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(Editor’s Note: The International Myeloma Foundation has offered its Los Angeles headquarters in Studio City, CA as a temporary shipping location for life-saving medications and treatments for myeloma patients who have been displaced and impacted by the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles County. More information and details in the blog below.) 

As we all await with hope for the wildfires in Southern California to be completely extinguished, the International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) is working full force to provide much-needed support and assistance to myeloma patients who are residing in Los Angeles County and have been heavily impacted by this ongoing disaster.  

 

Having presence of mind and following evacuation orders are a must during these challenging and difficult times. Here are some helpful information and tips on emergency and evacuation preparedness, as well as emergency preparation specific to myeloma patients.  

Ready, Set, Go! 

According to the California Department of Forestry & Fire Protection (CALFIRE), “In California, wildfires are not a matter of ‘if’ but ‘when.’ 

“Living near California’s natural areas means facing a higher chance of wildfires. Knowing how to prepare is key to keeping your home and family safe,” states CALFIRE’s website which shares an important 3-step wildfire preparation plan. 


    1. Get Ready – This means protecting your homes from wildfires through “hardening and shaping a safety zone around it.”  This is your first line of defense against wildfires. 
 

  • Hardening your home essentially means: 

    ◦    Preventing flames from touching your home 
    ◦    Protecting your home from the heat 
    ◦    Blocking flying embers 

  • Creating defensible space around your home serves as “a vital barrier against wildfires.” By freeing this defensible area of flammable materials and vegetation, the risk of fire reaching your property is significantly lowered. 
  • Selecting and incorporating fire-resistant plants in your landscaping will help enhance your home’s wildfire defense. Doing so provides an extra layer of protection to your home while adding aesthetic value at the same time. 

 
    2. Get Set – This means preparing both your home and family for potential evacuation through: 

  • Building a wildfire action plan which includes detailing evacuation routes, emergency contacts, and safety procedures. Every family member should understand this action plan and be ready to implement it swiftly when a wildfire threat is imminent.  
  • Preparing your family through a family-specific evacuation plan which includes children and pets. Practice this plan regularly to ensure that family members and pets can evacuate safely during a wildfire emergency. 
  • Packing a ‘Go Bag’ for each family member with all the necessary supplies and essentials such as water, food, medications, and important documents. 

 
    3. Go! – This means being ready to leave at a moment’s notice to increase your chance of survival. To be fully prepared, follow the CALFIRE’s structured evacuation guide

  1. Review Evacuation Plan checklist – Keep your checklist updated with important info (i.e., where to meet, who to call, and how to leave safely). 
  2. Monitor wildfire updates – Know your community’s emergency response plan, evacuation orders, and evacuation centers. 
  3. Put ‘Go Bag’ in the car – Keep an emergency supply kit in your car so you’ll be ready to go at any time. It should include essentials such as water, snacks, a first aid kit, and important documents.  
  4. Wear the right clothes – To protect yourself from a wildfire, wear clothes that cover your skin (100% cotton is best) such as long pants and tops, as well as protective shoes to help guard you against heat and sparks. 
  5. Get pets ready to evacuate – Plan for your pets and their safety. Include carriers, food, and water for them in your Go Bag. 

 

As a myeloma patient, what should I prepare in case of an emergency? 

To prepare for an emergency, consider the following steps: 

1. Discuss backup plans with your doctor.

  • Ask your doctor what to do if you can’t make it to a scheduled treatment 
  • Determine if you should continue medications for an extra week, if needed 
  • Get guidance on how to handle potential treatment interruptions 

 

2. Have essential medications readily available. Keep an adequate supply of your regular medications.

  • Ask your doctor about having antibiotics on hand for emergencies 
  • Ensure you have any other critical medications accessible 

 

3. Create an emergency kit.

  • Include necessary medical supplies and equipment 
  • Pack extra water and non-perishable food 
  • Add important documents like medical records and insurance information 
  • Keep an ample supply of N95 masks (or better) as air quality may be severely affected by a wildfire 

 

4. Maintain a list of emergency contacts.

  • Include your healthcare team’s contact information 
  • Add contact details for a covering doctor or emergency facility 
  • List family members or friends who can assist you 

 

5. Plan for potential disruptions.

  • Identify alternative transportation options 
  • Consider backup power sources for medical equipment 
  • Have a plan for medication storage if power is lost 

 

6. Stay informed about local conditions.

  • Monitor weather forecasts and emergency alerts 
  • Be aware of potential impacts on your area 

 

7. Establish a support network.

  • Identify friends, family, or neighbors who can help in an emergency 
  • Connect with local myeloma groups or the IMF for additional assistance 

 

8. Keep important items easily accessible.

  • Have a Go Bag ready with all your essentials 
  • Store important documents in a waterproof, portable container  

 

Is the IMF providing assistance to myeloma patients affected by the L.A. wildfires? 

