Another rainy season is here! Be sure your home and neighborhood is ready for wet weather. LA Sanitation and Environment has prepped Los Angeles for the storms ahead by cleaning out catch basins and debris basins and ensuring that staff and equipment are ready to respond to emergencies. 

 

But, are you and your neighborhood ready? Here are a few tips for before, during and after a storm to ensure that your family, friends and neighbors are prepared:

 

Before the Storm

  • Sign up for emergency alerts from the City of Los Angeles.
  • Clean leaves and debris from your home’s roof gutters and downspouts.
  • Remove trash and litter from the gutter or street in front of your home or business.
  • Report clogged catch basins by calling the LA Sanitation Customer Care Center at (800) 773-2489.
  • Use plastic sheeting to cover any steep, barren slopes on your property that could become unstable during rain.
  • Create an emergency preparedness kit and have a family evacuation plan.
  • Secure black, blue and green bins by placing them at least six inches away from the curb, making them less likely to be carried away by stormwater flow in the gutter.
  • Locate the nearest fire station that has free sand and sandbags.

 

During the Storm

  • Turn off sprinklers to conserve water and reduce water flows.
  • Monitor the news for information about weather conditions, flooding in your area and safety advisories.
  • Avoid major waterways like the LA River or Ballona Creek.
  • Do not try to cross flooded areas and never enter moving water.
  • Report clogged catch basins, flooded streets by calling the LA Sanitation Customer Care Center at (800) 773-2489.
  • Never touch a downed power line, which can cause serious injury or death; report downed power lines by calling 911.
  • Be aware of notifications of suspended trash service in your area and do not leave bins out during severe rain events as they may tip over and become a street hazard.

 

After the Storm

  • Stay away from beaches and out of the ocean for 72 hours.
  • Clean up fallen branches and debris.
  • Report clogged catch basins, flooded streets by calling the LA Sanitation Customer Care Center at (800) 773-2489.
  • Empty out any open containers of water to stop mosquitoes from breeding.

 

For even more tips on weathering the storm, visit our Wet Weather Preparedness page.