Staying Safe in LA County During a Storm

During winter storms, Los Angeles County collaborates with agencies across the region to protect the public from flood danger, and to capture as much stormwater as possible to become future drinking water. 

Residents are urged to know their property’s risk factors, clear drainage paths near homes and other structures, and call the Public Works 24-hour Dispatch Center to report storm-related damage, traffic signal outages, or flooding, and to get information on sandbags at 1-800-675-HELP (4357).

 Other wet weather tips include: 

• Heed all instructions from emergency responders and emergency alert notifications. 
• Drive cautiously and slow down – many roadways will be wet and slippery. Do not attempt to cross flooded areas and never enter moving water. As little as six inches of water can knock over and carry away an adult and 18-24 inches of water can carry away most large SUVs, vans. and trucks. Follow the advice: “Turn around, don’t drown!” 
• Take steps to protect your home by anticipating runoff and placing sandbags where needed. Board up windows and doors if necessary.
• Prepare to evacuate if local officials instruct you to do so.
• Check on elderly neighbors and family and friends who may not be able to prepare for the storm on their own.
• Develop an emergency plan and make a disaster kit that includes food, water, and medications for at least 10 days. Create evacuation routes and plans to contact family members if separated

Helpful contacts:

• Downed powerline: call 9-1-1 and leave the area.
• Report a power outage: call your power utility. SCE can be reached at 1-800-611-1911. DWP can be reached at 1-800-DIAL-DWP.
• Need shelter: call 2-1-1.
• Downed tree or water in the roadway: call LA Public Works 800-676-HELP (4357). In the City of LA, call 3-1-1.

For additional tips and resources on how to prepare for storm season, visit ready.lacounty.gov. Please visit alert.lacounty.gov to register for emergency alerts. For a list of locations offering sandbags throughout Los Angeles County, see this resource. 

Last updated: 02/02/24 5:12 p.m.