The IMF has opened its Los Angeles headquarters at 4400 Coldwater Canyon Ave., Suite 300, Studio City, CA 91604 as a temporary shipping location for vital medications and treatments for myeloma patients who have been displaced by the wildfires in Los Angeles County.  

All myeloma patients based in Los Angeles County who need assistance to ensure timely receipt of their medications and treatments may reach out to the IMF by calling 1(818) 487-7455 or by emailing  [email protected].  

The IMF is here to help coordinate and provide a secure location to receive your vital treatments during this challenging time. Contact us for more information and details.  
  

What should I do in case of a power outage? 

Power outages are common during wildfires and other natural disasters. Here are a few additional tips to stay safe and prepared during a power outage: 

  • Learn manual operation for garage doors or gates, in case there is no power. 
  • Understand utility controls for electricity, water, and gas to safely manage them. 
  • Build an Emergency Supply Kit with essentials such as water, coolers, non-perishable food, manual can opener, current medications, battery-operated radio, durable flashlights, extra batteries, and phone chargers. 
  • Keep vehicles ready by maintaining at least half a tank of gas. 
  • Create a safety plan by being prepared and ready to evacuate during the night and having a clear plan for your family and pets during emergencies. 
  • Know generator use and safety by understanding your generator’s safety guidelines and proper installation. 
  • Stay connected by always having a charged cellphone ready for emergencies. Keep up with the latest info from your local and state authorities. 

 

When should my family evacuate during a wildfire? 

When fire officials start advising evacuation, it’s best to leave at the soonest time so you can avoid danger and help keep roads clear for firefighters.  

  • Stay informed by listening to local radio and TV for updates from authorities. Potential evacuations will be advised as early as possible. 
  • Fire officials will decide when and where to evacuate based on fire, wind, and terrain. 
  • Law enforcement will enforce evacuation orders. Follow their directions right away. 
  • Evacuation Order and Warning will alert you on the extent and immediacy of the danger. “Precautionary” and “immediate threat” are terms which may be used as well. 
  • Act quickly because there is no time to waste during severe wildfires. Do not delay when advised to leave. 
  • There is no need to wait for orders. It’s always safer to evacuate before a mandatory order is issued. 
  • Stay alert as you may be directed to assemble in temporary areas to await transfer to a safe location. 
  • Stay put to help firefighters. Do not return to your home until fire officials declare that it is safe to do so. 

 

When is it safe to return home? 

Awareness of hazards is crucial. Before returning home, make sure to: 

  • Wait for clearance and only go home when it has been declared safe. 
  • Watch for dangers such as downed power lines and other hazards. 
  • Exercise caution when checking gas lines and propane tanks. 

 

What should I do, in case I get trapped? 

At home

  • Keep calm 
  • Gather your family members 
  • Call 911 using your cellphone 
  • Fill sinks and tubs with cold water 
  • Keep doors and windows closed but unlocked 
  • Keep away from outside walls and windows and stay inside 

In your vehicle  

  • Stay calm 
  • Park in an area that is clear of vegetation 
  • Close all vehicle windows and vents 
  • Cover up with a wool blanket or jacket 
  • Lie on the vehicle floor 
  • Call 911 using your cellphone 

On foot 

  • Stay calm 
  • Move to a clear area, such as a ditch or flat ground 
  • Lie face down and cover your body 
  • Call 911 using your cellphone 

      
These are only some basic but essential tips for emergency and evacuation preparedness during wildfires.  

For more up-to-date and specific information in your area, get real-time updates and alerts from GenASys Protect and the Watch Duty App. Please be aware of evacuation warnings and quickly respond to evacuation orders for your safety.   

The IMF is truly grateful for all the frontliners and firefighters who are tirelessly protecting Los Angeles County residents 24/7 from the wildfires.   

Keep safe and stay vigilant! 
 

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