Protect yourself from fire and smoke.

So far the fire alert continues in Los Angeles California, one of the most destructive in history, the Palisades fire is burning the coastal area between Malibu and Santa Monica and has already spread to more than 6,800 hectares without being contained, due to the intense winds of Santa Ana.

For that reason thousands of people are fleeing the deadly fires, surely you have seen the sad and other apocalyptic images of burning properties and impressive plumes of smoke throughout Los Angeles County.

At least five people are reported to have died in the fires and about 130,000 residents are under warnings or evacuation orders.

Cal Fire has advised residents impacted by the fires in LA not to wait until there is a fire near their home to make a plan of action.

Cal Fire suggests that you plan ahead and gives some steps you should take to prepare for a wildfire, the first is to tailor a plan to your household’s needs and make sure all family members are familiar with the details.

So it is important to designate an emergency meeting place outside your area, find several different escape routes from your route and your community, have a pet evacuation plan, designate an out-of-area contact, a friend or relative, in case local phone lines are jammed.

We should also develop and post a list of emergency contacts near your phone and in each emergency supply kit and teach your family how to safely turn off gas, electricity and water in an emergency.

According to the American Red Cross, keep an emergency supply kit on hand for each member of your family, which should include: one gallon of water per person/per day for at least three days, non-perishable food and food for your pet, first aid kit, chargers for electronic devices, flashlight and battery-powered radio, an extra set of car keys, credit cards or cash, and important family documents and contact numbers.

The American Red Cross suggests keeping each kit in a backpack and storing food and water separately.

The current situation in Los Angeles is critical and some county residents are facing dangerous conditions as the air is polluted and the water is unsafe, posing a threat in several areas, not just where the fires are burning.

An important recommendation at this time is to protect yourself from wildfire smoke, as symptoms of illness caused by an urban wildfire can begin with burning eyes and an itchy throat.

There is a risk of smoke intoxication so it is very important that if you do not have to be outdoors do not do it and if it is necessary to go out, do it with a jacket that protects you.

Remember that not only residents in the immediate area of wildfires should take precautions, but the nearby population as smoke toxins can travel for miles through the air and with the wind.

It is important to know that if you are at risk from wildfire smoke exposure, you should stay indoors as much as possible, if you must go outside, wear an N95 respirator, also check your HVAC system filters and use indoor air purifiers.

Also, when driving, activate your vehicle’s recirculation button to prevent outside air from entering.

Remember this is a dangerous situation so there are many toxins in the air and you and yours must protect yourself and yours.