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Maya Ortiz

Maya Ortiz is an urban resilience planner and wildfire mitigation specialist with fifteen years designing neighborhood hazard plans and defensible-space programs across Southern California. Based in Los Angeles, California, she has led community-driven neighborhood plan development for high-risk foothill communities, authored municipal guidance on home hardening and fuel reduction, and coordinated multi-agency wildfire exercises. Her expertise includes neighborhood evacuation routing, vegetation management, and community risk assessment. Recognized by the Los Angeles County Office of Emergency Management, Maya consults with city councils and neighborhood councils.

Fire-Resistant Plants Perfect for Los Angeles Landscaping (1)
Community Preparedness

Fire-Resistant Plants Perfect for Los Angeles Landscaping

As wildfire seasons grow longer and more intense, residents across Los Angeles are seeking practical ways to protect their homes while keeping their gardens ...

Maya Ortiz
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Fire-Resistant Plants Perfect for Los Angeles Landscaping
Wildfire Safety

Fire-Resistant Plants Perfect for Los Angeles Landscaping

With wildfire seasons growing longer and hotter, Los Angeles homeowners are increasingly turning to fire-resistant landscaping as a way to protect their properties while ...

Maya Ortiz
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Checklist for Parents Keeping Kids Safe in Emergencies at School
Emergency Checklist

Checklist for Parents: Keeping Kids Safe in Emergencies at School

Emergencies can happen at any time, and schools are not exempt from crises like earthquakes, wildfires, or lockdown situations. For Los Angeles parents, preparing ...

Maya Ortiz
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How Faith-Based Organizations Can Support Disaster Recovery in LA
Community Preparedness

How Faith-Based Organizations Can Support Disaster Recovery in LA

Los Angeles is no stranger to natural disasters, from earthquakes to wildfires, floods, and even civil unrest. In times of crisis, residents turn to ...

Maya Ortiz
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How to Prepare for Red Flag Warnings in the LA Foothills
Wildfire Safety

How to Prepare for Red Flag Warnings in the LA Foothills

Red Flag Warnings have become an all-too-familiar alert for residents of Los Angeles’s foothill communities. These warnings signal a combination of high temperatures, low ...

Maya Ortiz
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10 Things You Probably Forgot in Your LA Emergency Kit
Emergency Checklist

10 Things You Probably Forgot in Your LA Emergency Kit

When it comes to preparing for emergencies in Los Angeles, most residents think of water, flashlights, and batteries. But real preparedness goes beyond the ...

Maya Ortiz
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The Science Behind Ember-Resistant Vents and Why They Matter
Wildfire Safety

The Science Behind Ember-Resistant Vents and Why They Matter

Every wildfire season, embers—tiny, wind-driven pieces of burning material—are responsible for igniting homes even miles away from the main fire. For Los Angeles homeowners ...

Maya Ortiz
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Preparing a Pet-Friendly Emergency Kit for LA Households
Emergency Checklist

Preparing a Pet-Friendly Emergency Kit for LA Households

When disaster strikes, it’s not just people who need to be ready—our pets depend on us for their safety and well-being. Whether it’s an ...

Maya Ortiz
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How to Safely Store Propane and Fuel During LA’s Fire Season
Wildfire Safety

How to Safely Store Propane and Fuel During LA’s Fire Season

As Southern California’s dry months return, so does the risk of fast-moving wildfires. While most residents prepare by clearing vegetation and checking emergency kits, ...

Maya Ortiz
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How to Store Food and Water for Long-Term Emergencies in Los Angeles
Emergency Checklist

How to Store Food and Water for Long-Term Emergencies in Los Angeles

When emergencies strike—whether earthquakes, wildfires, or power outages—having a reliable supply of food and water can make all the difference. For residents of Los ...

Maya Ortiz
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