Staying Safe in LA County During High Winds

“High Winds” are categorized as winds that exceed 25 mph. Red Flag weather conditions are announced in the County when high winds are combined with low humidity, usually below 15%. Red Flag Alerts are issued when there is a greater possibility for communities in the County to experience potentially dangerous conditions that could result in power outages or brush fires. It is important for us to be prepared for high winds and the effects the other hazardous events they may trigger.

  How to prepare for high winds: 

• Identify items that rely on electrical power in case of a power outage. Keep enough flashlights for every household member and have extra batteries on hand.
• Regularly check your local weather forecast to prepare for hazardous weather conditions.
• Talk to your medical provider to plan for how a power outage may affect disability medical devices, refrigerated medications, and any critical emergency appliances.

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.
• Downed tree in the roadway: call LA County Public Works at 800-676-HELP (4357). In the City of LA, call 3-1-1.
• Visit our wildfire preparedness page to learn more about how to prepare for wildfires that may be triggered by high winds.

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.