SAFETY

FIRE SAFETY

Living in Brentwood, we get to enjoy beautiful hillsides, hiking trails, open spaces and native vegetation. We also have to be ever mindful that much of Brentwood is located in a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, and the risk of brush fire is ever present. Below is a series of links to useful information for both fire prevention and response.

Fire Prevention Videos
From Dr. Jack D. Cohen, Research Scientist, US Fire Service Rocky Mountain Research Station:

Defensible Space: A website compiling best practices for creating fire-wise homes and landscapes, from an initiative led by the Santa Monica Mountains Resource Conservation District:  defensiblespace.org

Evacuation Orders — Terminology: Cal OES (Governor’s Office of Emergency Services) definitions as of May 2020:  Evacuation Orders

Fire Danger Level

Fire danger is ranked based on a series of scientific criteria into five categories: Low, Moderate, High, Very High and Extreme. On days of Extreme Fire Danger, your Los Angeles Fire Department may pre-deploy resources at select Neighborhood Fire Stations in-and-near areas prone to wildfire. 

Red Flag Status

Red Flag weather conditions mean that humidity is very low (usually below 15%) and winds exceed 25 mph. When a Red Flag Warning or Alert has been issued, there is a greater possibility for communities to experience power outages and brush fires to spread rapidly. Special parking restrictions may exist on certain narrow streets in brush areas during “Red Flag Alert” conditions. To determine the current Red Flag Alert Parking Restriction status within the City of Los Angeles, please call 311 or visit: http://lafd.org/redflag.

Safer From Wildfires

See this helpful presentation from California Department of Insurance: Click Here

Don’t Forget Your Pets. Click Here

There are steps to take when planning for your pets’ safety as well. View this helpful sheet with pet safety tips: Click Here

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

None of us should wait until we are faced with an emergency. Being prepared is critical to minimizing the consequences from an emergency or natural disaster. Below are a series of links to resources so you will be prepared if a natural disaster strikes.

  • Your Family Plan. Create one and review it with your entire family. A good family plan template is available through the Red Cross here.

  • What will you need? Choose a List

  • NotifyLA – Sign up now - it is important to receive alerts from the City and our first responders if there is an emergency.  Click the link to NotifyLA or text 90049 to 888777 to receive emergency alerts from the City of LA.

  • Your neighbors may well be your first responders in the event of an emergency.
    Emergency services will be there, but perhaps not immediately. There should be a neighborhood plan to respond in a crisis. Some things to consider:

    • Use RYLAN as a tool to organize your neighborhood

    • Does everyone have a list of phone numbers?

    • Do you have a FRS/Ham radio network?

    • Where will you meet? Who is not safe and will need help?

    • Consider enrolling in a Certified Emergency Response Training program. Courses are offered frequently throughout the year at nearby fire stations. Learn more here: LAFD CERT.

  • Tips and Tricks – Ideas that are not on the usual lists.

    CRIME SAFETY INFORMATION FROM OUR LAPD

    Brentwood is generally regarded as a safe neighborhood, but that does not mean we are immune from crime. There are measures we may all take to help protect our property, car, and self from crime. Below are links to some useful materials from our LAPD.

  • Burglary Alert from 8/23/2024

  • BHA/BCC Handout from 2024 Home Security and Crime Prevention Fair

  • Home Burglary Prevention Tips

  • LAPD Burglary Alert

  • Home Security Checklist - a useful guide to check your home, condominium or apartment for safety measures.

  • Make your car unattractive to thieves. We have several tips to share from LAPD:

    • If you are a Tesla owner, activate Sentry mode on your car. Your car just may catch a crime in progress, including to your car.

    • Catalytic converters: have your vehicle’s VIN etched on the converter. LAPD occasionally sponsors these etchings. You may also want to install a plate lock over the converter, or have your catalytic converter painted a bright color.

    • As simple as it sounds, lock your car, keep your car keys with you and not in the car, and do not leave any belongings visible in the car.

      EARTHQUAKES

      We live in a City that shakes, rattles and rolls. Be prepared for earthquakes. Practice the Seven Steps to Earthquake Safety from Earthquake Country Alliance (learn more at: sevensteps):

    • Secure Your Space - identify hazards, secure moveable items

    • Plan to be Safe - create an emergency plan

    • Organize Emergency Supplies - keep in a convenient location

    • Minimize Financial Hardship - organize important documents, strengthen your property, consider insurance

    • Drop, Cover and Hold On! - if you feel shaking or get an alert

    • Improve Safety - evacuate if necessary, help the injured, prevent further injuries or damage

    • Reconnect and Restore - reunite with others, repair damage, rebuild community

      You may also download the MyShake app to receive early earthquake alerts. Learn more about MyShake here: earthquake alert