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Los Angeles Firefighters Urge Storm Safety and Preparedness

Thursday, March 28, 2024
LOS ANGELES-

Before rain occurs in Southern California, the Los Angeles Fire Department encourages residents to take the simple steps necessary to protect themselves from injury and their property from storm damage.

Those living near recent brush fires should be aware of the extreme danger possible from debris flows.

Flood After FireClick image to enlarge

When rainstorms impact the Los Angeles area, storm drains, canyons, arroyos and other sloped or low-lying areas can quickly fill with fast-moving water and debris, creating a life threatening danger.

It is against the law to be inside a flood control channel at any time.

Do You Need Sandbags?


*PERSONAL PREPAREDNESS* BEFORE STORM SEASON



*HOUSEHOLD PREPAREDNESS* DURING STORM SEASON


  • Ensure your drains, gutters and downspouts are clean and functioning properly. This is especially important for flat-roofed buildings.
  • Keep stormwater troughs, pipes and culverts on your property free of debris.
  • Closely examine windows, skylights and doors that may benefit from caulking or weatherstripping.
  • Inspect your attic for "leaks" of sunlight, or signs of previous water damage that may indicate where pre-storm repairs are needed.
  • Establish household supplies (bucket, mop, towel, tarpaulin) to minimize damage from a sudden leak or stormwater seepage.
  • Move valuable or easily damaged items away from low-lying areas prone to flooding.
  • Keep sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting, lumber, hand tools and other materials handy for addressing sudden stormwater issues.

Get Free Sandbags!

To assist Los Angeles residents with extreme storm needs, the Los Angeles Fire Department provides free ready-to-fill sandbags at ALL Neighborhood Fire Stations, which can be found on this interactive map.

As seasonal conditions warrant, free sand* is also made available at select locations.

* Sand may be desirable, but local soil can also be used to effectively fill sandbags. While the LAFD is pleased to offer free ready-to-fill sandbags and free sand, the Department is not able to fill, deliver, install or remove sandbags.


WHEN A MAJOR STORM IS *APPROACHING*


  • Prepare your household to remain safe (test and pre-position flashlights and battery powered lamps, no candles) and functional (fully charge cell phones, review manual garage door operation) in the event of a storm related power outage.
  • Turn off your yard sprinklers, and consider lowering the level of your swimming pool to prevent overflow and flooding.
  • Secure patio furniture, household waste, trash containers, spills and outdoor storage before they are swept away, spread contamination or block storm drains.
  • Consider the temporary use of plastic sheeting on slopes prone to erosion.
  • Remind all household members not to play or linger near storm drains, catch basins or flood control channels.
  • Keep your vehicle fueled in case power is cutoff to local fueling stations.
  • Prepare your Go Bag! that includes identification, essential documents, phone numbers, prescription eyeglasses and medicine, pictures and irreplaceable memorabilia, personal computer, cash (small bills) and credit cards in case of evacuation.
  • Confirm your evacuation plan, safe destination and temporary lodging plans with family members.
  • If you have family members with special needs, or large / multiple animals, be fully prepared to take action when an evacuation warning is issued.

FOR YOUR SAFETY *DURING A MAJOR STORM* OR FLOOD



WHAT IF YOU WITNESS STORM DAMAGE?


City of Los Angeles residents should call 3-1-1 or (213) 473- 3231, use an on-line form or the MyLA311 app to report potholes, downed street trees, damaged or inoperative street lights or traffic signals, clogged street drains and any storm-related property damage or issue requiring an inspection or action by City of Los Angeles officials.


WHAT IF YOU EXPERIENCE STORM DAMAGE?


If you become a victim of storm or floodwater damage, please visit LAFD.ORG for helpful flood recovery tips.

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