Senior Lead Officer Brian Espin sent out the most common queries he has received and the answers:
- Can my contractor or insurance adjuster go to my property to do an assessment or make repairs?
Once an area is open to repopulate, it is for residents only with proof of residency for the first 24 hrs. After the 24 hour mark, the area is open to anyone as would be a normal day.
- Can friends or family go with me to my property?
For the first 24 hours it is only for residents. Friends or family can go with you in the same vehicle, multiple vehicles are not allowed. Only one vehicle per proof of residency.
- I need to check on my pets and or water my plants on my property.
To water your plants or maintain property you will have to wait until your area has been cleared for repopulation. To check on pets you will need to contact LA animal control services to request a animal check and or collect the animals. 213-270-8155
- Can I get an escort into my home to secure personal property (valuables) or safes?
We have been given explicit directions from the Unified Command Post to restrict escorts into the evacuation area as there are still emergency / utility personnel still actively working. If you have contracted with a security company in the Palisades, I recommend reaching out to them to check and or secure whatever valuable property possibly still remaining or need to be secured.
- I have seen neighbors posting pictures or messaging that they are back into their .
I know there have been people getting into the area using many channels (press, private security, hitching a ride with utility Co). There are so many different entry points into the Palisades it is difficult to manage or catch every single person sneaking in. We are doing our best to monitor the area.
- Is the area safe to move back into or sift through the rubble?
Once an area has been repopulated that means it was inspected by utilities and deemed safe to enter. There are still potential hazards throughout the Palisades, so you need to be very mindful of your surroundings. This includes wearing a mask for possible particulates in the area.
Palisades Senior Lead Officer said, “I am hearing that some people are getting conflicting information of when they are allowed to repopulate into the area. Please only check the Cal Fire genasys website for the exact zones and visible map of the area. I will also send out an email with neighborhood information and do my best to translate the fire map.”
I have been saying to everyone on days one and 2 I did not see a single firefighter spraying water. I begged several to use neighbors pool pumps or even the hose to the house to put out spot fires. Each time I was told they were to stay in place. I saw hoses getting hooked up to hydrants and water coming out, no not at normal psi velocity but enough to put out spot fires even in the horrendous winds……..