After the Southern California wildfires burned tens of thousands of acres last month, thousands of Angelenos are returning home for the first time in weeks.
But surviving the flames is only part one of the ongoing crisis. Some homeowners are preparing for mudslides and debris flow as the heaviest storm of the year touches down in SoCal.
A flood watch has been issued for parts of Los Angeles and Orange counties from into Friday morning. Affected areas include Los Angeles County’s Inland Coast including downtown Los Angeles, Fullerton, and the Malibu coastline.
Charred hillsides stripped of vegetation do not absorb water well, creating the potential for flash floods and mudslides that can collect debris and wipe out structures in their paths. The extent of a mudflows will depend on the intensity of the rainfall, duration of the storm, and the amount of remaining vegetation to hold everything in place.
Homes surrounding the now extinguished Eaton, Palisades, Hughes, Kenneth, Sunset, Hurst, Franklin and Bridge fires are all under ‘Phase 2′ conditions.’ Those conditions include “moderate risk of debris flows” in anticipation moderate to heavy flooding, according to Los Angeles County Public Works.
Road closures are expected near the Hughes and Bridge fire areas.
Los Angeles County recommends affected homeowners prepare. Here’s some advice.
- Assume that burn areas and canyon, hillside, mountain and other steep areas are more likely to have landslides and mudslides.
- Be prepared well before storm conditions are present. As storms approach, monitor the Los Angeles County Public Works Debris and Mudflow Potential Forecast.
- Clear a path for the debris. Always place protection to deflect debris, not to dam or stop it. Be prepared to sacrifice the use of portions of your property to achieve the greatest amount of protection.
- Work with adjacent affected property owners. Avoid altering drainage patterns that could worsen conditions for your neighbor.
- Debris will often enter a building through windows, so board them up.
- Limit the height of plants near buildings to 18 inches.
- Use plants and bushes that are less likely to burn and keep them watered. This not only helps with landslides/mudslides, but is also helpful for fire safety.
- Inspect slopes for increases in cracks, holes and other changes. Get rid of litter and dead/dry vegetation.
- Consult with a soil engineer or an engineering geologist to minimize the potential impacts of landslides.
Additionally, authorities recommend keeping the follow items prepared at all times, especially in at risk areas:
- Large capacity water for whole family
- Food supplies for whole family
- Toiletries and medications
- Cash
- Pet food and supplies
- Tools
- Large size first aid kit
- AM/FM radio and FRS radios
- Plug-in analog phone
- Cash
- Important documents
- Blankets or sleeping bags for each member of the family
- Prescription and over-the-counter medications
- Flashlight – spare batteries and light bulb
- Fire extinguisher – multipurpose labeled “ABC”
- Whistle
- Dust mask
- Basic First Aid Kit
- Pet Disaster Kits
Los Angeles County Public Works also offers free sandbags to residents across region. Homeowners must live in the community or city where they requesting sandbags. Proof of residency is required.
County residents can register with the “Alert LA County” program to receive notifications where and when they may be in danger. Most local governments offer similar localized alerts.
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