Be Ready LA is a community-powered resource dedicated to helping Angelenos prepare for emergencies before they happen. From block-by-block neighborhood planning to step-by-step emergency checklists and wildfire safety guidance, our goal is to make preparedness simple, practical, and local. We translate best practices into clear actions you can take today—so Los Angeles is ready tomorrow.
What We Cover
Our coverage centers on four pillars of resilience: Neighborhood Plan, Emergency Checklist, Wildfire Safety, and Community Preparedness. Whether you’re organizing a street-level response plan, stocking your go-bag, hardening your home against embers, or training with neighbors, Be Ready LA offers actionable guidance tailored to the realities of Southern California.
How We Work
We combine lived experience with authoritative sources. Each guide is researched using official city, county, state, and federal resources, then reviewed for clarity and relevance to Los Angeles. We prioritize plain language, stepwise instructions, and checklists you can print or save on your phone. When recommendations change, we update our pages and note revisions so you always see the latest advice.
Our Mission
Our mission is to help every household in Los Angeles build confidence and capacity to respond to emergencies. We focus on readiness that is equitable, affordable, and doable—because preparedness should empower, not overwhelm.
Editorial Standards
Accuracy, objectivity, and transparency guide our work. We rely on primary sources whenever possible and cite them clearly. Content is reviewed by an editor for accuracy, readability, and relevance to Los Angeles conditions. We avoid sensationalism and prioritize safety-first guidance that is consistent with reputable agencies and local best practices.
Meet the Team
Maya Ortiz — Wildfire Safety & Emergency Checklist
Maya is a Southern California native and former wildfire public information liaison who has supported incident communications during peak fire seasons. She specializes in home hardening, defensible space, evacuation readiness, and stress-tested emergency kits. At Be Ready LA, she leads Wildfire Safety and Emergency Checklist content.
Ethan Park — Neighborhood Plan & Community Preparedness
Ethan is an urban planner and neighborhood council volunteer with experience facilitating block-level drills and mutual-aid networks. He focuses on mapping resources, coordinating neighbors, and building inclusive plans for multi-family and single-family homes. Ethan leads Neighborhood Plan and Community Preparedness guides.
Who We Serve
We serve residents of Los Angeles County—homeowners, renters, students, seniors, small business owners, and community organizers—across all neighborhoods and housing types. Our resources aim to be accessible for busy families, multilingual households, and those with limited budgets.
Get Involved
Preparedness is a team sport. Share our guides with neighbors, host a block meeting, or tell us what resources you need next. If you spot an error or have a tip to improve our checklists, contact us at Mail@bereadyla.org. Together, we can build a safer, more resilient Los Angeles—one block at a time.