With heavy rain and flash flooding expected in Southern California tonight, the National Weather Service is warning residents about the possibility of mud slides and debris flows.
The Red Cross LA reminds us that if an emergency threatens your neighborhood, prepare to evacuate quickly and leave the area if instructed by local officials. Do not return home until officials say it is safe.
The Red Cross also recommends having your disaster kit ready, reviewing your emergency plan with everyone in your household, and plan your evacuation route and alternates. Don't forget your pets! If you have to evacuate, make arrangements for them. Keep a phone list of pet-friendly hotels and animal shelters that are along your evacuation routes. They also offer the following safety tips:
1. If you suspect imminent danger, evacuate immediately. Inform affected neighbors if you can, and contact your public works, fire or police department.
2. Listen for unusual sounds that might indicate moving debris, such as trees cracking or boulders knocking together.
3. If you are near a stream or channel, be alert for any sudden increase or decrease in water flow and notice whether the water changes from clear to muddy. Such changes may mean there is debris flow activity upstream so be prepared to move quickly.
4. Be especially alert when driving— watch for collapsed pavement, mud, fallen rocks and other indications of possible debris flow.
5. Stay alert and awake. Many deaths from landslides occur while people are sleeping.
6. Listen to local news stations on a battery-powered radio for warnings of heavy rainfall.
1. Be prepared to evacuate quickly if necessary. Follow evacuation orders and do not attempt to return until officials say it is safe to do so.
2. Turn around, don’t drown. Stay off the roads. If you must drive and encounter a flooded roadway, turn around and go another way. Head for higher ground and stay there.
3. Stay away from floodwaters. Beware of snakes, insects and other animals that may be in or around floodwaters and your home.
4. If power lines are down, do not step in puddles or standing water. Don't walk, swim or drive through floodwater. Just six inches of fast-flowing water can knock you over and two feet will float a car.
5. Don't walk on beaches or riverbanks.
6. Don’t allow children to play in or near flood water.
7. Stay out of areas subject to flooding. Underpasses, dips, low spots, canyons, washes, etc. can become filled with water.
Download the Red Cross "Emergency" app for real-time alerts, shelter locations and safety advice on wildfires. Stay up to date with the latest local news by downloading the radio.com app.