Full Notification

WINTER STORM UPDATES, PREPAREDNESS TIPS AND SANDBAG LOCATIONS IN MALIBU
Storm Expected to Bring Significant Rain and Strong Wind to Malibu Thursday, January 28 and Friday, January 29

The National Weather Service forecasts that the current storm will bring steady and long-lasting moderate to heavy rain, and strong S-SE wind gusts of 30-50 MPH, through Friday, January 29. The bulk of the rainfall in Ventura and LA Counties, with possible thundershowers, is expected Thursday night into Friday morning. Rain totals in Malibu are expected to be about 2.12 inches. NWS forecasts another rain event Tuesday and Wednesday, February 2 and 3. 
Hazards
Residents should be prepared for hazardous driving conditions, with potential rock falls on canyon and mountain roads, water, debris and mud in the roadway, potential power outages and traffic signal outages. Always approach an intersection with malfunctioning traffic signals as if they are an all-way stop sign. A small craft advisory is in effect. The public is advised to avoid contact with ocean water near discharging creeks and storm drains due to high bacteria and pollutant content of storm runoff. During storms, potential beach hazards may include beach erosion, sneaker waves, rip currents, storm debris in the water, high surf and coastal flooding. 
Winter Storm Preparations
As part of its storm preparation plan, the City monitors storm conditions and crews use blade trucks to patrol and clear roads, storm drains and culverts to prevent flooding and keep the roads safe, and report any hazards or traffic signal outages to LA County Sheriff’s, Fire and Public Works Depts and other agencies. Temporary concrete K-rails are placed to prevent flooding and heavy equipment is pre-placed at strategic areas. Sheriffs Volunteers On Patrol (VOP) assist with patrolling City streets and reporting issues. The City's Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Staff is on standby and the EOC will be activated if conditions warrant.  
During storm events, flooding, mud and debris flows are a very real and dangerous threat to the communities affected by the Woolsey Fire. Due to an increased probability of mud and debris flows in these fire areas, it is important to plan and prepare. Prepare for lack of water, power and natural gas, non-functional traffic signals, and roads that may be impassable.

Due to potential storm-related power outages, it is possible that residents may not receive emergency alerts. Please monitor storm conditions on local AM and FM news radio (which will function on battery powered, solar, hand crank or car radios during power outages) and the National Weather Service at https://www.weather.gov/lox. 
Stay away from flood control channels, catch basins, canyons and natural waterways, which are susceptible to flooding during periods of heavy rain. Check on your neighbors, particularly those who are elderly or live alone. People who live on gated properties should leave gates open to prevent mud and debris from locking them in, and to ensure access for emergency responders. Move trash cans and cars off the street to help prevent flooding.  
 
Sandbags
Residents can pick up free, empty sandbags at Malibu area fire stations.
Station #70 - 3970 Carbon Canyon Rd, Malibu, CA 90265.
Station #71 - 28722 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265.
Station #88 - 23720 Malibu Rd, Malibu, CA 90265.
Station #99 - 32550 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265.
Zuma Beach Lifeguard Headquarters. (bags, sand, and pre-filled sandbags available 24/7 at entrance of Zuma Beach main parking lot, and at Zuma Beach Maintenance Yard). 
See a list of all sandbag locations.- https://lacounty.gov/c_free-sandbags-2
See an instructional video on how to fill and place sandbags. - https://www.cert-la.com/disaster-emergency-preparedness/sand-sandbags

Road Hazards
Based on mud, debris, and other hazards, roads throughout the burn areas are subject to intermittent closures due to mud and debris flow. Use extreme caution as you drive through these areas. Watch for slippery road conditions and follow posted warnings and speed signs.

On the roads, be cautious of emergency, utility and work crews and vehicles. Approach all intersections with malfunctioning traffic signals as if they are an all-way stop sign. Never drive into 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. 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.


Utilities
Know how to shut off utilities. Beware of water around electricity, including downed power lines, generators, electric appliances, and your home electrical system. There may be storm relate power outages. For current power outages, visit SCE outage center page - https://www.sce.com/outage-center

Flood Insurance
Find out if you have flood insurance and what your existing policy covers. Call your insurance agent or contact the National Flood Insurance Program Call Center (NFIP) at 800-621-3362 for information about the NFIP or questions about an existing policy or visit the FEMA website - http://www.fema.gov/national-flood-insurance-program  

LA County Storm Preparation Resource
See storm season emergency resources, including LA County’s Homeowners Guide to Flood, Debris and Erosion Control at the LA Rain website - http://www.lacounty.gov/larain

Weather Forecast and Alerts 
National Weather Service LA/Oxnard - . https://www.weather.gov/lox
City of Malibu current emergency, weather and traffic alerts -https://www.malibucity.org/alerts
Sign up for Malibu alerts (scroll to Alert Center) - https://www.malibucity.org/news
Sign up for LA County alerts - https://lacounty.gov/emergency/alert-la  
Road Closures 
Siglart for updated information on road closures (Enter an address to search for a specific location) - https://www.sigalert.com

Social Media
Los Angeles County Fire Department - Twitter @LACoFDPIO
Los Angeles County Sheriff Department - Twitter @LASDHQ 
Los Angeles County Public Works - Twitter @LACoPublicWorks
City of Malibu - Twitter - @CityMalibu
City of Malibu - Facebook - @CityofMalibu