Simple Steps to Stay Safe this Wildfire Season

Spanning more than 73-square-miles and surrounded by the San Gabriel and Santa Susana mountains, Santa Clarita is no stranger to the threat of wildfire. In 2024, California experienced over 8,000 individual wildfires, burning more than one million acres, which is equivalent to over 166,000 square miles. This year alone, our region witnessed the impact of the Hurst and Hughes Fires, which threatened communities near and around our City. To better protect our families, homes and property – especially as we approach peak fire season – it’s essential to stay alert, maintain defensible space around your home and have an emergency kit ready to go.
A key element to preparedness is staying informed. In the event of a large-scale incident, the City will activate its Emergency Website, SantaClaritaEmergency.com, to provide verified up-to-date information, including news, maps, evacuation orders and road closures. Residents are also encouraged to follow trusted sources like the City of Santa Clarita (@cityofsantaclarita), Los Angeles County Fire Department (@LACountyFD) and the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Stations (@SCVSheriff) on social media for real-time emergency updates.
Another tool for receiving updates is through Genasys ALERT, the County of Los Angeles’ official emergency notification system. Residents can download the free application and register their home address to receive location-based emergency alerts. Additionally, residents can also sign up for the City’s Nixle alerts by texting SCEMERGENCY to 888777 to receive real-time updates.
Beyond staying connected, physical preparation is essential. Create a defensible space around your home by clearing dead vegetation, trimming trees and removing flammable items near structures. These actions significantly improve a home’s chance of surviving a wildfire and help firefighters defend your property. To learn more about the levels of defensible space, visit LACounty.gov/RSG.
It is also important to have an emergency kit ready to go at all times. Include bottled water, non-perishable food, medications, chargers, flashlights, important documents and any pet supplies. Kits should be kept both at home and in your vehicle. Remember to also create an evacuation plan for your family. Ensure that everyone knows at least two ways out of your neighborhood in case one route is blocked, designate a safe location outside of your immediate area where all family members can regroup if separated and assign each member a task, whether it’s grabbing the emergency kit or helping with pets. For an entire emergency preparedness list, review the Los Angeles County Fire Department’s Ready! Set! Go! personal wildfire action plan by visiting LACounty.gov/RSG.
Preparedness is a shared responsibility – and one of the most powerful things we can do to protect what matters most. By staying alert, creating a defensible space and being prepared, you can help keep you and your family safe. For more preparedness tips, evacuation planning tools and downloadable checklists, visit SantaClarita.gov/Emergency or LACounty.gov/RSG.

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