In response to a series of powerful storms impacting California during the Christmas holiday, Gov. Gavin Newsom Wednesday proclaimed a state of emergency, unlocking resources and state assistance for Los Angeles County, Orange County and four others.
“California is acting early and decisively to do all we can to get ahead of dangerous winter storms. The state has prep-positioned resources, activated emergency authorities and we are working closely with local partners to protect communities and keep Californians safe,” Newsom said in a statement.
The emergency proclamation allows for the rapid mobilization of state resources and support for local governments under the California Disaster Assistance Act and the deployment of the California National Guard, if needed. The order also authorizes the California Department of Transportation to seek federal assistance for repairs to damaged roads and highways.
Newsom’s office said state agencies deployed 55 fire engines, 10 swiftwater rescue teams, five hand crews, five dozers, four loaders, three helicopters and an incident management team, as well as an Urban Search and Rescue Team, and more than 300 personnel to support local response efforts.
In addition to Los Angeles and Orange counties, the emergency proclamation also covers the counties of San Diego, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Shasta in Northern California.
On Wednesday afternoon, Los Angeles. County Supervisor and Board Chair Hilda Solis announced she issued a similar emergency proclamation, saying it will help coordinate resources, protect residents and speed recovery efforts.
Solis called for a special meeting Tuesday to ratify the proclamation. If approved, the order would allow the county to formally request and receive state and federal aid.
In combination, the state and county proclamations “ensure that help can arrive promptly for residents and communities affected by the story,” according to a statement from Solis.
“Los Angeles County departments are actively monitoring conditions, deploying resources, and standing ready to respond to any emergencies. I urge everyone to stay informed, follow official guidance, and take precautions to protect themselves and their families,” Solis added.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass issued a Declaration of Local Emergency Wednesday.
“We are making every resource and tool available to help facilitate this continued response effort, including a declaration of a local emergency that I signed to ensure that city teams have the required resources in the days ahead,” Bass said in a statement.