Terrorism Preparedness > Proactive Actions

Protective actions are actions we take to safeguard our family members and ourselves from harm. The most common emergency protective actions are evacuation and shelter-in-place.

• Evacuation means to leave the area of actual or potential hazard.

• Shelter-in-place means to stay indoors. This includes additional precautions such as turning off air-conditioning, ventilation systems and closing all windows and doors.

• What should you do?:

• Remain calm. Think before you act.

• Be aware of your surroundings.

• Have a Family Preparedness Plan.

• Stay informed.

• If an evacuation is ordered, follow the instructions of local officials regarding evacuation routes and the location of shelters.

• If shelter-in-place is recommended, local officials will provide instructions on necessary actions.

• Do not leave your sheltered location or return to the evacuated area until it is deemed safe to do so by local officials.

This information is produced as part of the Emergency Survival Program (ESP). ESP is an awareness campaign designed to increase individual and home emergency preparedness. ESP was developed by the County of Los Angeles. The California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (OES), Southern California Edison, and representatives from Imperial, Inyo, Kern, Los Angeles, Mono, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura and Yuma counties assist in the development of campaign materials and in coordination of the campaign.

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Los Angeles Fire Department
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