PRESS RELEASE
City of Long Beach
Public Information Office
411 W. Ocean Blvd,
Long Beach, CA 90802
www.longbeach.gov
949.500.1224
LBFDPIO@longbeach.gov
Captain/Public Information Officer
Long Beach Fire Department
562.441.3590
Jennifer.RiceEpstein@longbeach.gov
Public Affairs Officer
Department of Health and Human Services
The National Weather Service has forecasted a series of inclement weather systems for the Los Angeles/Long Beach area starting today, Saturday, Jan. 20, into Monday, Jan. 22, that are expected to bring significant rain and wind throughout 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 and encourages those traveling through Long Beach over the next several days to commute safely. The City is advising residents in vulnerable, low-lying areas of the city, including along the peninsula and Alamitos Bay, to be vigilant and prepare for potential localized ponding or flooding, as is customary during these weather systems. Although there isn’t a threat of major swell, 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
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:
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Lifeguard Station located at 72nd Place and Ocean Boulevard
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Fire Station 7 (2295 Elm St.)
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Fire Station 12 (1199 Artesia Blvd.)
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Fire Station 13 (2475 Adriatic Ave.)
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Fire Station 14 (5200 Eliot St.). Note: Station 14 is closed for construction. However, sand and sandbags are located off E. Paoli Way and E. 3rd Street.
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 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. People can also watch this safety video for tips on how to properly fill sandbags.
Disaster Preparedness
In anticipation of these storms, 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.
Residents are encouraged to sign up for Alert Long Beach to receive free emergency notifications from the City, and download the City’s Severe Weather brochure, available in English, Spanish, Khmer and Tagalog, to learn more about how to prepare for heavy rainfall and flooding. People are also encouraged to watch this storm ready safety video for safety tips while driving in flooded areas.
Health Advisory Related to Recreational Swimming Areas
Long Beach City Health Officer Dr. Anissa Davis has issued a rain advisory for recreational beaches and bays in the City of Long Beach following the rain experienced in the last 24 hours. After any significant rainfall, unhealthy conditions may result from increased runoff from storm drain outlets and rivers, which eventually reach the City’s beaches. Recreational swimming areas should be avoided for three days following the end of a rainstorm. This advisory will be extended if the rain continues.
State law requires all local public health agencies with recreational swimming areas to notify the public when conditions might affect the health of swimmers. Further information may be obtained from the Health Department’s Water Quality Information Line at 562.570.4199 or online at longbeach.gov/beachwaterquality.
Homelessness Outreach
Based on forecasted rainfall, Long Beach Fire Swiftwater Rescue team members are on standby in the event of deployment to conduct patrols along the riverbeds to advise people experiencing homelessness of the potential for fast rising and dangerous waters.
If you are experiencing homelessness, or know someone who is, and want more information about available sheltering options, the City is providing regular updates on sheltering options at this time through the City’s text alert system related to homelessness. To sign up and to start receiving information, people can text HOME to 99411.
During periods of significant rainfall, residents are also advised to:
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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.
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Avoid areas that are subject to sudden flooding.
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Avoid driving through a flooded road or walking across a flowing stream of water.
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Slow down at intersections, especially if signal lights are not working, and treat them as stop signs. Be cautious while driving, especially at night.
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Take appropriate steps to be prepared by securing personal property and vehicles in areas that are prone to flooding.
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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.
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Be aware of utility workers working in or near the road.
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Stay off sand berms and stay away from City vehicles and machinery operating along the coastline.
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Keep pets inside and ensure they have shelter from the storm.
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Place refuse and recycling carts on the parkway or driveway apron.
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Report street flooding or downed trees by calling 562.570.2700 (option 4) or on Go Long Beach.
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Report downed power lines by calling 9-1-1.
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To check the status of street sweeping in localized areas, call 562.570.2890 or follow @LBPublicWorks on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for timely updates.
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Sign up for Alert Long Beach to receive free emergency notifications from the City of Long Beach.