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Before rain occurs in Southern California, the encourages residents to take the simple steps necessary to protect themselves from injury and their property from storm damage.

Those living near recent brush fires should be aware of the possible from debris flows.

When impact , storm drains, canyons, arroyos and other sloped or low-lying areas can quickly fill with fast-moving water and debris, creating a .

It is to be inside a flood control channel at any time.

• Monitor real-time .
• View official .
• Sign up for (City of Los Angeles = ). 
• Assure mobile phone settings allow .
• Listen to or and television news.

*PERSONAL PREPAREDNESS* BEFORE STORM SEASON

• Install the free and/or on your smartphone.
• Inspect and Restock Your to include food, water, medication, flashlight, battery-powered radio, rain gear, first aid and sanitation supplies.
• Review your , discussing what each person will do in the event of a flood, mudslide or serious storm damage. Be sure to plan for , and those with .
• Confirm all household members have details regarding the person who serves as your family's out-of-state .
• Review with your family how to safely turn off your home's , and service in the event of severe storm damage.
• Consider purchasing and learning how to safely use special water management tools, , for your home's unique needs.
• Check vehicle wipers, lights, tire inflation and tread wear to assure safe operation in stormy weather.
• Review or in conditions altered by .
• Determine if your home is located in a .
• Contact your insurance agent to assure that your is adequate and in effect. Confirm your policy number, as well as the 24-hour contact and for your insurer(s). Place that information in your mobile phone and keep a printed copy with your records.
• Gather and protectively store and valuables.
• Make a comprehensive narrated "video tour" of your entire home and contents to assist with any future insurance claims or rebuilding efforts. Photograph household possessions, including receipts for major items. Store this and duplicate records safely off-site.
• Arrange for a qualified in tree risk assessment to examine any large trees on your property that could threaten your home or family.
• Assure any hillside or steep terrain on your property has been evaluated for landslide danger by a .
• If necessary, consult a to build permanent for your property.
• Landscape slopes with non-invasive plants that are , , suitable for and allow for .

*HOUSEHOLD PREPAREDNESS* DURING STORM SEASON

• Ensure your drains, gutters and downspouts are clean and functioning properly. This is especially important for flat-roofed buildings.
• Keep stormwater troughs, pipes and culverts on your property free of debris.
• Closely examine windows, skylights and doors that may benefit from caulking or weatherstripping.
• Inspect your attic for "leaks" of sunlight, or signs of previous water damage that may indicate where pre-storm repairs are needed.
• Establish household supplies (bucket, mop, towel, tarpaulin) to minimize damage from a sudden leak or stormwater seepage.
• Move valuable or easily damaged items away from low-lying areas prone to flooding.
• Keep sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting, lumber, hand tools and other materials handy for addressing sudden stormwater issues.

To assist Los Angeles residents with extreme storm needs, the ÃûæÂÖ±²¥ provides at , which can be found on this .

As seasonal conditions warrant, free is also made available at select locations.

* may be desirable, but local soil can also be used to effectively fill sandbags. While the LAFD is pleased to offer and , the Department is not able to fill, deliver, install or remove sandbags.

WHEN A MAJOR STORM IS *APPROACHING*

• Prepare your household to remain safe (test and pre-position flashlights and battery powered lamps, no candles) and functional (fully charge cell phones, ) in the event of a storm related .
• Turn off your yard sprinklers, and consider lowering the level of your swimming pool to prevent overflow and flooding.
• Secure patio furniture, household waste, , spills and outdoor storage before they are swept away, spread contamination or block storm drains.
• Consider the on slopes prone to erosion.
• Remind all household members not to play or linger near storm drains, catch basins or flood control channels.
• Keep your vehicle fueled in case power is cutoff to local fueling stations.
• Prepare your that includes identification, essential documents, phone numbers, prescription eyeglasses and medicine, pictures and irreplaceable memorabilia, personal computer, cash (small bills) and credit cards in case of evacuation.
• Confirm your , safe destination and temporary lodging plans with family members.
• If you have family members with , or large / multiple , be fully prepared to take action when an evacuation warning is issued.

FOR YOUR SAFETY *DURING A MAJOR STORM* OR FLOOD

• Monitor .
• Stay tuned to and for official .
• Review official .
• Know the .
• Limit non-essential travel, and avoid the urge to sightsee.
• Remain aware of storm related .
• .
• Avoid parking vehicles near large trees or in low-lying areas prone to flooding
• Have sturdy, sensible shoes or boots with nonskid soles for use in a rainstorm. Pack an umbrella, small flashlight and rain coat.
• Do not walk or drive through flowing water. Currents can be deceptive; six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet.
• If you become stranded in your car by moving water, stay with your vehicle and move to the hood or roof if water continues to rise.
• If you see someone in peril in deep or moving water, do not attempt a rescue. Call 9-1-1 immediately and be guided by the dispatcher.
• If your tap water source is compromised or questionable due to storm damage, be prepared to drink only from your safe bottled water supply.
• If you lose electric power or see downed electric lines, .
• If using a portable generator, follow and keep your generator outside, at least 25' from any door, window or vent.

WHAT IF YOU WITNESS STORM DAMAGE?

residents should call 3-1-1 or (213) 473- 3231, use an or the to report potholes, downed street trees, damaged or inoperative street lights or traffic signals, clogged street drains and any storm-related property damage or issue requiring an inspection or action by City of Los Angeles officials.

WHAT IF YOU EXPERIENCE STORM DAMAGE?

If you become a victim of storm or floodwater damage, please visit LAFD.ORG for .