Authorities Tuesday reminded Southlanders in burn areas of flood safety preparations that should be made in anticipation of upcoming rains.
A statement issued by the Woolsey Fire unified command team warns that mud and debris flows “are a very realistic threat to the communities affected by the Hill and Woolsey fires. Due to an increased probability of mud and debris flows in these fire areas, it is important to plan and prepare. Evacuation orders should not be taken lightly, and are ordered because there is a threat to life and property.”
Some fire-damaged areas remain unsafe, the electrical system is “extremely damaged,” and road crews are working to clear rocks as emergency personnel prepare for a storm expected Wednesday evening into Thursday, Department of Public Works Director Mark Pestrella told the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.
“We’re going to have rock fall, we’re going to have roads closed,” Pestrella said. “The roads will not be safe to travel beginning Wednesday evening.”
Pestrella said he expected Pacific Coast Highway would be closed at some point.
Up-to-date information on road closures can be found at www.lacounty.gov/woolseyfire/rain-after-fire-resources/.
The forecast for the storm was downgraded Tuesday morning to an estimated four-tenths of an inch per hour and Pestrella said the flood control system was prepared to manage the debris flow, but individual properties could still be at risk.
Free engineering advice on how to mitigate damage is available from the county upon request by calling (626) 458-4357.
Officials urged residents to wait and let state recycling teams move debris off properties to ensure the work is done safely and any hazardous materials are appropriately handled. Removal is prohibited prior to inspection by federal, state or local hazardous materials agencies under a local health emergency declared last week.
Burn area residents concerned about mudflow can pick up empty sandbags at their local fire stations, and can visit www.lacounty.gov/larain for storm season emergency resources, including Los Angeles County’s “Homeowners Guide to Flood, Debris and Erosion Control.”
Other safety tips:
— Know how to shut off all utilities. Remember, water and electricity do not mix.
— Flowing water is an instant danger zone. Stay away from flood control channels, catch basins, canyons and natural waterways, which are susceptible to flooding during periods of heavy rain.
— Do not attempt to cross the flooded areas — and never enter moving water.
— If you become isolated, seek the highest ground available and wait for help.
— If flooding traps you in your car, stay inside. If the water rises higher, wait on top of your car for assistance. Do not step into moving water around your car.
— And if you see someone who has been swept into moving water, do not enter the water and attempt a rescue. Call 911 for emergency rescue personnel and, if possible, throw them a flotation device.