LOS ANGELES, Calif., Feb. 1, 2001 — The Department of Public Works joins the Emergency Preparedness Department to remind residents that storms associated with the wet weather season can cause flash flooding, create power outages and damage homes.
Each year, severe storms cause flash floods, contaminate drinking water supplies, and disrupt electrical service and damage homes and contents. They can also strand people near or crossing streams, rivers, flood control channels and intersections.
From 1975-1998, California winter storms claimed 103 lives, caused nearly 600 injuries and more than $61 billion in property and agricultural losses. Winter storms from 1995-97 combined to cause 36 deaths and more than $31 billion in property losses.
The Department offers the following suggestions to residents reduce risks and property losses:
* Assemble emergency supplies to include sandbags.
* Identify safe routes for commuting.
* Teach children to avoid potential flooding areas.
* Monitor TV and radio for instructions when flooding occurs.
For more information, visit the web sites: www.lacity.org/epd and www.updatela.org.
