City of Long Beach Preparing for Upcoming Weather Event, Encourages Residents to Take Precautions

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PRESS RELEASE

Long Beach, CA - The National Weather Service has forecasted a storm system for the Los Angeles/Long Beach region starting Tuesday, Dec. 23 and fairly steady through Friday, Dec. 26. The storm is forecasted to bring moderate to heavy rain to Long Beach. The City of Long Beach is implementing its inclement weather action plans and will be monitoring and addressing major issues as they occur.

The City is advising residents to prepare now, commute safely and avoid flooded roadways and intersections. The City is advising residents in historically vulnerable, low-lying areas of the city, including along the peninsula and Alamitos Bay, to be vigilant and prepare for potential localized flooding, as is customary during these weather systems. Protective berms remain built and fortified in vulnerable beach areas to safeguard residents and property. Residents should call 9-1-1 for emergencies.

Sandbags and Sand Distribution
The City has activated sandbag distribution sites for Long Beach residents, available now and throughout the duration of the storm. Long Beach residents can pick up empty sandbags at all Long Beach Fire Department neighborhood Fire Stations. Sand and sandbags are available at the following locations:

• Lifeguard Station located at 72nd Place and Ocean Boulevard
• Fire Station 7 (2295 Elm Ave.)
• Fire Station 12 (1199 Artesia Blvd.)
• Fire Station 13 (2475 Adriatic Ave.)
• Fire Station 14 (off East Paoli Way and East 3rd Street)
• Claremont Beach Lot (5400 E. Ocean Blvd.)

Sand and sandbags are available only to Long Beach residents. Residents are required to bring their IDs to pick up a maximum of 10 bags. Residents are advised to bring their own shovel and/or tool when collecting sand. It is recommended that those needing specific assistance with filling sandbags go to the Lifeguard Station at 72nd Place for additional support, available between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Dec. 23 and Dec. 24. Additionally, residents with disabilities and access and functional needs may request delivery of pre-filled sandbags by calling Fire Department Community Services at 562.570.2525 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 22, and Tuesday, Dec. 23. Pre-filled sandbags are available in limited quantities and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. People can also watch this safety video for tips on how to properly fill sandbags.

Disaster Preparedness
In anticipation of this storm, City crews have conducted inspections and performed maintenance to ensure catch basins in flood-prone areas are clear of debris, and pump stations and seawall plugs are functioning.

As part of the City's Be Storm Smart campaign, community members can view storm safety educational resources, including vital information, social media posts and videos offering guidance on storm preparedness and general emergency awareness best practices, by visiting longbeach.gov/LBRain and by following the City social media pages at @LongBeachCity and #LBRain and #BeStormSmart.

Homelessness Outreach
Long Beach Fire Marine Safety Swift Water Rescue team members will conduct patrols along the riverbeds to advise people experiencing homelessness of the potential for fast rising and dangerous waters.

The City will also activate its Inclement Weather Shelter, located at the Multi-Service Center (1301 W. 12th St.) for people experiencing unsheltered homelessness, beginning Tuesday, Dec. 22 through the morning of Friday, Dec. 26. Homeless Services Bureau staff will conduct outreach to notify people of this shelter opportunity. The City will continue to monitor the weather conditions to determine whether activation should extend beyond Friday morning.

During periods of significant rainfall, residents are also advised to:

• Check the Recreational Water Monitoring webpage for beach advisories. After any significant rainfall (0.10" or more), high levels of bacteria from storm drains, rivers and polluted runoff enter the ocean. People should avoid all ocean water contact for at least 72 hours after rainfall.
• Avoid driving through a flooded road or walking across a flowing stream of water. Watch this storm ready safety video for safety tips while driving in flooded areas.
• Slow down at intersections, especially if signal lights are not working, and treat them as stop signs. Be cautious while driving, especially at night.
• Take appropriate steps to be prepared by securing personal property and vehicles in areas that are prone to flooding.
• Avoid unnecessary trips. If you must travel during the storm, dress in warm, loose layers of clothing. Advise others of your destination and estimated arrival time.
• Be aware of utility workers working in or near the road.
• Stay off sand berms and stay away from City vehicles and machinery operating along the coastline.
• Keep pets inside and ensure they have shelter from the storm.
• Place refuse and recycling carts on the parkway or driveway apron.
• Report street flooding or downed trees by calling 562.570.2700.
• Report downed power lines by calling 9-1-1.
• Report a clogged storm catch-basin, downed trees and damaged traffic signals or streetlights on the Go Long Beach app or online portal. Emergency crews are on standby for urgent needs.
• To check the status of street sweeping in localized areas, call 562.570.2890 or follow @LBPublicWorks on Facebook, X and Instagram for timely updates.
• Prepare for severe weather by following tips in the City's Severe Weather brochure, available in English, Spanish, Khmer and Tagalog.
• Be prepared if you are driving in a flooded area.

Marina slip permittees are encouraged to take precautions ahead of the storm to secure their vessel; ensure hatches and doors are closed and locked, remove any loose gear from the exterior, ensure fenders are properly placed and adjusted, ensure vessel cover is properly placed and secured; and fasten all dock lines to account for any storm tidal surge.

Lastly, visitors of the El Dorado Nature Center are advised that trails may temporarily close during and in the days following a storm. Patrons may still visit the museum inside the Nature Center during this time. The dog park at El Dorado East Regional Park may also close temporarily during and in the days following a storm. Trails and road conditions at El Dorado East Regional Park will be assessed daily and may close in select areas. For the most up to date information on these park amenities, people can call 562.570.1745 or follow the Friends of El Dorado Nature Center on Facebook and @LongBeachParks on Facebook and Instagram.

Media inquiries may be directed to Reginald Harrison, Director, Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Communications, at 562.570.9460 or [email protected].

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