Los Angeles Fire Department
Emergency Preparedness Guide
The Emergency Preparedness Division of the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) needed a functional, accessible guide for Los Angeles County residents to enhance emergency preparedness. In close collaboration with LAFD stakeholders and community members, we conducted extensive visual and qualitative research to inform the design process. After evaluating different options, we determined that an infographic-based framework would be the most effective approach.
The guide was designed with a focus on clarity and quick comprehension. Using an information design approach, we incorporated icons, symbols, and simplified language to facilitate rapid reading and better retention. This made the content more accessible to a diverse audience, ensuring that essential information could be easily understood and remembered. Each page followed a consistent color scheme and icon-based system, ensuring visual coherence and easy navigation.
The goal was to create a resource that residents could quickly skim to find critical information in an emergency. The guide covers essential steps for becoming self-sufficient after a disaster, as well as preparing for, responding to, and recovering from major emergencies. Stakeholder discussions also led to the decision to design each page for adaptability across multiple formats, such as flyers, posters, and training presentations. This flexibility allows the content to be repurposed into downloadable PDFs, extending its reach and making it available to agencies, businesses, and community members.
By combining clear, actionable information with user-friendly design, the final product equips residents to respond effectively in emergencies and fosters a better-prepared community.
Original Emergency Survival guide
Qualitative Research
Theoretical design Concept
Theoretical Design Concept
Framework for Design