Heavy rain and high winds can snarl traffic, down power lines and flood property. Resources are available to help residents make preparations for severe weather.
City officials urge residents to remain indoors, if possible. When driving, extreme caution is needed, as high winds and pelting rain will cause difficult road conditions.
Residents and business also are encouraged to take precautions to protect themselves and help minimize the effects of the storms, including keeping empty trashcans out of the gutter where they slow the flow of runoff into storm drains.
If local flooding occurs:
Free sandbags are available at the Los Angeles County fire stations at:
· 4020 Candlewood Street
· 6421 Turnergrove Drive
· 2600 Greenmeadow Road
Additional sand bag distribution locations can be found using the Los Angeles County Fire Department’s search tool. Click for the search tool
Sand can be purchased at building supply outlets, including:
· Home Depot, 5000 Hardwick Street, 562-529-3500
· Lowe's, 2840 North Bellflower Boulevard, Long Beach, 562-496-8120
· South Coast Shingle, 2220 East South Street, 800-540-7626 or 562- 634-7100
If you need to divert storm water using sand bags, construct your wall using no more than 25 bags. (A wall in excess of 25 bags may require engineering advice to ensure proper placement and safety.)
Woven polypropylene sandbags like the kind offered by fire departments are usable as long as they don’t have a hole. Bags may be reusable; residents should keep them for the next major rainstorm. Store them in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight.
If woven polypropylene sandbags are unavailable, super heavy duty trash bags may provide a short term sandbag alternative.
· Do not take sand from parks. Do not take sand from the beach.
· It is illegal to dump sand at the beach, in the gutter or in the storm drain system.
For information on how to fill sandbags, visit www.publicaffairs.water.ca.gov/information/sandbag.cfm
Remember:
In the event of a life-threatening emergency, call 9-1-1.
To report flooding or a clogged or blocked storm drain, or a fallen tree or limbs, call Lakewood City Hall at 562-866-9771, extension 2140.
Fallen power lines are extremely dangerous.
Report any downed lines to SCE immediately by calling 800-611-1911. Do not touch a downed line or anyone in contact with the line. Always assume a downed line is live. For more information, visit http://www.sce.com/.
Residents can monitor the weather on television news, including the Weather Channel; radio news stations and websites such as http://www.noaa.gov/.
The Los Angeles County Fire Department website is a good resource for key items in dealing with severe weather: Click for www.fire.lacounty.gov
If you must drive:
Good common sense is your best guide when driving in serve weather. Avoid travel. Don’t take chances if you get on the road.
Never drive through a flooded street or intersection. If you come across a flooded intersection or street turn around or find an alternate route.
Many areas are flooded and may be too deep for many modern sedans. Also, brakes may become wet in rainy conditions and will not provide near the stopping power they do in dry weather.
Check your route by touching base with friends, listening to news radio like KNX 1070. Traffic reports are often run more frequently during severe weather.
Traffic map websites:
