Info Releases

CITY OF LOS ANGELES ACTIVATES EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER (EOC) TO ADDRESS WIND DAMAGE AND CITYWIDE RED FLAG ALERT 1400 hours Release LOS ANGELES (THURSDAY DECEMBER 1, 2011) - At 0930 hours the City of Los Angeles activated its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) due to the high wind event and Citywide Red Flag Alert. The damaging winds have resulted in fallen trees, power outages, traffic signal outages and downed power wires and transformers throughout the City. The activation of the City’s EOC will allow the City to focus and coordinate its response and resources in addressing the Citywide damage caused by the winds. The National Weather Service has advised the high wind warning will remain in effect until Friday morning. The City’s EOC will remain activated for the duration of the wind warning. City residents can call the City 3-1-1 call center to report any non- emergency wind related problems. The 3-1-1 Call Center will be open around the clock during the wind event. Call 9-1-1 to report any wind related emergencies or the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power at 1-800-DIAL-DWP to report down power lines and power outages. During a wind storm * If you don’t have to go out, stay home. * Use extreme caution around downed trees and power lines. Assume any down power line is live. * Treat all non-working traffic signal lights at intersections as stop signs. * Watch out for blowing debris from down tree and power lines. * Avoid all downed power lines and objects touching them. Report immediately to the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power at 1-800-DIAL-DWP. * High rise buildings are especially vulnerable to strong winds. It is recommended that individuals DO NOT populate levels above the 10th floor. * Dead trees are a safety hazard during a wind storm. If possible, clear the immediate area surrounding the tree and avoid remaining in the fall path. * Driving is extremely difficult and dangerous in high winds especially for high-profile vehicles such as busses, trucks, vans, and RVs. Avoid operating your vehicle if at all possible. * Most mobile/manufactured homes are not built to withstand severe wind conditions. If informed by city officials, evacuate to a safer location. * Secure or bring inside all lawn furniture and other outside objects that could become a projectile in high winds. * If a line falls on your car, stay inside the vehicle. Take care not to touch any part of the metal frame of your vehicle. If vehicle catches fire, open the door, but do not step out. Jump, without touching any of the metal portions of the car's exterior, to safe ground and get quickly away. * During the storm, draw blinds and shades over windows. If windows break due to objects blown by the wind, the shades will prevent glass from shattering into your home. Remain a safe distance from windows. * Keep pets inside and ensure they have shelter from the wind. * Stay away from chain link fences around down power lines. They can be electric conductors. * Slow down for debris in the street. * Slow down for traffic officers at intersections with non-working signal lights. * Be aware of City workers clearing debris and working to restore power. High wind events often cause power outages * Prepare a kit with a flashlight, batteries, bottled water, non-perishable food, blankets and warm clothing, emergency phone numbers, a first aid kit and other items you might need if power is out for several days. * Make sure your vehicle has plenty of gas. When power is out, gas pumps at service stations typically don’t work. * If your garage has an electric door opener, locate the manual release lever and know how to operate it. * Stock up on shelf-stable foods such as canned goods, juices, peanut butter, energy bars, trail mixes and "no-freeze" entrees. * Plan ahead ways to keep foods cold. Buy some freeze-pack inserts and keep them frozen. Buy a cooler. Freeze water in plastic jugs or containers or store bags of ice. * Install surge protectors and/or battery systems for computers. * Do not run generators, gas grills, or other carbon monoxide producing equipment indoors while power is out. Social media and websites www.emergency.lacity.org Twitter http://twitter.com/readyla Facebook http://www.facebook.com/readyla 800 Information Help line 800.439.2909 ###

OCCUPLY LA STREET CLOSURE UPDATE 1030 hours Release Attqached.