BMLTV

Important Alert for Los Angeles Residents: Urgent Measures as Hurricane Hilary Approaches

NOTICE FROM THE MAYOR:
KAREN BASS
LOS ANGELES: AUGUST 20, 2022

Today, I received a crucial update from the National Weather Service concerning the impending tropical storm. The current projection indicates that our region will encounter scattered thunderstorms overnight, accompanied by intense rainfall and strong winds that will impact Los Angeles throughout tomorrow and into Monday morning.

In anticipation of Hurricane Hilary's imminent landfall, our City's Emergency Operations Center will be activated at Level 2 tonight. As we gear up and organize our resources, it is of utmost importance for all Angelenos to prioritize safety and remain well-informed.

Ensuring Your Safety Amidst the Storm

Minimize any unnecessary travel. If your presence on the roads is not essential, I strongly urge you to postpone all non-essential trips until the peak of the storm has subsided. Have your emergency kit and essential devices at your disposal, ensuring they are fully charged. In case of life-threatening emergencies, do not hesitate to dial 911.

Exercising Caution During Power Disruptions

I urge you to heed official weather advisories with utmost seriousness. Prepare for the possibility of widespread and unpredictable power outages. If your power supply is disrupted, promptly report the outage at LADWP.com/Outages. Keep a flashlight with extra batteries within reach. Please refrain from using candles, as they pose a considerable fire hazard.

Stay up-to-date on outage information by registering at LADWP.com/OutageAlert. Remember to steer clear of downed power lines to avoid hazards.

Reporting Damages and Seeking Aid

The City of Los Angeles has deployed additional emergency response vehicles citywide to swiftly address storm-related damage. Any instances of storm impacts, such as roadway flooding or mudslides, should be reported through LACity.gov/Myla311 or by dialing 311.

Supporting Vulnerable Residents

To assist those without homes in our community, the Mayor's Office has collaborated to establish temporary emergency shelters near high-risk flood areas. Furthermore, the City has arranged transportation to these shelters as part of our outreach initiatives. Additional shelters will be made available tomorrow. For those unable to relocate, we are providing resources including tarps and emergency blankets.

The City's emergency response departments are on standby to aid individuals facing life-threatening circumstances.

Staying Well-Informed

Stay connected by signing up for emergency notifications at NotifyLA.org.

Every resident's proactive measures today will contribute to our ability to effectively manage the aftermath of this storm.

I extend my gratitude for your dedication to ensuring our collective safety.

(Norfolk, VA) May 30, 2023-The Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM) recently held its annual conference in Raleigh, NC, where they honored outstanding achievements in floodplain management. The City of Norfolk proudly received the prestigious James Lee Witt Local Award for Excellence in Floodplain Management for their remarkable Ohio Creek Watershed Project.

The James Lee Witt Local Award for Excellence in Floodplain Management, established by ASFPM, recognizes exceptional programs or activities that demonstrate excellence in floodplain management. Local governments, including cities, towns, counties, and certain regional entities, compete annually for this esteemed award. Eligible entries can showcase an overall program or a specific project that exemplifies the best practices in floodplain management.

The Ohio Creek Watershed Project, which received a $112 million grant from the Commonwealth of Virginia through the Department of Housing and Community Development, is a groundbreaking initiative undertaken by the City of Norfolk. This project addresses the challenges faced by the area through a distributed, replicable, and community-oriented approach to resiliency. By engaging coastal residents as active participants in water management, the project creates an integrated flood control system. This system not only manages excess water but also incorporates green spaces that act as filters to remove pollutants, while providing recreational amenities and natural walking trails that reconnect neighborhoods. The Resilience Park, a central component of the project, serves as a model for resilient open spaces, uniquely designed for Norfolk. It includes an earthen berm, a restored tidal creek and wetland, multi-use sports fields, and community gathering spaces. The anticipated completion date for the Ohio Creek Watershed Project is May 2023.

Being recognized with the James Lee Witt Local Award for Excellence in Floodplain Management reaffirms Norfolk's position as a national leader in resilience. The City is committed to advancing ASFPM's strategic initiatives, which include educating policymakers on effective floodplain management policies, enhancing floodplain managers' knowledge through the Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) certification program, organizing professional development and training events, conducting applied research, promoting emerging technologies, and developing comprehensive tools to address all aspects of flooding and floodplain management. Norfolk is dedicated to increasing international awareness on flooding and reducing flood-related losses.

ASFPM, headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin, boasts a diverse membership of 7,000 individuals, including local, state, and federal floodplain managers, governmental officials, industry representatives, researchers from higher education institutions, professionals from non-profit organizations, and other interested individuals. Together with their chapter members, corporate partners, and agency partners, ASFPM strives to advance floodplain management practices and foster collaboration across various sectors.

The City of Norfolk is honored to receive the James Lee Witt Local Award for Excellence in Floodplain Management and remains committed to promoting resilience and implementing innovative solutions to address the challenges posed by flooding in their community.

Photo: Abhi Ahmadadeen
An eroded road caused by tidal flooding in a residential community along the Lafayette River, Norfolk VA.