LA County Issues El Niño Preparedness Guide: Free Pre-Filled Sandbags at 12 Locations, Up to 25 Per Resident
The County of Los Angeles, California, has issued an El Niño preparedness guide as the county officially enters storm season: the Los Angeles County Fire Department will host free community sandbag distribution events from November 7 to November 28 at 12 designated locations, where residents can receive up to 25 free pre-filled sandbags, with a drive-up option available.
The guide explains that the Department of Public Health issues an Ocean Water Quality Rain Advisory anytime there is significant rainfall that may flush contamination from city streets into the ocean, causing bacterial levels to exceed state standards in ocean waters; the advisory stays in effect for 72 hours after rainfall has ended, and an interactive map of ocean water sampling locations is available on the department's website.
The guide also urges residents to explore flood insurance coverage: standard homeowner's insurance does not cover flood damage, flood coverage is a separate policy that can take at least 30 days to take effect, and with less than 2% of California homes insured against floods, an El Niño winter is a timely reminder to explore coverage through FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program. The Public Works Flood Zone Determination tool shows whether a property sits in an area at risk of flooding.
County Public Works engineers also recently provided a free property assessment in an Eaton Fire-impacted neighborhood, highlighting how residents can better protect their homes from flooding, mudflows, and debris flows. Safety tips and county alert sign-ups are at ready.lacounty.gov.
(Source: County of Los Angeles)
Source: County of Los Angeles
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：加州保育团进行防洪沙袋作业演练。公共领域，经 Wikimedia Commons。 / Photo: California Conservation Corps members practice flood fighting with sandbags. Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.
