How can I protect my apartment before an evacuation?

January 7, 2025 8:19 PM

I may have to evacuate due to the fires in Los Angeles. I have already packed what I can pack. What can I do for the things I must leave behind? I'm on the second/third story of an apartment building. Thank you.
posted by The Adventure Begins to Grab Bag (14 answers total)

Take photos of the stuff for insurance purposes.
posted by moosetracks at 8:39 PM on January 7 [19 favorites]

Sorry you are going through this - if you have the time and means, try to put your garbage/compost outside and empty the fridge/freezer as much as practical. Many wildfire evacuees end up having to dispose of their fridges when they finally return to their homes.
posted by piyushnz at 8:41 PM on January 7 [11 favorites]

Try to clear things from halls/egress/windows/doors to make it easier for firefighters. If you have some plastic bags, see if you can protect some items from smoke/water with them.

Sorry you are going through this. Be safe.
posted by Toddles at 8:53 PM on January 7 [2 favorites]

When you're taking photos, get photos of the serial numbers of anything that has one. Sometimes insurance will give you guff and try to pay out for the cheaper model of something when you had the much more expensive model of it.
posted by Blue Jello Elf at 9:41 PM on January 7 [3 favorites]

Excellent suggestions here. I can only add to double bag small items you want to preserve (from water and smoke), wrap in blankets (woolen if you have them) and pack tightly into a chest, drawers, or cupboard in the interior of the house. Close (but don't lock) all the internal doors to contain heat and smoke and reduce airflow. Remove everything from around your windows - curtains, rugs, furniture - as heat can crack windows and let sparks inside and you want to give as little fuel as possible to them.

Also, don't wait to evacuate - people become stupid when they're scared and made dumb errors on the road. Get out ahead of the rush, drive carefully and do not take risks.

Best of luck. I've been in this sort of situation and it's terrifying, but you're prepping for a worst-case scenario and hopefully it won't come to that.
posted by ninazer0 at 10:22 PM on January 7 [7 favorites]

Response by poster: Unfortunately I had to evacuate right after I made this post so I wasn't able to do anything except lock windows and take some photos. Here's hoping I didn't need to do anything else.
posted by The Adventure Begins at 11:02 PM on January 7 [19 favorites]

Best of luck. I hope you're able to go back quickly.
posted by trig at 11:07 PM on January 7 [1 favorite]

Thinking of you, The Adventure Begins.
posted by rrrrrrrrrt at 11:19 PM on January 7 [3 favorites]

I'm glad you're safe and I hope you're one of the fortunate ones tonight. It doesn't look good.
posted by stormyteal at 11:21 PM on January 7

Sending you all the strength and luck.
posted by Zumbador at 3:05 AM on January 8 [1 favorite]

Glad you’re safe - that’s the big thing. Hang in there.
posted by warriorqueen at 3:37 AM on January 8 [1 favorite]

Wow! Sorry you are going on an adventure you didn't ask for.
Things are just things and most easily replaceable.
YOU are NOT replaceable. Glad you got
out in time.
posted by james33 at 5:25 AM on January 8 [5 favorites]

I’ve heard that in cases of fires and flooding/water that a dishwasher can help protect items from damage (particularly water damage).
posted by forkisbetter at 8:22 AM on January 8 [1 favorite]

Beams that all is well upon your return.
posted by 2soxy4mypuppet at 12:58 PM on January 8 [1 favorite]