DISTRICT 4 Newsletters

Stay safe in today’s windstorm

Dear friend,

A heavy windstorm is forecast to hit Los Angeles starting this morning through Wednesday, with wind gusts between 50-80mph and reaching up to 100mph in certain areas. This is expected to be the strongest wind event in the region in more than a decade, and we encourage residents to prepare for strong winds and potential fires, and to stay alert. 

Red Flag Alert parking restrictions will be in effect beginning Tuesday, January 7 at 8:00am until further notice. To view affected parking areas, search for your neighborhood in this LAFD interactive map: Red Flag Parking Restrictions. Updates regarding the Red Flag Parking status can be found at https://ers.lafd.org/redflag/. 

Residents in fire-prone areas, including many parts of Council District 4, should be ready to evacuate and take precautions to prevent fires. Please note that areas particularly at risk include the San Fernando Valley, Hollywood Hills, Sylmar, Tujunga, and the Santa Monica mountains.

Remember: call 9-1-1 for life-threatening emergencies and report downed trees and other non-life-threatening hazards to 311 (213-473-3231) or at https://lacity.gov/myla311.

Stay informed:

The City of Los Angeles Emergency Management Department recommends taking the following precautions:

  • Avoid using outdoor power tools, grilling, outdoor campfires, and barbecues.
  • Keep flammable materials, including dry brush, away from homes and structures.
  • Have emergency fire extinguishers on hand and know how to use them.
  • Remove any outdoor holiday decorations that can be blown away.
  • Secure any outdoor furniture and any objects.
  • Make sure gutters and shutters are secure.
  • Trim tree branches away from your house and power lines.
  • Watch for flying debris, as street signs and tree limbs may become loose during strong winds.
  • Never go near downed power lines, since high voltage wires may still be active despite being downed.
  • Avoid anything that may be touching downed power lines, including tree branches and vehicles.
  • Park away from any tall trees.

In anticipation of the windstorm, LADWP electric crews are prepared to respond to any potential power outages that may occur. 

To make sure you and your family are prepared in the event you lose power, LADWP recommends taking the following steps:

  • Keep a flashlight and extra batteries nearby. Never use candles in a power outage or other emergency.
  • Keep a fully charged cell phone on hand. During power outages, you may lose phone service and your cordless landline may also lose power.
  • Keep a fully charged portable charger handy in case you need to charge any of your electronics while the power is out.

If power does go out:

  • Report outages online at http://www.ladwp.com/outages or by calling 1-800-DIAL-DWP (1-800-342-5397).
  • Sign up for outage alerts at http://www.ladwp.com/outages.
  • Switch off all lights, except for one, so you will know when your power has been restored.
  • Keep your refrigerator closed to keep food cold.
  • Check on vulnerable friends and neighbors to make sure they are safe.

LADWP also reminds customers to use caution around any downed or dangling wires or poles. If you see a downed wire, always assume it is LIVE. Never touch ANY wire that is down or dangling and immediately dial 9-1-1. 

Follow LADWP via Twitter (@ladwp) and NextDoor for the most up-to-date potential outage information. Storm Related updates and information will also be provided at https://emergency.lacity.gov/updates.

Stay Safe,