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.

weather Jan 18

Safety Tips to Know When Winds Pick Up in Southern California

Fire danger is not the only hazard we have to concern ourselves with during high winds and red flag warnings. Strong winds can cause considerable damage on their own, even without fires.

christmas trees Dec 28, 2020

Need Some Motivation to Remove Your Christmas Tree? Here Are Some Fire Facts
Wildfires Nov 5, 2020

After the Fire: What to Know When It Rains in Wildfire Burn Areas

Wildfires Oct 29, 2020

Blue Ridge and Silverado Fires Update: Preparing for Evacuations

Strong and shifting winds whipped up flames from two SoCal wildfires. Chief Sam Digiovanna had an update.
fires Oct 7, 2020

Fire Prevention Week: Serving Up Safety in the Kitchen

The National Fire Protection Association, the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week for more than 95 years, has announced “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen as the theme for Fire Prevention Week....
California Wildfires Sep 29, 2020

What Fall Heat and Fire Danger Mean for California

Fall is historically one of the most dangerous times of the year for wildfires in California. Video broadcast Tuesday Sept. 29, 2020 on Today in LA.
Fire Danger Sep 6, 2020

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 6, 2020

Protecting Your House From Embers and Other Fire Dangers

A few tips to protect your home from brush fires. Video broadcast Sunday Sept. 6, 2020 on Today in LA.
weather Sep 3, 2020

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

Temperatures will soar this weekend for a widespread part of Southern California. So, how are you going to stay cool? Ice cubes, Ice cream or Ice water are certainly what we need with the heat wave It is important to keep your cool during this dangerous hot spell, and here are some suggestions. Heat Tips Stay hydrated! The more hydrated…...
Wildfires Sep 1, 2020

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, 2020

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 you are told to evacuate. Decide in advance where you would go in case you can’t return home for weeks or months. Inspect: Look around home...
Wildfires Aug 2, 2020

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 are near a wildfire, you may be asked to evacuate. Here are some things you should know if you find yourself in that situation: When should I leave?&#8...
Fire Danger Jul 4, 2020

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, 2020

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, 2020

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, 2020

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, 2020

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, 2020

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, 2020

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 ...
SoCal Weather May 5, 2020

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 ...

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