Check With Chief Sam

Sam DiGiovanna is a 35-year fire service veteran. He started with the Los Angeles County Fire Department, served as fire chief at the Monrovia Fire Department and currently serves as Chief at the Verdugo Fire Academy in Glendale.

Fire Danger Sep 6

How to Protect Your Home Against Extreme Heat, Fire Danger

Fire Chief Sam Digiovanna advises people to clear any debris that may catch fire at least 30 feet from their home, and to leave out hoses and ladders so that they’re easily accessible to firefig...

Wildfires Sep 1

Chief Sam Has the Scoop on Life-Saving Firefighting Planes

SuperScoopers have arrived to help fight fires in California. Here’s how the operate.
Wildfires Aug 21

After the Fires: Preparing for the Slide Dangers and Flooding

Hillsides stripped of vegetation are prone to slides that can carry trees and other debris. Here are some tips from Chief Sam. Be prepared to evacuate. Listen to local authorities and leave if y...
Wildfires Aug 2

Wildfires FAQ: When It's Time to Evacuate, Remember These Tips

Southern California is facing triple-digit heat this weekend and heightened concerns about the rapid spread of brush fires. Residents should be prepared and have plans set in place. If by chance you a...
Fire Danger Jul 4

Chief Sam on Illegal Fireworks, Fire Safety and the Dangerous Combo of Hand Sanitizer and Fire

Hand sanitizer and fire are a dangerous combo. Mekahlo Medina and Michelle Valles spoke with Chief Sam on Today in LA on Saturday, July 4, 2020.

illegal fireworks Jul 4

Chief Sam Breaks Down the Risks of Illegal Fireworks

Illegal fireworks calls are up more than 300 percent since last year. Michael Brownlee spoke with Chief Sam DiGiovanna about the risks of illegal fireworks on the NBC4 News at 5 p.m. on Friday, July 3, 2020.
Independence Day Jul 2

Fourth of July Safety: What to Know in a Year Without Large-Scale Holiday Events

With Covid-19 forcing cancellation of large-scale events, many of the nation’s public fireworks displays and Fourth of July parades have been called off for 2020. Unfortunately, this will increase the use of more dangerous and deadly illegal fireworks as well as the “safe and sane” fireworks that many community organizations will be supp...
Wildfires Jun 11

How to Protect the Most Vulnerable Parts of Your Home From Wildfires

Several brush fires have burned this week on Southern California hillsides as temperatures rise and humidity levels drop, stark reminders of the threat posed to neighborhoods by fast-moving wildfires. Residents should be prepared for a continued threat from wildfires as we enter the hot and dry summer months. Below are some ways you can harde...
safety Jun 5

Caught in the Middle of Civil Unrest: Safety Tips

Like any type of incident, preparedness is key. Knowing you and your family is prepared and safe will bring peace of mind. Here are some tips if you find yourself in the middle of civil unrest and are concerned for your safety. Before hitting the road, keep informed on conditions through news and your own agency. If you become...
Memorial Day May 21

Memorial Day Safety: Some Things to Keep in Mind to Stay Safe This Weekend

Though many places will remain under quarantine due to the coronavirus, that won’t stop families from enjoying Memorial Day weekend. Below, you’ll find some tips and reminders to keep everyone safe. Travel Safety Buckle up, slow down, don’t drive impaired. Be well rested, alert and patient; give your full attention to the road. Do not t...
Hiking May 13

The Dos and Don'ts in Rattlesnake Country

California has entered Phase II of its COVID-19 recovery plan where businesses will begin to slowly open. The same with many of our local, county and state parks for recreational use such as hiking. There’s another type of social distancing that most everyone will adhere to — snakes. Recent rains have provided snakes the opportunity to ...
Heat Wave May 5

Feeling the Heat? Here's Your Hot Weather Health Safety Guide

April 2020 was one of the warmest Aprils on record in Southern California. Downtown LA temperatures stayed in the 90s for three straight days this month, which ranks as the 10th warmest April on record. With even warmer months ahead, here are some tips to avoid heat-related health problems. If available, stay in an air-conditioned area ...
California Wildfires May 5

Spring Rain and Heat Add Up to Heavy Vegetation Growth and a Potentially Explosive Fire Season

Recent rains and now rising temperatures will promote fuel growth throughout California, adding up to an explosive fire season. But while firefighters focus on the national emergency, there is another deadly danger ready to spread – wildfire. Wildfire season is around the corner, and COVID-19 creates even more challenges for the fire service, requi...
Wildfires May 5

Q&A: Wildfire Evacuation Tips in a Time of Social Distancing

Wildfire Preparedness Week started Monday, but this year, getting ready for preparing, training and educating Californians may be a challenge. The concern is how to safely stage mass evacuations in a time of social distancing. Shelter locations will be limited, so fire departments are asking people to take action now to keep fires from getting out ...
Wildfires May 4

What to Know: Major Concerns About This Year's Wildfire Season

Record high temperatures in some locations are fueling the start to this year’s fire season. More warm temperatures are expected this week, and late rains prompted additional fuel growth – primarily “light grassy fuels” which move very quickly. There are several big concerns this year: Large scale base camp locations for firefighters. T...
California Wildfires May 4

Sixty Minutes of Work or Six Weeks Sifting Through the Ashes? Reducing the Spread of Wildfires

With recent rains and temperatures spiking, we can expect significant growth of light flashy fuels that burn quickly during Southern California’s wildfires. This is early evidence that shows we are looking at another significant and early wildfire season. Now is the time to get a head start on clearing your property before things really ...
mental health May 3

May Is Mental Health Awareness Month: What to Know

The COVID-19 pandemic has likely brought many changes to how you live your life, and with it uncertainty, altered daily routines, financial pressures and social isolation. You may worry about getting sick, how long the pandemic will last and what the future will bring. Information overload, rumors and misinformation can make your life feel out of c...

Continuing Coverage

Check With Chief Sam

How to Protect Your Home Against Extreme Heat, Fire Danger

Protecting Your House From Embers and Other Fire Dangers

Warm Weather Tips: Your Stay-Cool Strategy for Extreme Heat

Chief Sam Has the Scoop on Life-Saving Firefighting Planes

After the Fires: Preparing for the Slide Dangers and Flooding

Wildfires FAQ: When It's Time to Evacuate, Remember These Tips

Chief Sam on Illegal Fireworks, Fire Safety and the Dangerous Combo of Hand Sanitizer and Fire

Chief Sam Breaks Down the Risks of Illegal Fireworks

Fourth of July Safety: What to Know in a Year Without Large-Scale Holiday Events

How to Protect the Most Vulnerable Parts of Your Home From Wildfires

Caught in the Middle of Civil Unrest: Safety Tips

Memorial Day Safety: Some Things to Keep in Mind to Stay Safe This Weekend

The Dos and Don'ts in Rattlesnake Country

Feeling the Heat? Here's Your Hot Weather Health Safety Guide

Spring Rain and Heat Add Up to Heavy Vegetation Growth and a Potentially Explosive Fire Season

Q&A: Wildfire Evacuation Tips in a Time of Social Distancing

What to Know: Major Concerns About This Year's Wildfire Season

Sixty Minutes of Work or Six Weeks Sifting Through the Ashes? Reducing the Spread of Wildfires

May Is Mental Health Awareness Month: What to Know

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