The Los Angeles 2024 Heat Season has ended; we typically experience heat waves through the end of October. Yet, we are now amid Santa Ana winds, which puts us all at risk for wildfire and smoke, so we must be on alert to reduce our exposure to smoke and particulate matter that lingers into the City from these wildfires. We are preparing for winter storms, which bring the risk of flooding and landslides, and we need winter warming centers at our resilience hubs and shelters. We want to ensure our constituents are prepared.
Thus, we are coordinating with the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA), the Emergency Management Department (EMD), and several other City departments to create fact sheets that can inform nonprofits and people experiencing homelessness on how to prepare for winter storms.
Extreme weather is a greater risk for people experiencing homelessness and those who are housing insecure. Thus, we should all be on high alert for our communities and neighborhoods and watch out for those most vulnerable. Flooding can quickly occur during storms, and mudslides are common on hillsides with very little vegetation. Our LA River is also a hot spot during winter storms, and should be avoided when wet and slippery. Just six inches of rapidly moving flood water can knock a person down, and it only takes two feet of water to float a large vehicle.
Please look out for our information on how our Public Libraries (amongst other locations) will be serving as warming centers during their hours of operation. We also encourage calling 311 for the Library closest to you.