LOS ANGELES - This winter, El Niño is expected to bring heavy rains and severe weather to the southland. As public safety officials track the storm system, the city urges that resident take the necessary steps to prepare for potentially fierce weather conditions. After four years of drought and wildfires, LA's landscape will be incapable of absorbing large amounts of rain, which drastically increases the potential for flooding and mudslides. To help Angelenos get ready for the wet weather, the city has launched www.ElNinoLA.com.
The site has important information and tools on how to create an emergency kit, create an evacuation plan, prepare your home for the weather and much more. You can also stay ahead of severe weather conditions by signing up for NotifyLA, a regional alert system that sends emergency alerts through SMS text, voice message and email.
The city's Emergency Management Department is scheduled to host a series of town hall meetings about El Niño weather conditions. Representatives from LAFD, LAPD, LA City Public Works, Bureau of Sanitation and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works will present readiness information and be on hand to answer questions from the public. The San Fernando Valley meeting will be held on:
Thursday, Dec. 36:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Granada Hills Recreation Center 16730 Chatsworth St. Granada Hills 91344
If you have any questions, or need additional information about the town hall meeting, contact Veronica Hendrix, Emergency Management Coordinator of the Community Emergency Management Division at (213) 484-4812.
Lastly, the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority has opened its winter shelters for homeless individuals and will keep them open for an additional month from Nov. 1 through Mar. 31. Click here for more information.