LA County Officials Urge Preparedness for Major Holiday Storm

Storm Preparedness and Hazards

• ⚠️ Los Angeles County officials are urging residents to stay informed and prepared for a powerful holiday storm, which could bring up to 10 inches of rain.
• 🚨 Key hazards include flooded freeways, riverbeds, downed power lines, flash flooding, rising river flows, mudflows, debris flows, and downed trees, particularly in recent burn scar areas.
• 🏠 Officials emphasize the importance of avoiding unnecessary travel and picking up emergency supplies and sandbags before the heavy rain begins.

Evacuation Orders and Warnings

• 📢 The Sheriff's Department has issued 124 specific evacuation orders and warnings, with deputies conducting door-to-door outreach to notify vulnerable residents.
• ⚠️ An evacuation order signifies immediate danger, while a warning indicates potential danger requiring attention.
• 🚗 Residents in evacuation zones are strongly advised to leave early, as roads may become impassable and first responders may have difficulty reaching them.

Public Works and Flood Control Measures

• 🌊 The Department of Public Works is coordinating a significant response, with over 300 personnel working 24/7 to manage the storm.
• 🏗️ LA County maintains a robust flood control system, including dams, reservoirs, debris basins, and miles of channels and storm drains, to manage high water volumes.
• 🚗 Residents are warned to avoid flowing water in streets, rivers, lakes, and channels, as even 6 inches of moving water can move a small car.

Emergency Resources and Notifications

• 🆘 Homeless outreach teams are assisting unhoused individuals in at-risk areas, offering services like motel vouchers and directing them to shelters.
• 🚁 Emergency resources include search and rescue teams and an air rescue helicopter equipped for swift water rescue.
• 💻 Residents are encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts at Ready.LA County.gov, Alert.LA County.gov, or LA County.gov/emergency for real-time information and updates.

Fire Department Readiness

• 🔥 The LA County Fire Department has augmented resources and staffing, standing ready to respond rapidly to storm-related incidents with ground and air capabilities.
• 🗺️ As the state's designated regional coordinator, the Fire Chief is responsible for partnering with agencies to dispatch mutual aid resources during large-scale emergencies.
• 🧳 Residents are advised to create an evacuation plan, prepare a go-bag with essentials, and stay informed about flood watches, warnings, and weather advisories.