfire, visit ready.lacounty.gov. Please visit alert.lacounty.gov to register for emergency alerts.