Los Angeles, CA – The Los Angeles County Fire Department has implemented its augmented staffing plan in response to the National Weather Service’s red flag warning which is in effect from late tonight through Tuesday, January 19, 2021 at 10:00 p.m.; a high wind warning begins early tomorrow morning through Wednesday, January 20, 2021 at 4:00 a.m. Widespread portions of Los Angeles County are affected, including the areas of Santa Clarita, the high country, Los Angeles basin, and the Santa Monica Mountains, extending to the coast and Catalina Island.
In some areas, this strong and dangerous Santa Ana wind event may develop extreme wind gusts between 50 to 70 miles per hour (with isolated, stronger gusts up to 90 miles per hour in the mountains). Warm temperatures and low humidity are expected in canyon, mountain, and valley areas.
This extreme wind event has resulted in an elevated high fire danger, prompting Los Angeles County Fire Chief Daryl L. Osby to order additional staffing and pre-deployment of resources throughout the County.
At this time, we remind residents living in wildfire prone areas to take appropriate precautions:See something, say something. Report any sign of smoke or fire immediately to your local fire department by dialing 9-1-1. If you dial 9-1-1 from your cell phone, be sure to know your location.
Have your Ready! Set! Go! Wildfire Action Plan in place. It is critical for residents to be familiar with the Ready! Set! Go! program that provides important pre-planning and evacuation information.
Prepare for Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS). During elevated weather conditions, utility companies may temporarily shut off power in high-risk areas. Please plan for this possibility and consult with your local utility company for more information.
To download the Ready! Set! Go! Wildfire Action Plan and view informational how-to videos, visit fire.lacounty.gov/rsg.
LOS ANGELES COUNTY OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT URGES RESIDENTS TO PREPARE FOR STRONG WINDS, FIRE WEATHER TONIGHT
The Los Angeles County Office of Emergency Management will be on high alert tonight due to the potential of very strong winds and fire weather conditions that will impact much of our County late tonight into Tuesday.
The National Weather Service is predicting dry weather coupled with extreme winds, with some peak gusts of possibly up to 45 miles per hour affecting portions of Los Angeles County. As a result, power outages and wildfires can strike, making it critical for residents to be aware and prepared.
“The emergency management community in L.A. County, at large, will be on high alert tonight,” stated Kevin McGowan, Director of Los Angeles County’s Office of Emergency Management. “Our emergency response officials are world-class and will stand ready to defend lives and property. But, we need collaboration from all residents who live in L.A. County to stay safe as a region. We must all do our part by staying informed and being ready to evacuate at a moment’s notice, especially if you live in canyon, mountain or foothill communities.”
The following safety tips can help County residents prepare themselves, their families and homes for power outages and evacuations:
- Plan Ahead: Keep your mobile phone and other devices charged with the ringer on so you can receive and hear emergency alerts throughout the night. Have working flashlights for all family members ready and within reach.
- Be Evacuation Ready: Prepare your family, pets and home ahead of time for the possibility of having to evacuate. Park your vehicle facing the street so that you do not have to back out, and in the driveway (to avoid being stuck behind an electricity-operated garage door).
- Stay Informed: Sign up for emergency notification systems available in your community. Identify which system is used by your local law enforcement agency for your neighborhood, at your workplace and other places that you or family members frequent. Watch local newscasts and have a battery-operated radio handy so that you can access news if the power goes out.
For more preparedness tips, visit ready.lacounty.gov, follow @ReadyLACounty or dial 2-1-1 to request resources and information.
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