By Aubrey Farkas Harris, JNS
Peace of mind comes with proper preparation, and this is especially true when faced with evacuation orders.
As a lifelong Angeleno, I’ve experienced a decent share of earthquakes, wildfires, El Niño weather events, Santa Ana winds, droughts and extreme heat. Nothing, however, has compared to the enormity and painful reckoning of the current wildfires and wind events displacing Southern California residents and destroying homes, communities and even synagogues. While this situation has been incredibly stressful, my training with Community Security Service (CSS) has provided me with critical tools to remain calm, prepared and focused during this crisis.
To date, the California fires have burned more than 40,000 acres and destroyed 15.467 structures, with 27 fatalities reported, according to the CAL FIRE official website.
Here are a few of the skills I’ve utilized in response to the fires this month:
Preparation is key
Peace of mind comes with proper preparation, and this is especially true when faced with evacuation orders. At the onset of the fires, I collected and packed cherished items and essentials, a habit reinforced by CSS training. Knowing what to grab in an emergency allowed me to act quickly and decisively. In chaotic situations, preparation is the key to maintaining clarity.
Situational awareness
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is the value of maintaining vigilance. During a crisis like this, knowing what’s happening around you can be the difference between safety and danger. Whether it’s watching wind directions that could spread a fire, keeping an eye on evacuation routes or identifying potentially unsafe behaviors such as looters and scam artists, paying attention to your environment is critical. CSS training has helped me hone this skill by teaching me how to detect cues and subtle behaviors that may indicate safety risks. In these moments, heightened awareness allowed me to make timely, informed decisions for myself and my family.
Remaining calm in crisis
Staying calm under pressure is key. Practicing skills and developing muscle memory has taught me how to manage high-stress situations effectively. By remaining calm, I was able to clearly communicate with my family and coordinate our evacuation, helping to ensure the safety of others.
Information security and privacy
In moments like these, many people turn to neighborhood WhatsApp groups to stay informed and connected. While these groups are helpful, they can also be a security risk if mismanaged. Protect personal information. Avoid sharing sensitive details, such as whether or not you’ve evacuated your home, and ensure that these groups remain private. If someone you don’t recognize joins, take the time to verify their connection to the neighborhood before granting access. Maintaining access control is crucial to safeguarding your community.
Relationships with law enforcement
One of the most valuable lessons I have learned in my work is the importance of building relationships with local law enforcement before a crisis occurs. First responders have come from across the country to help fight these fires, but I already know many of the officers and firefighters protecting my neighborhood. These longstanding relationships foster trust and collaboration, which is critical during emergencies.
Avoiding misinformation
In any crisis, rumors spread quickly. My training has emphasized the importance of relying on official sources for accurate information. Misinformation can lead to poor decisions, especially when lives are on the line. By following updates from reliable channels, I’ve been able to make informed, rational choices throughout this ordeal.
At CSS, we believe that preparation is empowerment. My experience with the fires in Los Angeles has reinforced that belief. To my fellow community members: Stay vigilant, stay safe and know that we are stronger when we are prepared together.
