DON’T use matches, candles, or oil lamps, especially right after the quake. Aftershocks are coming and they could cause candles or oil lamps to fall, causing fires. Immediately after an earthquake there is the danger of natural gas or propane leaks and any source of flame could cause an explosion.

• Flashlight or battery-operated lantern for the home (plus EXTRA batteries and ROTATE them)

• Flashlight/ penlight for personal use

• Power failure lights (the type left plugged into the wall)

• Chemical light sticks (very SAFE light source)

• Gas/propane lanterns (plus MANTLES, MATCHES, FUEL) protect these lamps from falling or being knocked over during aftershocks.

• Portable electric generator (plus FUEL). Remember, light requires little energy from a generator. A 200-watt light bulb will light a camp well enough to read by. Creating heat or cold require large amounts of electricity. Your hair dryer probably requires 1500 watts of output to run. So purchase your generator with sufficient power for your needs. Or plan your appliances according to your generator's output.

For additional assistance, feel free to contact the Los Angeles Fire Department's Disaster Preparedness Section.

Los Angeles Fire Department
Disaster Preparedness Unit
5021 North Sepulveda Boulevard
Sherman Oaks, CA 91403 USA

Telephone: (818) 756-9674
           Fax: (818) 756-9681