With the Santa Ana winds lashing through Southern California, the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) is stepping up to offer some straight-talk advice to locals looking to stay safe in the gusty conditions. The department is cautioning everyone to be particularly wary of fire hazards. Residents, especially those in areas where wildfires are a persistent threat, should avoid using anything that could spark a fire during high winds, such as outdoor grills and power tools.

In a recent bulletin, LAFD warned residents that even a well-hydrated terrain could become a tinderbox if exposed to potent winds. "Strong winds compound wildfire danger," urged the department, encouraging locals living near dry vegetation to keep an eagle eye out for signs of wildfires and to ring up 9-1-1 at the first sighting of smoke or flames.

But the advice doesn't stop there. The LAFD is also pushing for residents to be extra cautious when hitting the road, especially if traffic lights are knocked out by potentially downed power lines. "Drivers should use extreme caution when approaching darkened traffic signals," the department stressed, urging people to treat traffic signals without power as a four-way stop.

Apart from bracing up against the wind, the firefighters have also advised in strongly discouraging terms the use of candles or fire pits during such gusty conditions. The department has also reminded folks to “fully charge your cell phone, check your flashlights, portable radios and spare batteries” in preparation for possible power outages. They emphasized the importance of avoiding cooking or heating indoors with devices meant for outdoor use, to mitigate the risks of electrical shock and carbon monoxide poisoning when power gets snuffed out.

For those determined to safeguard their homestead, the LAFD suggests securing loose items that could be swept away or turned into projectiles by vigorous wind gusts, and eliminating flammable materials from the perimeter of their homes. When venturing into the tempest outside, they recommend donning sturdy eyewear and keeping a lookout for unstable trees and debris. "If you must get behind the wheel," LAFD counsels, "Heads Up, Easy on the Throttle and Expect the Unexpected!" as per LAFD official website.

For the full range of wind safety tips and to stay updated on the latest warnings and advisories, visit the LAFD's news section at lafd.org.