Supervisor Kathryn Barger is encouraging residents in hillside communities and fire-impacted areas to take precautions now to prepare for forecasted winter storms that could produce heavy rain on Thursday.

Los Angeles County’s storm preparedness website at lacounty.gov/larain provides homeowners with recommendations on how to prevent damage utilizing sandbags, k-rails, and deflection walls to protect individual properties. Sandbags are available at Los Angeles County Fire Stations and various locations countywide. Visit dpw.lacounty.gov/dsg/sandbags to find a designated site near you.

Los Angeles County Public Works officials will patrol roads to ensure that natural watercourses, roads, and bridges are capable of withstanding the rain runoff. During the storms, catch basins that have screens will be monitored and cleaned should they become clogged.

To report problems and hazards in Los Angeles County unincorporated areas, call Public Works’ 24-hour toll-free hotline, (800) 675-HELP (4357).

Supervisor Barger encourages residents to take the following precautions:

· Listen to local radio and TV reports for heavy rainfall areas.

· Be aware of intense and extensive rainfall.

· If you live near a stream or channel, be alert for sudden increases or decreases in water levels and change from clear to muddy waters, which may indicate debris flow upstream.

· If you live in an area that is susceptible to flooding, consider leaving if it is safe to do so.

· Be aware of your surroundings.

· Listen for unusual sounds, such as breaking trees. Watch for signs of debris.

· If you are driving, watch the road for collapsed pavement, mud, fallen rocks, and other indications of debris flow.