Safety and emergencies in LA
911, urgent care versus the ER, earthquakes, wildfires and the scams aimed at tourists and newcomers alike. Read it calmly, then you'll know what to do.
911 and when to call it
911 is police, fire and ambulance. Call for immediate danger, an accident with injuries or a crime in progress. For non-emergencies (noise, theft after the fact) call LAPD non-emergency: 1-877-275-5273. An ambulance costs $1,000–3,000; for a non-life-threatening situation an Uber to a clinic is often faster and cheaper.
Urgent care versus the Emergency Room
Flu, a sprained ankle, a deep cut: go to an urgent care (e.g. Carbon Health, Exer, CVS MinuteClinic). Uninsured you'll pay $100–250 per visit. The ER is for life-threatening situations and quickly runs $2,000+. Tourist? Get travel insurance with worldwide cover; Dutch health insurance only reimburses Dutch rates.
Always ask whether the clinic is in-network with your insurance before treatment, or you may get a surprise bill.
Earthquakes
You rarely feel small quakes; a big one is rare but possible. Rule: Drop, Cover, Hold On: get down, get under a table, hold on. Don't run outside, don't stand in a doorway. Afterwards: check gas (smell something? turn it off, go outside), expect aftershocks. Install MyShake for a few seconds of advance warning. Living in LA? Keep water (one gallon per person per day, 3 days), a flashlight and a power bank ready.
Wildfires and heat
Fire season is roughly August–December, especially with Santa Ana winds. Check the Watch Duty app and the AQI (air quality) in your weather app; above 150 stay indoors. Evacuation zones are called 'Evacuation Warning' (get ready) and 'Evacuation Order' (leave now). For heat: Death Valley and Joshua Tree in summer only early morning, and always extra water in the car.
Street smarts
LA is largely safe, but never leave anything visible in the car (not even a charging cable): car break-ins are the most common crime. Skip Skid Row (Downtown, east of Main St). Don't walk alone in deserted areas at night; take an Uber. At the beach: don't leave belongings unattended and swim only near a staffed lifeguard tower (rip currents).
Scams you will encounter
Fake ESTA sites charging $80+ (official is $21, only via esta.cbp.dhs.gov). 'CD rappers' and 'monks' on Hollywood Blvd pushing a bracelet. Rentals on Craigslist/Facebook asking for a deposit before a viewing: never pay without keys in hand. Calls from 'the IRS' or 'SSA' threatening arrest: the government never calls for money. Toll texts ('you have an unpaid FasTrak fee'): delete.