In the wake of severe weather yesterday that caused major flooding, mudslides and property damage in Northern Los Angeles County, Mayor Michael D. Antonovich will ask his colleagues on the Board of Supervisors to approve the proclamation of local emergency for the unincorporated communities of Quartz Hill, Leona Valley, Lake Hughes and Elizabeth and surrounding areas in Los Angeles County.

“The rain, flooding and debris flows destroyed and damaged structures, including homes and forced the closure of major highways and local roads,” said Antonovich.  “These conditions warrant that the County proclaim the existence of a local emergency to free up resources to support response and recovery efforts.”

Upon approval by the Board of Supervisors, the proclamation will be forwarded to the Director of California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services for the Governor’s approval.

LOS ANGELES COUNTY ASKS RESIDENTS TO REPORT DAMAGES TO HOMES AND BUSINESSES

On Thursday, October 15, 2015, a severe storm with flash floods caused road closures and damage to many private homes and businesses in the Antelope Valley, particularly the Lake Hughes community.

Similar weather patterns are predicted for Friday, Oct. 16, and through the weekend.  The County of Los Angeles is providing information to residents and others impacted by the storms on how to report damaged property.

To complete a damage assessment survey go to www.lacounty.gov/elnino and click on the link for Damage Assessment Survey located under the blue header ‘Info for Affected Homeowners’.  At this website residents can also find up-to-date weather outlooks, road closures and information on emergency preparedness actions.  Residents can also visit www.211LA.org  or call 211 to get up to date information and referrals for assistance.

Los Angeles County residents, renters, and business owners, including persons with disabilities and others with access and functional needs, may call 211 LA County for emergency preparedness information, and other referral services. The toll-free 2-1-1 number is available 24 hours a day and seven days a week. 211 LA County services can also be accessed by visiting http://211la.org.

Tips from the City of Palmdale

After last night’s storm and subsequent flooding, and with predictions of additional major storms tonight, the City of Palmdale is providing the following tips and information on how to stay safe during severe weather. .This information is provided courtesy of the County of Los Angeles’ Emergency Survival Guide.

Before a Flood

1. Assess the safety of your house and belongings in case of a flood or mudslide.

* Are you near a creek?

* Do you live above or below a steep hillside?

* Do you have to drive over a creek or bridge to get to a main road?

2. Clean drains and gutters around the house in the fall before the winter rains come.

3. If diversion of water or mud is necessary, plan to fill sandbags well before the rain starts; sandbags are available at your local fire stations. Take time now to find out what fire station serves your area and learn proper placement of sandbags. Sand bags are also available at the City’s maintenance yard, located at 39110 3rd Street East across from Desert Sands Park.

4. If you live in a hilly area, maintain all slopes in a safe manner. Use appropriate plantings, slope coverage, and drainage channels.

When It’s Raining

Plan to arrive at your location before it starts raining and remain there until well after the storm. Burned logs, boulders, mud and other debris can create temporary dams which burst days after the rain has stopped. This could be hours or sometimes even days after the rain has stopped. Be particularly alert when driving. Watch the road for collapsed pavement, mud, fallen rocks, and other hazards. Bridges may be washed out, and culverts overtopped. When you see water across a roadway, there is no way to see whether the road under the water has been washed away. The water may be much more deep and powerful than you expect.

During the Flood

* Do not cross rapidly flowing streams. Stay on one side until the water recedes. Most streams will go down in a couple of hours, once it stops raining.

* During a storm, check drainage systems at your home and driveways to maintain a safe situation and limit damage.

* Watch for mudslides and adjust drainage to reduce mudslides.

* If you notice a major mud slippage either above or below your house, move your family to a safe location. If you need emergency assistance, call 9-1-1.

After the Flood

* Don’t return to your flood-damaged home before the area is declared to be safe by law enforcement and health officials.

* Assess damage; check hillsides, houses, etc. for slope movement, settling, and water damage.

* Following a storm, drive slowly and carefully as many roads may have mud, debris, holes, and washed-out areas. This is particularly true when driving around public works and other public safety personnel are doing cleanup efforts.

* Remember, many mudslides occur as the soil dries after an extended wet period, so a mudslide may take place several days after the rain stops.

* Winter is often the best time to plant slopes, so make plans and fix any problems areas before the rainy season begins

Additional Tips

* Have a plan in place before an evacuation is ordered. The safest plan is to stay with friends or family during all rainstorms in which a flash flood watch or warning has been declared for your area.

* Teach your children to stay away from all rivers, creeks, arroyos, drainage control channels and washes.

* Teach all family members about the watch and warning system.

* Determine in advance how you will stay informed about the latest flood and flash

* flood watches, warnings, and weather advisories.

* Talk to your neighbors about their plans, and encourage them to plan to get out early.

* Pay attention to local news and social media from local government and public safety agencies for information on what to do during an emergency incident.