Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti Monday warned homeless people living along the Los Angeles River they could be in danger during storm-related flooding, and he urged all residents to prepare for this week’s expected storms.
Tuesday’s storm system is expected to be powerful and could unleash torrents of mud and debris over slopes previously denuded by wildfires.
“I think we’ve become complacent, and one of my big messages is to tell Angelenos to make sure they do their part,” Garcetti told KNX Newsradio. “We’re sending people to ElNinoLA.com, (which has) great tips on how you can get the alerts.”
Garcetti urged people to let the city know the locations of blocked-up storm drains and gutters in order to prevent the type of flooding that can lead to mudslides.
People can call 311 for general information, and 911 in emergencies. Also, people can call 211 for information on shelters for the homeless, Garcetti said.
“We have beds available … (and) you can bring your pets,” Garcetti said. “All those rules are (being) relaxed.”
Garcetti said the city has “tripled the number of outreach teams” to contact the homeless, especially encampments near the Los Angeles River, where historically there have been swiftwater rescues during flooding.
“People who are living there think they are safe, and they are not,” Garcetti said.
The numbers of emergency personnel have been beefed up in preparation for the storms, and emergency operations centers are being activated Monday, Garcetti said.
Garcetti also warned people not to put out their trash containers on days when there is water flowing on streets.
— Wire reports