California is having a cold and wet start to 2023, including one of the most impressive storms to hit Southern California since 2005, according to The National Weather Service. While the rain is much needed in Los Angeles amidst a lengthy drought, the storm has caused evacuations, damaged homes, and claimed the lives of at least 18 people.
Although L.A. doesn’t regularly experience big storms and floods like this, it’s important to always be prepared which is why we put together this guide with tips to help you prepare before, during and after a storm.
Preparing for the storm
Determine if you are in a flood risk zone and know the type of flood risk in your area. Visit FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center.
Sign up for local emergency notifications:
Pick up free sandbags at a LA County fire station near you. Find your local fire station.
Store plywood, lumber, buckets, mops, towels, hand tools, and plastic sheeting for any stormwater issues.
Review how to safely turn off your home’s electric, water and natural gas service.
Make a family emergency plan that includes home evacuation routes, locations of utility shut-offs, and how everyone will contact each other if separated. Always have an out-of-state contact too. Find more information on emergency plans.
Remind your kids and other family members not to play or linger near rivers, streams, catch basins, canyons, flood control channels or storm drains.
Check your car’s wipers, lights, tire inflation, fuel and tread wear to ensure it is safe to operate.
Monitor local news for official warnings, evacuation orders and the status of streets, highways and transit systems.
Make an emergency supply kit that includes flashlights, battery-powered radios, first aid kits, food, water and medications (for pets as well) that could last for at least 10 days and keep it in an easily accessible location. View more information on keeping supplies for emergencies.
Keep important documents and identification in waterproof containers or sealed bags. Create password-protected digital copies.
Protect your property:
- Move valuables to higher levels.
- Clear debris and overgrowth from storm drains and gutters.
- Notify your local department of public works about debris and overgrowth in public drainage facilities.
- Secure outdoor furniture, trash cans and storage.
- Add caulking or weatherstripping to any windows or doors that need it.
- Inspect for any leaks or signs of previous water damage.
- Turn off sprinklers and lower the level of your swimming pool to prevent overflow.
- Contact your insurance agent or visit FEMA.gov for more information. Damage and other flooding losses are not covered by most homeowner’s insurance policies. However, FEMA offers special flood and insurance through its National Flood Insurance Program.
Safety tips during the storm
Stay indoors and avoid non-essential travel.
Listen to the radio or watch TV for information and instructions from your local officials. Pay attention to any notices coming from your local emergency notification systems, and follow instructions.
Obey evacuation orders.
Do not drive or walk through moving water. Currents may be stronger than they look and can knock you off your feet.
If you become stuck in your car by moving water, stay inside and move to the hood or roof if water continues to rise.
Stay away from power lines and electrical wires. Deadly electric current can travel through water.
Move to the highest level of your home or building if you’re caught by rising waters.
Report downed power lines in the City of LA to the Department of Water and Power (1-800-DIAL-DWP). If the downed wires threaten life, call 911.
Safety tips after the storm
Listen to the radio or watch TV for information and instructions from authorities about when to return home if evacuated.
Avoid non-essential driving and travel, especially into disaster areas.
Listen for instructions from local officials about drinking water. Boil or purify water if you’re in doubt. Pump wells and test the water before drinking.
Stay away from downed power lines and broken gas lines. Report them immediately to DWP.
If flood water has entered your home:
- Wear heavy gloves, boots and use flashlights (instead of lanterns, candles or matches) to check on the condition of your home. Flammables may be present.
- Check for snakes or other animals that may have come into your home.
- Throw away fresh or canned foods that came into contact with flood water.
- Be aware of electrocution. Don’t touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water. If it is safe and you didn’t already do so, turn off the electricity to prevent electric shock.
- Avoid lingering in floodwater as it could be contaminated and contain dangerous debris. Underground or downed power lines can also electrically charge the water.
We hope everyone is staying safe and dry and we look forward to sunny weather ahead!
