Fire Officials: Beware of Landslides

With wintry weather in the forecast, Los Angeles County fire officials on Tuesday reminded residents of the potential dangers of mud and debris flows.

Residents of areas recently affected by wildfires should be especially cautious, fire officials said. Though there have only been a few wildfires on the Palos Verdes Peninsula over the past decade, wet weather and improper drainage can cause activate ancient slide areas on the landslide-prone hill.

They urged residents to:

• monitor news reports for weather conditions and possible flooding;
• identify items to take if an evacuation is ordered;
• plan alternate routes for evacuation and be prepared to leave immediately in the event of an order;
• have enough food and water on hand for three days;
• keep a radio and flashlight with fresh batteries in an emergency kit; and
• acquire needed sandbags and instructional materials at a local fire station.

Residents outside post-burn areas shouldn't underestimate the power of storm-debris flows and should stay away from flood control channels, catch basins and natural waterways subject to flooding, officials said.

More information on flood safety is available at fire.lacounty.gov.

The Los Angeles County Fire Department provides fire protection and emergency to all cities and unincorporated county areas on the Palos Verdes Peninsula.